Quarterbacks – Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks
With so many injuries at wide receiver, it may be best to give Hasselbeck the week off until he adjusts to his new options.

Running Backs – Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
While Darren McFadden will likely have a very good season, he’s playing behind Justin Fargas for the moment.

Wide Receivers – Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts
Last season Anthony Gonzalez was very good at the end of the year. However, now with Marvin Harrison back in the fold, things may change.

Tight Ends – Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
Mike Martz is now the offensive coordinator in San Francisco. He doesn’t have a long history of utilizing tight ends, so proceed with caution.

Kickers – Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
The Packers are going against a strong defense in the Vikings and will they may struggle to move the ball with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.

Defenses – Chicago Bears
The Bears should finish the season as a top ten fantasy football defense, but don’t play them this week against the Colts.

Wait a few weeks before unleashing Darren McFadden.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Expert Fantasy

Fantasy football is a very fun game but it could take a years to master all the aspects. If you are new to fantasy football, you can lessen your learning curve by following a few pieces of fantasy football advice. Here is some free fantasy football advice that every fantasy football owner can put to use:

• Keep an eye on the latest injuries. During preseason action, you should look to see players who got injured during preseason.
• Fantasy football rankings are very important. Before your 2008 fantasy football draft, rank players by position and rank the players overall.
• Study fantasy football average draft positions. Not only overall but position by position.
• Keep an eye out for fantasy football sleepers. A late round sleeper can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
• Know which overrated fantasy football players to avoid. If you have too many draft pick busts, your season likely will be over before it even begins.
• Look at fantasy football mock drafts. These will help you to know what to do on draft day.
• Bookmark TheFantasyKickoff or subscribe to The Fantasy Kickoff feed. All fantasy football season long, we will keep you updated with fantasy football rankings, fantasy football advice, fantasy football tips, fantasy football injuries and much more. And we will do it all for free!

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Expert Fantasy

In 2007, Williams had 838 yards, five touchdowns and caught 64 passes. Williams missed four games due to injury. While it was a solid season, it didn’t compare to his numbers in 2006. That said, Williams played all 16 games and totaled 82 catches, 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns.

It’s not believed that the Lions are openly shopping him, but the team will likely let him go if they receive an offer that they deem fair. What teams are looking to add Williams?

Basically, every team that has a hole at wide receiver has been linked to Williams. Those teams include the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Dallas, Williams would team with Terrell Owens to from a deadly one-two punch. Williams would be returning to the state he went to college (University of Texas). The Redskins watched as all their receivers struggled last year and bringing in Williams would definitely be a big upgrade. The Eagles need a big, strong wide receiver to become the team’s leading redzone target.

No matter where Williams is in 2008, he’s in line for a bounce back fantasy football season. If he stays healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t go for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns.

Roy Williams Highlight Reel

Post from: Expert Fantasy

2. Malcolm Jenkins, CB
Out of Ohio State like Laurinaitis, Jenkins has a chance to be a lockdown cornerback on the NFL level. He’s easily the best cornerback prospect right now.

3. Michael Oher, OT
Oher is a big, strong lineman who could be sturdy piece to build upon in the NFL. Oher is also the type of player who already has an NFL work ethic.

4. Percy Harvin, WR
Harvin doesn’t have great size for wide receiver, however he’s a great talent with loads of natural ability.

5. Curtis Painter, QB
Painter is the best quarterback prospect at this point when looking ahead to the 2009 NFL Draft. He has franchise level ability and he’s already a good leader.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long

2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey

3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan

4. Oakland Raiders
Vernon Gholston

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Long

6. New York Jets
Darren McFadden

7. New England Patriots
Sedrick Ellis

8. Baltimore Ravens
Branden Albert

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Rashard Mendenhall

10. New Orleans Saints
Keith Rivers

11. Buffalo Bills
Devin Thomas

12. Denver Broncos
Derrick Harvey

13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady

14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams

15. Detroit Lions
Jeff Otah

NFL Mock Draft Video:

Post from: Expert Fantasy

-At three, the Atlanta Falcons reportedly want either Glenn Dorsey or Matt Ryan. If Dorsey isn’t taken by the Rams, expect the Falcons to pick him. Ryan, a franchise quarterback who could possibly replace Michael Vick, would be the other option.

-The Oakland Raiders are tough to figure, as usual. The three players most linked to the Raiders are Chris Long, Darren McFadden and Vernon Gholston. Right now, Gholston appears to be in the lead, but that could change at any point.

-At five, the Kansas City Chiefs supposedly like either Vernon Gholston, Chris Long or Branden Albert. Long is believed to be the preferred pick.

-The Cincinnati Bengals, with the ninth overall pick, may surprise draft experts and go with Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall, a running back, would add even more power to Cincinnati’s offense.

-The Miami Dolphins are reportedly shopping Jason Taylor. In return, the Dolphins are said to want a first round draft pick.

-The Dallas Cowboys continue to look at scenarios in which they trade down. With two first round draft picks, the Cowboys may trade one of the picks for multiple picks lower in the draft.

Who will pick Darren McFadden? See what he says:

Post from: Expert Fantasy

The Packers, who lost Brett Favre to retirement recently, will be going with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. However, with Rodgers’ injury history, the Packers need plenty of depth. That’s where Culpepper would come into play.

In 2007, Culpepper was on the Oakland Raiders. He had a few decent games but overall was a disappointment. In 2006, Culpepper spent a disappointing season with the Miami Dolphins. However, as recently as 2004, Culpepper was a fantastic fantasy quarterback. In that year with the Minnesota Vikings, Culpepper had 39 touchdowns and 4,717 yards.

If Culpepper doesn’t sign with the Packers, there are a few other teams that may be interested. The Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a veteran quarterback after Steve McNair retired.

No matter where Culpepper signs, expect him to get guaranteed money for only one season.

Just for fun… Culpepper to Moss:

Post from: Expert Fantasy

What type of fantasy football impact will this transaction make in the 2008 season? If Jones is re-instated and wins a starting job with the Cowboys, he makes the Cowboys’ defense much more valuable in the fantasy football world.

While Jones has a lot of problems off of the field, on the field he’s extremely talented and a phenomenal athlete. If Jones gets an interception, he’s very capable of returning it for a touchdown.

Additionally, Jones should become the Cowboys kick and punt returner. In this role, he’s very effective. He should be good for at least one or two return touchdowns in 2008.

The Cowboys are taking a risk but the reward would be huge – in both the NFL and the fantasy football world.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

In return, the Chiefs received a package of draft picks. It currently isn’t known exactly which picks the Chiefs received, however reports indicate that the Chiefs received first, second and third rounders in the deal.

With so many picks, the Chiefs will be able to restock their roster in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Chiefs now have the flexibility to add a quarterback or a wide receiver in the first round, to go along with a replacement for Allen.

As for the Vikings, they desperately needed some pass rush help. Although they’ve been amazing against the run in recent years, their pass defense has been shaky. A big reason has been an inability to get to the quarterback. Allen will help do just that.

More Football News

• BCS Frenzy
• Every Morning Quarterback
• Squib Kick

Post from: Expert Fantasy

While a lot of other players appeared to be in the mix about a month ago, Long had become the team’s first option in the last few weeks. After agreeing to a deal, the suspense was over.

Long will help the team’s offense immensely. He’ll start right away and he’s already regarded as an above average left tackle. Look for Miami’s offense to improve and for running backs to find space on his side of the line.

How will the rest of the 2008 NFL Draft shape up? First of all, the St. Louis Rams, who have the second pick, don’t like this news. Long would have been their choice if he were available at number two. The Rams will no look for a defensive player, quite possibly Glenn Dorsey.

With the third pick, the Atlanta Falcons will be tempted to take the top quarterback (Matt Ryan). However, a defensive player such as Chris Long also makes a lot of sense. At four, the Oakland Raiders will likely draft Chris Long (son of Raider legend Howie Long) or go with Darren McFadden.

You can watch the 2008 NFL Draft beginning on Saturday, April 26th on ESPN.

Post from: Expert Fantasy