32 Fantasy Previews: San Francisco 49ers

Our Previews series enters our final NFC division, the NFC West, and we start with the team that came oh so close to playing in Super Bowl XLVI, the San Francisco 49ers.

Alex Smith

Smith had a career year in 2011, all thanks to Jim Harbaugh.

He had his highest number of completions and attempts in his career, a career high in completion percentage, broke a 90 QB Rating for the first time ever, and only threw five interceptions, despite throwing just 17 touchdowns.

Smith also won his first NFC West Title played in his first career NFC Championship Game.

Smith finished as the 15th scoring QB in fantasy in 2011, which is about where his ceiling might be.

Smith did a take a big step forward under Harbaugh last season and really improved as a quarterback. But he still shouldn't be taken as a fantasy QB1, but is well worth drafting as a backup and a bye-week fill-in.

Smith is currently the 25th QB off the board with an ADP in Round 15, meaning he is either going at the very end or not being drafted at all. That's about where he should be.

Frank Gore

It's another case of how the mighty have fallen.

Yes, Gore did eclipse 1,200 yards rushing and had 8 touchdowns, finishing 11th in RB scoring.

But Gore's days as a workhorse back are done.

Kendall Hunter impressed last season, getting more touches and becoming more involved in the offense. San Francisco also signed Brandon Jacobs in free agency and drafted Oregon RB LaMichael James in Round 2.

Plus, Gore hasn't been the healthiest of backs and has a lot of wear and tear on his body.

What was once a crystal clear RB situation is now a very murky RB situation.

What's worse for Gore is he was hardly involved in the passing game, catching only 17 balls in 2011, although Hunter caught just 16.

Just goes to show that San Fran's passing game does not go through the RBs, so they get dropped a notch in PPR leagues.

I would currently rank the RBs as this: Gore, Hunter, James, Jacobs.

Current ADPs: Gore-RB18, going in Round 5. Hunter-RB51, going in Round 13. James-RB54, going in Round 14. Jacobs-RB71, undrafted.

Michael Crabtree

Crabtree has improved since he entered the NFL, including catching 73 passes last season for 880 yards. This kid has gone through injuries and missed every offseason since he came into the NFL, via holdouts, injury and last year's lockout.

Now, Crabtree finally has a full offseason to work with Smith and could be a nice option as a WR3, especially in PPR formats, as he should be operating out of the slot.

Along with Jacobs, San Fran also brought in former Giant Mario Manningham and brought Randy Moss out of retirement, and also drafted A.J. Jenkins in the 1st Round.

At this point, Moss and Crabtree look to be the top 2 WRs, followed by Manningham. Jenkins has disappointed thus far in OTAs, and should not be owned at this point.

Moss and Manningham are worth late-round flyers.

ADPs: Crabtree-WR35, going in Round 9, Moss is WR53 and Manningham is WR54, both going in Round 13. Jenkins is WR67, going undrafted.

Vernon Davis

While Crabtree can be a nice target for Smith, Vernon Davis is Smith's go-to guy and bailout option.

Davis had 792 yards and 6 TDs last season. He came up even bigger in the playoff win against New Orleans, catches 7 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Davis is still a top 10 TE, as Smith will mostly throw his way, and Davis is a guy you can get in the middle round.

He is currently being drafted in Round 5 as the 4th TE off the board, which is a tad high. I have him just outside the top 5 and feel you can wait to get him in Round 6 or 7. But if you feel you need to grab him in Round 5, go right ahead and do so.

San Francisco is more of a team that will rely on their defense again, as all 11 starters from last season are back. Their offense may not be chock full of fantasy goodness, but they have their upside.

Next on the list will be the Arizona Cardinals.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 32 Fantasy Preview Series continues with a look at a revamped offense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman

Josh Freeman was a nice breakout story in 2010, throwing for almost 3,500 yards, 25 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions.

2011 turned into a breakdown season for Freeman.

The entire offense seemed to stink, Raheem Morris lost complete control of the team, and Freeman's stats suffered because of it.

He did top 3,500 yards, but he only threw 16 touchdowns versus 22 interceptions. Only Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick had more, with 23.

Freeman went from 7th in QB fantasy scoring in 2010 to 16th in 2011.

Tampa was one of the big spenders in free agency, bringing in arguably the best wide receiver and offensive guard in free agency in Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks. (For you IDP players out there, Tampa also signed CB Eric Wright, another top free agent, from Detroit).

And, of course, Tampa has a new head coach in Greg Schiano, formerly of Rutgers.

So, with a new offense, and a new, and hopefully better, head coach, the question becomes, do we get the Josh Freeman of 2010, or the Josh Freeman of 2011?

If it's 2010, he is a very nice sleeper and great value with a current ADP in Round 11 as the 17th QB off the board.

If it's the Freeman of 2011, then he's not worth owning. Plain and simple.

Preseason will tell much about how much the team has turned around.

LeGarrette Blount

After a very impressive rookie season in which he topped 1,000 rushing yards, despite not playing much at all until Week 7, LeGarrette Blount really hurt fantasy owners. Or should I say Raheem Morris hurt fantasy owners.

There would be weeks when Blount simply was not used much at all. Take Week 1, for example. Blount received five carries. FIVE. For a whopping 15 yards.

Blount would scored 3 touchdowns his next three games, then got injured it what was a very up-and-down season for Blount.

Now his playing time could be in jeopardy due to another back impressing through pass protection.

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you...

Doug Martin

Not only did Tampa Bay draft Doug Martin, they traded up to get him.

Tampa swung a deal with Denver to move back into Round 1 and select the former Boise State running back with the 31st pick of the NFL Draft.

What's also a plus for Martin is Schiano sees Martin as Ray Rice 2.0. And in case you forgot, Schiano coached Rice at Rutgers. And we can all agree Rice is pretty good.

Martin has the tools to be an every-down back and will push to become the starting RB for Tampa Bay this season.

Comparing ADPs, Martin is currently the 19th RB off the board, going in Round 5, Blount is RB41, going in Round 11.

I like Martin a lot, but I would not fault you at all if you took a flyer on Blount late, especially if you take Martin high, as I did in a recent experts league I took part in. I took Martin in Round 4, then Blount in Round 9.

Another thing to watch in training camp and preseason.

Vincent Jackson

As mentioned above, Tampa signed Vincent Jackson in free agency this spring.

And I would bet Jackson was most happy because he got what he wanted, and that was to leave San Diego.

remember, Jackson held out most of 2010 because he was unhappy with his contract situation in San Diego.

He is just as frustrating in fantasy, as well. Yes he did finish 10th among WRs, but if you look deeper into the numbers, you'll see why he was so frustrating to own. One week he'll post 100 yards and a touchdown, the next, he'll grab two balls for 20 yards.

And this was with Philip Rivers as his quarterback. No knock against Freeman, but he isn't Philip Rivers.

This is why he is very hard to trust as a WR1. Many teams will draft him as a WR2 or 3.

He is currently WR21, going in Round 5, which seems about where he should go, because again, it comes down to the inconsistency he has from week to week.

Proceed with caution.

Mike Williams

Talk about a real sophomore slump. Just like Blount, Williams came crashing down after a very impressive rookie season.

771 and three touchdowns and Williams barely cracked the top 50 WRs in 2011.

Again, Morris pretty much ruined this team last season, which led to Williams crumbling last year.

I think Williams is primed for a bounce back in 2012. Jackson will draw attention away from Williams and he should return to form and out up respectable numbers once again.

And for where he is going, he is a good value and worth a gamble. Right now, he is the 38th WR off the board, going in Round 9-10. I think Williams can return to WR2/3 status for that price.

Dallas Clark

No, that is not a misprint. You are reading that correct. Dallas Clark is now with the Bucs. Tampa traded Kellen Winslow to Seattle, then signed the former Colt.

A former member of the elite TE club, injuries have derailed his last 2 seasons, but he's gotten a reprieve in Tampa.

Winslow finished with 75 catches, 763 yards and two touchdowns last season, good for 15th among TEs.

If he can stay healthy, which has been tough for him of late, Clark can get some catches and could be fairly involved in this offense. Will he be a TE1? Maybe not. But he can be a respectable TE2 or flex option, if your league allows TEs as a flex.

Clark is going undrafted in a lot of leagues, but he is someone to watch as we go through the preseason.

We can only hope Coach Schiano can whip the Bucs back into shape, unlike the mess we saw in 2011. If so, we'll see a good amount of fantasy points scored in Tampa.

Next time, we head into the NFC West, starting with last year's NFC runners-up, the San Francisco 49ers.

Until next time, this is your boy, Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Carolina Panthers

Our Preview series continues with the Carolina Panthers.

Cam Newton

2010's Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion at Auburn, Newton was arguably the waiver wire pickup of the year.

Newton beat out Jimmy Clausen as a rookie, and broke records left and right.

He became the 1st rookie quarterback ever to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. Not even the great Peyton Manning threw for 4,000 as a rookie (he was the previous record holder with over 3,700).

Newton also broke the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 14.

It all added up to a 4th-place finish for Newton, only behind Rodgers, Brees and Brady.

I am worried and fairly confident that Newton will not match his 14 rushing TDs. But many people (including myself at times) were overlooking that fact that he did throw for 4,000 yards. I think Newton will continue to improve as a quarterback and should get to 4,000 yet again.

What is a bit surprising it that Newton is the 2nd QB off the board, averaging just outside Round 1 in a 12-team league.

I do like Newton, but I wouldn't draft him as the 2nd QB off the board, nor would I take him that high, pick wise.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart

If there was one negative thing about Newton, was he made owners of Williams and Stewart very frustrated each week.

Once Carolina got to the goal line, Newton was always calling his own number.

Of course, Carolina's committee system did enough frustrating on its own.

Williams and Stewart got nearly the exact same number of carries (Williams-155, Stewart-142). And their yards per carry were extremely close (Williams-5.39, Stewart-5.36).

Williams found the end zone 7 times, Stewart 5 times.

In fact, these two were right next to each other in the final RB scoring list. Stewart was 25th, Williams was 26th.

What separates the two is Stewart hauled in 47 receptions, Williams only had 16.

So what we're looking at is a straight committee, but Stewart gets the slight nod based on his receptions.

And don't let the presence of Mike Tolbert scare you. He'll be a straight fullback in Carolina.

Stewart is currently RB23 in ADP, averaging Round 6, Williams is RB36, averaging Round 10.

I like the gamble on both backs for where they are going, especially Williams. He has the ability to break a big one at any time, so for a 10th round pick, the value is there.

Steve Smith

What a difference a year (and a better quarterback) make.

With Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore at quarterback in 2010, Smith had a very forgetable year, posting just 46 catches for 554 yards and only two touchdowns.

Enter Cam Newton in 2011, and Smith was re-vitalized, grabbing 79 passes for 1,394 yards and 7 touchdowns, giving him a 6th-place finish among WRs in fantasy scoring.

It was also the first time since 2005 that Smith played all 16 games in a season.

Smith was rewarded with a new contract in April, and as long as Newton is there, Smith will be back among the top of the WR crew in fantasy.

What would be even better is if someone can step up opposite Smith to give Smith some room to work with.

That's why you should watch the battle between David Gettis and Brandon LaFell for the WR2 job in Carolina. I like LaFell as a deep sleeper, but Gettis would have value as well, should he win the job.

Smith is going as the 23rd WR off the board, in Round 5, which is tremendous value. A top 6 WR last year, going outside the top 20. I'd take that any day I can get it.

Greg Olsen

Yet another reason to be comfortable about TE, even if you miss out on Graham and Gronkowski.

Last year, Carolina had two solid receiving tight ends in Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. They combined for 82 catches, 995 yards and 9 touchdowns. That would actually rank #3 among TEs, ahead of Aaron Hernandez.

Shockey is now gone, leaving Olsen by himself to receive all the TE targets. And remember, OC Rob Chudzinski's offense is geared toward the tight end.

And Jeff Otah is expected to be back healthy this season, allowing Olsen to run more routes.

Olsen is currently the 19th TE off the board, going in Round 14. That could turn into amazing value at the TE position as Olsen has top 10 potential in this offense.

Carolina was a surprise team last season, and I think they surprise even more and make the playoffs this season.

Next time, it's the new and improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Until then, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Atlanta Falcons

We roll through our Previews right on into Atlanta to check out what could be a high-flying Falcons offense.

Matt Ryan

There are so many people saying you should wait on your quarterback this season. Matt Ryan is one the biggest reasons why.

Matt Ryan is coming off two consecutive 8th-place finishes in QB scoring, including his first-ever 4,000 yard passing season.

I firmly believe this is the year Ryan takes that step toward the elite group of fantasy QBs. Atlanta has pretty much come out and said this team will throw more than before and may even throw in some no-huddle work, opening up the playbook and the offense for Ryan.

I'm looking for Ryan to crack at least 4,500 yards and 30-35 TDs.

Ryan is currently the 10th QB off the board, going in the middle of Round 6. I think that is extremely great value, as Ryan has what it takes to be a top 5 QB. I wouldn't be afraid to take him in Round 4 or 5.

Michael Turner

Lately, we have been entering our drafts wondering if this is the year Michael Turner breaks down. Lately, Turner has proved us wrong. Turner posted over 1,500 total yards, including 1,340 rushing, and 11 total touchdowns, good for a 6th-place finish among RBs.

However, Turner has received 300+ carries in 3 of the last 4 season, and he was injured in that remaining season.

This could be the year the Burner starts burning out.

With Atlanta moving to a more pass-based offense, and the rise of Jacquizz Rodgers (and Jason Snelling still in the mix, as well), Turner's numbers could start to dive a bit. He's not that bad an option in standard leagues, but in PPR, his value takes quite a hit.

Turner is not a back that normally catches passes, only catching 17 last season.

And this is reflected in mock drafts, as he is currently the 21st RB off the board, averaging end of Round 5.

Turner's days as a Fantasy RB1 are over.

I think Rodgers gets more playing time in this offense and could be a deep sleeper in PPR leagues.

Roddy White

Ol' Reliable Roddy White has consistently produced top numbers year in and year out.

In 2011, White was one of only two WRs to catch 100 balls. He finished with 100 catches, 1,296 yards and 8 touchdowns. White was also the most-targeted WR in 2011, receiving 181 targets.

However, White also led the league with 15 dropped passes.

Even with those dropped passes, White was the #8 scoring WR in 2011.

There was talk that White work would be lessened this season. But the fact is, this offense is going to throw, and Roddy is who Matt Ryan turns to to bail him out.

White is currently the 9th WR off the board, going early Round 3, a very solid 3rd round grab.

But, Roddy isn't even the 1st Falcons WR being drafted. The 1st Falcons receiver being drafted is...

Julio Jones

After injuries mess up the 1st half of Jones' rookie season, he electrified the NFL in the 2nd half and finished with 959 yards and 8 TDs, including 393 yards and 6 TDs in his final four games.

As long as he stays healthy, Jones is a prime breakout candidate for this season, and is already being drafted as such. He is currently the 7th WR off the board, averaging end of Round 3, beginning of Round 3.

With this offense, there certainly is the upside for both WRs to finish top 10.

Tony Gonzalez

And let's not forget the 1st-ballot Hall of Famer in this mix.

For as much as people try to write off Tony Gonzalez, he just continues to produce.

Lost in all the Gronkowski/Graham hooplah from last season was the fact that Tony G actually finished as the #4 scoring TE. Tony caught 80 balls for 875 yards and 7 touchdowns.

He signed a one-year deal with Atlanta before the end of last season, so it's fair to ask if this is it. Will this be Gonzalez's final NFL season? If it is, we know he will leave as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

As for his fantasy potential, with this new pass-happy offense, Gonzalez will be involved a whole lot, once again, especially in the red zone.

Another top 5 scoring season is a possibility, and Tony could come at a great value.

He is currently the 12th TE off the board, going in Round 11. That is tremendous value for last year's #4 scorer and someone who will receive a lot of passes.

Atlanta looks like another team that can produce a gold mine of fantasy points.

Next time, we will check out the Carolina Panthers.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: New Orleans Saints

The 32 Fantasy Previews series rolls into the NFC South and we start with the Saints.

Drew Brees

When everything is going right, Brees is clearly one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the game. Him and Sean Payton created a genius system that has made the Saints one of the best teams in the NFC and has also brought a Super Bowl to Philadelphia.

Things are a bit different for New Orleans, this time around.

For starters, thanks to the Bounty-gate scandal, New Orleans will not have Payton manning the sidelines this season, as he was suspended by Roger Goodell for the entire season.

And New Orleans is also having trouble with Brees.

The Saints placed the franchise tag on Saints in March. However, Brees has yet to sign his tender, as he is looking for a long-term deal, but the two sides are in disagreement over the amount of money in the deal.


I don't expect this to linger into the season, and Brees should be back after setting an NFL record last season by throwing for 5,476 yards and adding 46 passing touchdowns and even one rushing touchdown.

Brees is currently the 3rd QB off the board, behind Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. Owners may be worried about the contract dispute lingering on, and they are also most likely thinking Newton repeats his numbers from last year. I'll get to Newton in a later piece.

With Brees, I still have him ranked #2, and he is going in the middle of Round 2, so you can hold off taking him in Round 1 if you're high on him.

Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram

Heading into 2011, New Orleans' running game was thought to be a bit murky, but one guy was thought to be the leader.

The Saints had traded a future 1st-round pick to the Patriots to move back into the 1st round to select Alabama RB Mark Ingram.

Because of that, fantasy owners thought Ingram would be the main guy in the Saints' backfield.

Well, one man did break from the pack and finish among the top 10 running backs.

However, that back was not Mark Ingram. It was Darren Sproles.

New Orleans had signed Sproles as a free agent from San Diego while trading Reggie Bush to the Dolphins.

Sproles turned into a PPR monster, catching 86 passes, most among running backs, for 710 receiving yards, and carrying the ball 87 times for 603 yards, and scoring 9 total touchdowns, finishing as the #9 scoring RB.

Ingram, on the other hand, dealt with injuries, and was limited to 10 games, only putting up 474 yards on just 122 carries and five touchdowns, finishing 45th among RBs.

Then there's Pierre Thomas.

Thomas seemed to have been a bit forgotten with Ingram getting all the hype and Sproles emerging as the top back in New Orleans.

But Thomas quietly put together a seaosn of nearly 1,000 total yards, including 50 catches for 425 yards, and 6 total touchdowns, good for 27th among RBs, meaning he still ended up as a solid RB3/Flex play.

And for the 1st time in his career, Thomas played all 16 games and had his 2nd-best yards per carry average at 5.11 ypc (5.39 in 2009 is his best).

So as it stands for 2012, Sproles should continue to be a PPR monster in this offense, Thomas will get carries and continue to be productive, and Ingram is a wait-and-see as he had surgery during the offseason.

Sproles is currently the 14th RB off the board, going in late-Round 3.

Ingram is the 27th RB off the board, going in Round 7.


Thomas is the 53rd RB off the board, going late-Round 15, early-Round 16.

Like Sproles in Round 3 or 4, not too sure on Ingram in Round 7, just yet, and I love Thomas in Round 15. That is insane value for someone who finished in the top 30, last season.

Marques Colston

Yet another 1,000 yard season for Colston in 2011. That's now 5 in 6 seasons. Not bad for a 7th-round pick.

Colston also scored 8 TDs last season, and he is averaging 8 TDs over the last 3 seasons (9, 7, 8).

He finished as the 11th highest scoring WR in 2011.

So with Colston, you know get consistent season numbers.

However, he still has only played a full 16 just once in his career. But in those last 3 seasons, he is averaging 15 games played.

So if you draft Colston, you may have to prepare for the chance that he'll miss at least one game.

As of now, Colston is the 19th WR off the board, going in Round 4. Just showing the depth of quality WRs available in Round 4.

Other names to know in the New Orleans WR rotation: Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Adrian Arrington and rookie Nick Toon.

Jimmy Graham

 One of last year's sleeper TEs woke up in a big way.

The former basketball player quickly joined the ranks of the elite TEs, scoring almost 200 points, and finishing as the #2 TE. Would have been #1 if not for the insane season from Rob Gronkowski.

Graham finished with 1,310 receiving yards, just 17 behind Gronkowski, and grabbed 11 TDs.

And with the way Brees loves going to Graham (he was targeted 149 times), no reason to believe Graham can't continue to put up huge numbers.

However, if you want Graham, it's going to cost you either your 1st or 2nd round pick. He is currently the 2nd TE off the board, going on average, by pick #15.

So you'll have to decide if you're willing to spend a high pick to grab Graham, or wait on a TE in the later rounds.

New Orleans is yet another team full of fantasy points. Now let's see if they can overcome the suspensions to Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith, as well as the loss of their head coach.

That's your fantasy outlook at the Saints. Next time, we'll take a look at the Atlanta Falcons.

Until next time, this is your boy, Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Minnesota Vikings

We wrap up our NFC North portion of 32 Fantasy Previews with a look at the Minnesota Vikings.

Christian Ponder

Last year's 1st round pick started the season on the bench. But after Donovan McNabb struggled, Ponder was promoted to starter, and his first pass was nearly an long TD to Michael Jenkins. Instead, it was ruled that Jenkins was out of bounds at the 1.

Ponder finished with just under 1,900 yards, 13 TDs and 13 INTs in 11 games played.

Minnesota added new weapons in the offseason, drafting WRs Joe Adams and Greg Childs and signing free agent WR Jerome Simpson.

At this point, Ponder should only be considered as a low QB2, or a backup in 2QB leagues.

Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart

When healthy, Adrian Peterson is clearly one of the best, if not the best, back in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Peterson is not healthy at the moment. Peterson suffered an ACL and MCL tear in Week 16 and is still rehabbing his knee.

He missed 3 additional games before his ACL tear with an ankle injury, but still amassed 973 yards and 12 rushing TDs,, as well as one receiving TD.

Peterson found the end zone in all but 3 games he played in.

While recent reports have said Peterson's rehab is going well, and that he has beaten his teammates, including Percy Harvin, in straight line races, it's still difficult to be 100% sure that he will back 100% for Week 1.

In fact, Peterson could start the season on the PUP list, meaning he would miss the first 6 games of the season.

Enter Toby Gerhart.

If AP can't go, Gerhart will be man in the Vikings' backfield.

If the 4 games AP missed, Gerhart put up 62 carries for 292 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He also had one receiving touchdown during AP's absence, and two receiving TDs while AP was in action (Week 15 against the Saints).

Somehow, someway, on My Fantasy League, Gerhart is the 51st RB off the board. FIFTY-FIRST! If AP can't go, that is tremendous value in the 13th round.

Percy Harvin

Percy Harvin seems to be fairly overlooked based on the fact that he plays for the Vikings.

But the truth is, Harvin was the 7th highest scoring fantasy WR in 2011 with 967 receiving yards on 87 receptions, 342 rushing yards (even got 51 rushing attempts) and scored 8 total touchdowns.

Harvin is the #1 WR in this offense and can do it all. Catch passes, run reverses, line up in the backfield, even return kicks.

If AP is out for some time, not only will Gerhart get backfield touches, but look for Harvin to do the same thing, adding more value.

His current ADP is in Round 4 as the 15th WR off the board. Coming off a WR7 season, and with Ponder improving, Harvin can put up another top 15, possibly top-10 season, especially in return yardage leagues.

As far as the other WRs go, Jerome Simpson will be suspended for the first 3 games of the season, so in that time, look for either Greg Childs or Michael Jenkins to line up opposite Harvin.

But once his suspension is over, Simpson should step right into the #2 role, and could be a deep sleeper. Childs will develop, and Jenkins is more known for his blocking.

Simpson could be worth a flyer in deeper leagues.

Kyle Rudolph

Sleeper TE alert.

Visanthe Shiancoe is pretty much gone, but Minnesota did sign John Carlson.

But really, the TE in Minnesota is going to be Rudolph. Add Shiancoe's numbers to Rudolph, and he has over 700 yards receiving.

I think Carlson will be more of a blocking TE and Rudolph will be the one running passing routes.

Right now, he's a TE2, worth rostering as a backup TE, which is where he is going right now, as the 16th TE off the board, ahead of guys such as Owen Daniels and Greg Olsen.

And with that, the NFC North is in the books. Next time, we begin the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints.

32 Fantasy Previews: Chicago Bears

32 Fantasy Previews continues with a visit to the Windy City and a look at the Chicago Bears.

Jay Cutler

Two of Chicago's top offensive players were bit by the injury bug in 2011. One of those players was Jay Cutler.

A broken thumb cut Cutler's season short after 10 games, in which he tallied 2,319 yards and 13 passing touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown.

He did end up 25th among QBs, but if you extract his numbers over a 16-game season, he would rank 12th, ahead of Ben Roethlisberger and right behind Michael Vick.

Cutler has some new toys to play with, and Mike Martz is gone.

Cutler could provide one of the better values among QBs. He is currently the 16th QB off the board on My Fantasy League, going in Round 12. Cutler is a QB2 with QB1 upside with his new weapons.

Matt Forte

The other top offensive player to suffer an injury in 2011 was Matt Forte.

A knee injury cost Forte his final four games, but he still finished as the #15 RB, finishing just three yards shy of 1,000. He also added 490 yards receiving, which makes him a good asset in PPR leagues.

He looks to be healthy, but his contract talks are not.

Forte is looking for a long-term contract, has yet to sign his franchise tender and did not report to Bears' Mini-Camp.

If Forte holds out of training camp, his stock may drop a bit. We've seen top fantasy options get off to poor starts after holding old, some lingering throughout the season (see Chris Johnson 2011).

Forte is currently the 8th RB off the board, going in the middle of Round 2. What could hurt Forte is he may lose goal line touches, as well as the aforementioned possible holdout.

His value is maintained by his ability to pick up big yards and catch passes out of the backfield.

Monitor his situation as we head into camps.

Michael Bush

Say hello to the man who could vulture Forte's goal line touchdowns.

After Darren McFadden suffered yet another injury and missed nine games, Michael Bush stepped in and put up 740 yards in those nine games and totaled 977 yards and seven touchdowns and finished as the #8 RB.

Now he takes over as Forte's backup, and has a chance to grab some short yards and goal line touchdowns from Forte, especially if Forte does holdout and starts off slow.

Bush is currently the 31st RB off the board, going in Round 8. Just like Peyton Hillis, Bush could provide you a decent number of touchdowns for an 8th-round pick.

Brandon Marshall

Here is one of those new toys I mentioned for Cutler. Chicago traded two 3rd-round picks to Miami to acquire Marshall, finally giving Chicago a true #1 receiver, and reuniting Marshall and Cutler from their days in Denver.

After two solid, but somewhat unspectacular years in Miami (though his QB play wasn't at the level of Cutler's), Marshall is back with Cutler. In 2007 and 2008 (Cutler's last two seasons in Denver before being traded to Chicago) Marshall put up 102 catches for 1,325 yards and 7 TDs in 2007 and 104 catches for 1,265 and 6 TDs in 2008.

Since then, Marshall has put up 1,000 yards every season, and double digit TDs once, in 2008.

However, his touchdown total for the last two season combined (9) is less than his touchdown total from 2008 (10).

But now that he is back with Cutler, look for those numbers to rise again.

Marshall is currently the 11th WR off the board and certainly has top-10 potential. Marshall was 9th and 11th in 2007 and 2008, so he has every chance to return there in his first season in Chicago.

Alshon Jeffery

The rookie from South Carolina looks to be in a battle with Devin Hester for the #2 WR spot in Chicago. However, I fully expect Jeffery to win that job with ease. Hester just has never been a good receiver, and Jeffery has a ton of upside.

Speaking of upside, Jeffery has some of that in fantasy world also. Defenses will focus on Marshall, which could leave Jeffery open to grab some balls and could make a nice flex play or WR3 this season.

Jeffery is currently the 49th WR off the board and is well worth a late-round flyer. He could certainly be a top 30 WR this season.

Kellen Davis

A quick note about a potential sleeper TE in Chicago.

Davis caught 5 touchdowns on just 18 receptions last season, but in Mike Martz's system, the TE was almost non-existent. Look at the difference in production for Greg Olsen in going from Chicago to Carolina.

Martz is now gone, meaning the TE could finally get involved in Chicago, and that is Davis.

Davis is going as the #35 TE, so while he may not have been drafted much as of yet, he is a name to watch on the waiver wire, and could be taken in a deep league.

There's your look at the Bears fantasy players. Tomorrow, we wrap up the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings.

Until next time, this is your boy, Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Detroit Lions

32 Fantasy Previews roll along with a stop in the Motor City to check out the Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford

We finally got to see Matthew Stafford play a full 16-game season, and the results were what we had hoped for all along. In fact, the results were even better than some had hoped. Stafford was one of three QBs to throw for over 5,000 yards in 2011, including 520 yards in Week 17 vs Green Bay.

Stafford also added 41 touchdowns, leading to a 5th-place finish among QBs, behind Rodgers, Brees, Brady and Newton.

So, it's not a huge surprise that Stafford is being drafted among the top 5 QBs, along with the four aforementioned QBs. As long as Stafford is healthy in this offense, 4,500 yards and 30 TDs could be the norm, and Stafford will constantly challenge for top-5 QB status.

Stafford is averaging as the 5th QB off the board, being taken by the middle of Round 2.

It will be up to you to decide if you're willing to spend that high a pick on a QB. For me, QB is so deep that I'll be able to pass on Stafford and wait on a QB (unless Stafford falls to the 3rd or 4th round, then I will strongly consider him).

Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure

Jahvid Best

One reason to think Detroit's season (and Matthew Stafford's) was so great was that it was gone with virtually no running game.

Jahvid Best suffered yet another concussion (in fact, he suffered two of them) and was limited to just six games. However, in those six games, he averaged 4.64 yards per carry, and caught 27 passes for an average for about 10.6 yards per catch.

Mikel Leshoure lost his entire rookie season after tearing his Achilles Tendon.

The main back who stepped up was Kevin Smith, who also ended up as the highest scoring Lions RB, at 38th.

Best looks to be back, but it's hard to tell at this point. The real key will be once he takes that first hit. This guy really is one bad hit away from being out of the NFL.

Mikel Leshoure

But when healthy, he has shown he can produce well in this offense, especially in a PPR, catching passes out of the backfield.

Best is being drafted as the 28th RB off the board Round 8, meaning he's being drafted as a RB3 or a Flex.

If he can stay healthy, he has the upside to be a top 15-20 RB. It is murky, and one bad hit, and he's just about gone.

Leshoure, on the other hand, is way down at RB42, going in Round 11. The main reason he's dropping is he could be looking at a suspension to start the season (possibly 3 games).

The former 2nd round pick, when not on drugs, can be a nice compliment to Best and could also grab some touchdowns and yardage.

With that late a pick, I think Leshoure could be worth the risk and a flex play.

Calvin Johnson

Photo from ign.com

Megatron is the best. Plain and simple.

Last year's #1 WR in yards, TDs and fantasy points is easily the consenous #1 WR going into fantasy drafts this year.

Calvin did just receive a new mega-contract, but as long as he and Stafford are together, Megatron will always put up huge numbers. Remember, this guy posted eight touchdown in the first four games last season.

Heck, this guy shows he can beast no matter who his QB is. We saw him with Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton a couple years ago.

There is that little matter of Calvin being on the cover up Madden, but I think this is the year the curse gets broken.

I'm considering him as high as #4 overall, now with the possible mess brewing in Jacksonville between the Jaguars and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Titus Young and Ryan Broyles

Two young receivers with a chance to break out are 2nd year WR Titus Young and rookie Ryan Broyles.

Titus Young

When not punching his teammates, Young is a nice player who scored six touchdowns in his rookie year and who looks to start opposite Johnson this season, and with defenses focusing on Johnson, and Stafford throwing the ball, Young has a chance to improve on those six TDs.

He is certainly a name to watch, especially when you can get him very late. He is currently the 41st receiver off the board, which could end up being tremendous value, and he could vastly outperform that position.

Ryan Broyles

Broyles, once he gets healthy, could be the next slot receiver for the Lions. He is coming off an ACL tear suffered during his senior season at Oklahoma.

A deep PPR sleeper, as well as someone who can be used in return leagues, since he also looks to be the favorite to return kicks once he is fully recovered.

Someone to keep an eye on during training camp and preseason.

Brandon Pettigrew

As if Stafford didn't have enough toys to play with, he as a darn good TE to throw to, as well.

Stafford targeted Pettigrew a whopping 126 times, including double digit targets each of his last three games, hauled in 83 catches for 777 yards and five touchdowns, good for an 11th place finish.

Another season in the system, Pettigrew and continue his 100+ targets, if not eclipse his target and yardage total from 2011. 800 yards is very possible, as is 6-8 TDs.

Pettigrew is currently the 8th TE off the board, which is right where I have him, and he is being taken in Round 8, which I like. Pettigrew will be a nice option to wait on if you miss on Gronkowski and Graham.

That concludes our stop in the Motor City. Next time, we travel to the Windy City to check out the Chicago Bears.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Green Bay Packers

Hope everyone had a good weekend. The 32 Fantasy Preview series roll along as we enter the NFC North and start with the Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers

Is there really that much more to say about the Super Bowl XLV MVP? Rodgers is the consensus #1 QB, and it's hard to argue against that.

Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns and only threw six interceptions (That's just one interception for every seven and a half touchdown passes).

Rodgers also added three rushing touchdowns, adding more value to an already immense amount.

In this offense, 4,500 is just about a baseline for Rodgers. I actually expect Rodgers to challenge for 5,000 this season.

If you want Rodgers, you better be prepared to spend your first pick on him. He is, on average, a top 5 overall pick. So you have to choose whether to spend that high a pick on Rodgers, or wait on a QB.

James Starks

For as prolific as the passing game was for Green Bay last season, that's how quiet their running game was. Their highest scoring RB was someone who is no longer with the team, and that is Ryan Grant, who ranked 36th among RBs.

Starks, on the other hand, missed three games due to injury, and finished 43rd, with just 578 yards and one rushing touchdown.

B.J. Raji matched Starks in terms of rushing touchdowns.

Starks is set as the starter, with Brandon Saine and Alex Green behind him. I expect Green to get some playing time this season, after suffering a torn ACL last season.

Even with that, I don't expect Green Bay's running game to wow anybody. This is a passing team, first, Rodgers will run it himself, John Kuhn will come it at times, and they've showed they're willing to let Raji run it once in a while.

Starks is the 45th RB off the board, going in Round 12. It is a bit of a low risk, but I personally, will by staying away from the Green Bay running game.

Greg Jennings

Jennings was rolling along before an injury suffered against the Raiders caused him to miss the last three regular season games. He finished just 51 yards shy of his 4th straight 1,000 yard season. He also hauled in nine touchdowns, good for an 18th-place finish.

Jennings is back, and should, once again, be the top option in a high-flying attack.

He'll challenge for 1,000 yards yet again, and double-digit touchdowns are always a possibility, especially since he's gotten there twice already in his career.

Currently, Jennings is the 9th WR off the board, going in Round 3, which I think is really good value. I'd draft him as early as middle of Round 2.

Jordy Nelson

For as good as Jennings was last season, the kid from Kansas State was even better. Jordy Nelson became one of 2011's breakout stars, going for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns, finishing 2nd among WRs, only to Calvin Johnson.

You have to think defenses will now focus a bit more on Nelson, but it's tough with Jennings on the other side, the threat of Rodgers running the ball, Finley at tight end, and the rise of Randall Cobb.

I do not think Nelson matches his 15 TDs this year, but 10 is a strong possibility. He'll have a tough time returning to the top 10 among WRs, but he should easily be top 20-25.

Nelson is currently the 14th WR off the board, going late-3rd, early-4th. Good spot for him as a solid WR2.

(Sleeper candidate: Randall Cobb. With Donald Driver aging, Cobb could get a chance to slide into some playing time, and is also a strong kick returner for those in return yardage leagues. He's worth a late-round flyer, unless you want to wait and watch him during the preseason and try to pick him up through the waiver wire.)

Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley is, in my eyes (and possibly many others), the biggest boom-or-bust fantasy tight end.

On the boom side, he managed to grab eight touchdowns last season, including three in one game, and one in each of his final two games. He also finished 5th among TEs in 2011.

On the bust side, he scored less than eight points in eight of the 15 games he played. You can also use the touchdowns as a bust, as three of his eight touchdowns came way back in Week 3. He has also yet to play a full 16-game season in his 4-year career.

We know the upside with Finley is high. But he has yet to put it all together, and there are so many mouths to feed in Green Bay. Until he puts it all together, it's hard for me to rank him among the top 5 TEs, which is where he is being drafted, currently.

He is currently a late-5th, early-6th round pick. He's even being drafted higher than Antonio Gates and Jason Witten. If I'm in that position, I'm taking Gates first, then Witten, then Finley.

That's a look at the Packers and their fantasy impact players. Next time, we travel to the Motor City to check out the Detroit Lions.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.

32 Fantasy Previews: Washington Redskins

Our 32 Fantasy Previews series rolls along with our final NFC East team: the Washington Redskins.

Robert Griffin III

The newest savior in our nation's capital is a rookie and last year's Heisman Trophy winner.

After trading their 1st and 2nd round picks in 2012, as well as their 1st round picks in 2013 and 2014, Griffin will be expected to step right into the starting QB spot and turn the franchise around.

Now, as far as fantasy potential goes, people are going to compare Griffin to Cam Newton and expect the same type of season. Do not buy into it.

Cam's season was a special one, and the Panthers and Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski designed the playbook specially geared toward Newton.

Newton also has better WRs (i.e. Steve Smith) than Grifiin has.

Now, does this mean Griffin will have a terrible season? Of course not. He'll put up numbers through the air and on the ground.

But it is crazy to believe he will match or top Newton's numbers from last year.

3,000 yards is more realistic for Griffin.

Currently, Griffin is the 12th QB off the board, on average, as in being taken in the 7th round. This means he is being drafted as a starting QB in a 12-team league, ahead of QBs such as Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Schaub, even Jay Cutler.

I think Griffin does have some upside, but I am not quite ready to tout him as a starting fantasy quarterback, just yet.

Roy Helu, Tim Hightower, Evan Royster

Roy Helu

At least with Griffin, you know who will be starting week in and week out.

But when it comes to the running backs, that's where things get fun and the Shanahanigans begin.

That's why I grouped the running backs together. Head coach Mike Shanahan has been known to constantly change whoever the starting running back, which always causes headaches to fantasy owners.

At the start of the season, Hightower was the main back. 25 and 20 carries in Weeks 1 and 2, then 14 in Week 3. Then out of nowhere, Hightower only gets eight in Week 4, and it's Ryan Torain who picked up 19 carries.

Tim Hightower

Hightower eventually suffered an injury which caused him to miss Week 6.

That Week 6 game was against Philadelphia, and with Torain and Helu as the main backs, many expected Helu to put up big numbers against a porous Eagles run defense.

The Redskins, as a team, combined for 14 carries for 42 yards and one touchdown. 10 of those carries and 22 of those yards were from Torain. And neither RB got the touchdown. That went to QB John Beck.

Hightower returned in Week 7 and received 17 carries for 88 yards. Unfortunately, Hightower suffered an torn ACL in that game, and his season was lost.

Evan Royster

Eventually, Helu got his chance, and really made the most of it, getting 23, 23, 27 and 23 carries from Weeks 12-15, and going for 100+ yards in three of those games.

Even Royster put up big numbers after Helu got hurt for the final two games, as Royster put up lines up 19 carries for 132 yards in Week 16 and 20 carries for 113 yards in Week 17.

Now, things seemed much easier a few weeks ago when it looked like just Helu and Royster, with Torain and Hightower gone. Or so we thought.

Washington spurned fantasy owners everywhere by resigning Hightower.

However, I believe Helu will be the back to own, especially in PPRs. Helu picked up 49 receptions in 2011 and should be in line for more passes in 2012.

Helu is currently the 22nd RB off the board, going on average in Round 6, Royster is the 59th off the board and Hightower is the 65th off the board.

Helu is worth the gamble, Royster, possibly in deeper leagues, Hightower is a wait and see.

Pierre Garcon

When Washington knew they were going after Robert Griffin III, their plan of attack in free agency was to bring in some of the top free agent wide receivers.

However, due to penalties from their cap spending in 2010, Washington's 2012 cap was reduced by $36 million, which they split over two years.

This meant they were pretty much out of the Vincent Jackson running, but they sill reeled in a solid WR in former Colt Pierre Garcon.

Garcon quietly put up a 22nd place finish among WRs in 2011, finishing with 947 yards and six touchdowns, although those six TDs only came in three games (two in Week 4, two in Week 5, two in Week 12).

And this was with Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky at quarterback. Now he has Griffin III as his QB.

The question becomes how will Garcon respond to being a #1 WR and receiving a huge contract.

Santana Moss is still in the picture, but he just turned 33 and is more of a slot receiver now.

Washington did also sign Josh Morgan, but how much impact will he make, coming off an injury.

The WR to own in Washington will be Garcon, and right now, he is going off in Round 8 as the 32nd WR.

1,000 yard potential is certainly there, as well as the possibility to reach 7-8 TDs.

Fred Davis

A young TE making his way up the ranks fast is Fred Davis. Davis has 12 TDs in has last three seasons, and really came onto the scene in 2011, receiving 88 targets, catching 59 balls for 793 yards and three TDs. And this was also with him being slapped with a four-game suspension for drug use. So it's fair to wonder what the numbers could have been had he played those four games.

Davis tallied a 12th place finish among TEs, falling just shy of 100 fantasy points.

Davis is back and healthy, and has a better QB to work with in Shanahan's system.

Assuming Davis plays all 16, Davis will continue to be involved in the offense, especially with the high likelihood that long-time Redskins TE Chris Cooley will most likely be cut this offseason.

Davis' current ADP is the ninth TE off the board, going in Round 8. Another solid option to go after if you miss out on Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham.

That does it for the Redskins and the NFC East. Next time, we venture into the NFC North and we will start with the former Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Until next time, this is your boy, Bill Wild, signing off.