Steve Smith, the star wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, recently suffered a shoulder injury that he initially thought was going to be serious. Thankfully, the diagnosis wasn’t as bad as feared and Smith will likely be able to begin the season on time.
That said, his fantasy football value for the 2009 season drops after this news. The Panthers are secretive about their injuries so it’s never good to have one of their players on your fantasy team who has a nagging injury. Additionally, Smith has had a number of shoulder issues over the last couple of years.
If you decide …read more

If you are going to be playing playoff fantasy football, you obviously should be well aware of the NFL playoff picture. Here’s the NFL playoff schedule for the first week of the playoffs so you can start to figure out which fantasy players you want to get on your team in playoff fantasy football.
Saturday, January 3rd – 4:30 PM Eastern
Atlanta Falcons at the Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, January 3rd – 8:00 PM Eastern
Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
Sunday, January 4th – 1:00 PM Eastern
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins
Sunday, January 4th – 4:30 PM Eastern
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings

Bye Week: Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh …read more

QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
The Packers knew Aaron Rodgers was talented, however fantasy football owners wouldn’t have guessed that Rodgers would have such an impressive first year at quarterback. He’s been a top three performer as a fantasy quarterback and considering his relatively late average draft position, he has to be making his owners very happy.

RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Coming into the 2008 fantasy football season, DeAngelo Williams wasn’t a wanted man in the fantasy world. He was a part of a dreaded running back by committee situation in Carolina. However, now he’s emerged as the hottest back in …read more

QB Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
That injured pinkie is now a thing of the past. Tony Romo is playing very well once again and he’s taking advantage of his powerful receiving options including Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and the newly acquired Roy Williams. Expect Romo to be a top five fantasy quarterback from here on out.
RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Earlier in the season, DeAngelo Williams was almost worthless due to his running back by committee situation. But he’s now thriving with the Panthers and had four touchdowns this weekend. He has to be considered a top ten fantasy running back at …read more

QB Matt Cassel, New England Patriots
In place of Tom Brady, Matt Cassel has had some good games and some not so good games. In Week 11, Cassel played one of his better games. Against the rival New York Jets, the Patriots quarterback had 400 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also didn’t have an interception on the week.
RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Early in the season, it appeared as if DeAngelo Williams would never live up to his expectations. Now, Williams is regarded as one of the best fantasy football running backs in 2008. In Week 11, Williams finished the game …read more

QB Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
Kurt Warner is the hottest quarterback in fantasy football. It seems like every week he goes out there, he’s going to put up at least 300 yards passing and two touchdowns. If you had forgotten why Warner is a two-time Super Bowl champion, he has reminded you with his recent play. As long as Warner can remain healthy, he’s going to be a fantasy football force for the rest of the 2008 season.
RB Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Although the St. Louis Rams showed a little bit of life a couple weeks ago, they seem to have …read more

10) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are undefeated and they have a formidable combination of a great defense and great depth at running back.
9) Carolina Panthers
With Steve Smith back in action, the Panthers should make a legitimate push for the playoffs and could be a sleeper Super Bowl pick.
8) Buffalo Bills
At 3-0 it is hard to ignore the Bills. However, they still have a lot more to prove before people believe they are ready for the playoffs.
7) Green Bay Packers
Without Brett Favre, the Packers are still very good. They lost against the Cowboys this week but they should bounce back.
6) Pittsburgh Steelers
A …read more

QB JT O’Sullivan, San Francisco 49ers
With the Detroit Lions next on the schedule, JT O’Sullivan is a very good start. He started off the season shaky but stepped it up in the second half of his Week 2 game. He could become a good backup fantasy football QB.
RB Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders like to run the ball. A lot. With Justin Fargas going down with a groin injury and Darren McFadden favoring an injured toe, Michael Bush could be the starter before long in Oakland.
WR Muhsin Muhammad, Carolina Panthers
Not too long ago, Muhsin Muhammad and …read more

Quarterback – Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
After a great Week 1, it may be hard to let go of Donovan McNabb. However, keep in mind that his schedule gets a lot tougher and McNabb has a history of injuries. If you can sell him high, do so and don’t look back.
Running Back – Willie Parker, Pittsbugh Steelers
Willie Parker scored three touchdowns in Week 1. Last year, he scored two touchdowns total. Knowing that, you can’t expect Parker to remain a touchdown threat all season long. Trade him now if you can get a good value.
Wide Receiver – Wes …read more

Quarterback – Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
In Week 1, Donovan McNabb proved when he’s still a fantasy football force to be reckoned with. He finished the game with 361 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions. He may become a major steal for the 2008 fantasy football season.
Running Back – Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ big offseason signing paid dividends right away in Week 1. In 22 carries, Turner had 220 yards and two touchdowns. While he obviously will come back down to earth, Turner could very easily finish the season as a top ten fantasy football …read more