In Philadelphia, Vick will backup Donovan McNabb at quarterback. There’s not much of a chance that Vick could work his way into the starting lineup. Even if McNabb suffers an injury, Vick isn’t guaranteed to get the starting nod.

The mostly likely role for Vick with the Eagles is in gadget plays. Once his suspension ends, Vick will likely eventually get about five touches per game to keep the defense off balance. He could line up at multiple positions but will likely see most of his time at quarterback.

While Vick has a chance to be an exciting player during the 2009 fantasy football season, he doesn’t appear to have much fantasy value. He’d need to somehow become the starting quarterback to really have value — and that doesn’t appear to be in the cards. In this specialized role, playing Vick on your fantasy team would be a huge gamble.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

Vick recently said that he was getting close to signing with a team. On Thursday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick fanned the flames by saying this about Vick:

“Michael is an outstanding player, hasn’t played in a couple of years. But right now, our focus is on our team and our players and trying to get the New England Patriots ready and so that’s really where my attention’s been. But he’s a tremendous athlete. Where exactly he is right now, I don’t know.”

Signing with the Patriots would make a lot of sense for Vick for multiple reasons. First of all, it’s a well respected team with a lot of veteran leaders. Vick could see how Randy Moss jumpstarted his career by going to the Patriots. It would also keep the pressure of producing right away off of him.

However, with Tom Brady in place, Vick would have to abandon the idea of starting at quarterback if he signs with the Patriots. New England, if they sign Vick, would likely use him as a wide receiver, running back and gimmick quarterback.

In terms of fantasy football, Vick wouldn’t be of too much value in the 2009 fantasy season — especially if he signs with the Patriots. He’ll be suspended for the first five games and even when he returns, he’d probably only get about touches per game.

Michael Vick to the Patriots? (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Expert Fantasy

Firstly, the big obstacle in his way is NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Even if Vick is a free man, that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically be free to sign in the NFL. Goodell very well could suspend Vick; possibly for the entire 2009 season.

Even in a scenario that Vick is eligible to play in the NFL in 2009, he’s not a very good fantasy football option. At best, he’s a late round fantasy draft pick that you would hope could pan out.

The big question if Vick ever returns to the NFL is if any team is willing to give him a starting quarterback gig. There’s been some rumblings that Vick could return to the NFL but as a running back or wide receiver. However, for fantasy purposes, a return to quarterback would likely make him the most valuable.

The bottom line is that Vick doesn’t hold much value at this point at all. Even in a dynasty league, he’s only worth a roster spot in a deep league. Over the next six months, we should start to hear more news concerning when Vick will be able to step foot on an NFL field again.

Post from: Expert Fantasy

Can Matt Ryan be the savior?

2. Miami Dolphins
Bill Parcels will eventually turn the Miami Dolphins around but it won’t be in 2008. On the offensive side of the field, the Dolphins don’t have many playmakers. On defense, the Dolphins’ best player, Jason Taylor, is unhappy. The Dolphins will be lucky to win five games in 2008.

3. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions offense underperformed last season and now they look to be even less talented on that side of the field. Defensively, the Lions won’t be better than an average unit. In 2007, it looked like the Lions could surprise. Now it looks like the Lions are headed back to the bottom.

4. Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders actually have a bright future, but 2008 promises to be a struggle. JaMarcus Russell will the be quarterback and he’ll undoubtedly struggle early in his NFL career. However, once Russell figures it out and rookie Darren McFadden comes into his own, the Raiders should be able to turn it around — in 2009.

5. San Francisco 49ers
A few NFL experts are picking the San Francisco 49ers as a sleeper pick for the 2008 season. I remain skeptical. Alex Smith at quarterback hasn’t shown much. His wide receivers aren’t too impressive. Frank Gore is good but the 2007 season proved the Niners need more than Gore to win games.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Expert Fantasy

While many rookie quarterbacks get a year or two to learn the ropes, Ryan likely will have to play sooner rather than later. Currently, the Falcons only have Chris Redman and Joey Harrington at quarterback. It won’t take much for Ryan to get his chance.

And though Ryan should get snaps in 2008, you shouldn’t draft him in a re-draft fantasy football league. The Falcons don’t have many playmakers on offense and Ryan will undoubtedly struggle early on in his career. He might be a late season waiver wire claim if he can string together some decent outings, but even that scenario is a longshot.

In dynasty leagues, Ryan could be a worthwhile pick. The Falcons will have a lot invested in him and Ryan has a history of working hard and proving doubters wrong. He’s a cerebral player with a good enough arm and good enough athleticism to become a solid pro at the NFL level.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Expert Fantasy

The Falcons have the third pick in the 2008 NFL draft and have plenty of directions they can go with the pick. However, the Falcons already made noise this offseason by signing Michael Turner. Turner, who many league experts think was the best running back on the open market, was signed to become the team’s new starting running back. After beginning his career with the San Diego Chargers behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Turner will try to prove he’s an every-down back with Atlanta.

Since the Falcons now have Turner and returning running back Jerious Norwood under contract, chances are the Falcons won’t look to draft a running back with the third pick of the draft. That means Darren McFadden will almost positively not be their pick.

Although they have good options at running back, quarterback still remains a big weakness for the Falcons. Last season, the Falcons lost both Vick and his backup (Matt Schaub). After trying various players at the quarterback position in 2007, the Falcons currently have Chris Redman and Joey Harrington signed. While both of those players are decent backup quarterbacks, the Falcons desperately need a franchise quarterback.

With that in mind, Matt Ryan is the obvious choice for the Falcons with the third overall pick. Ryan, the number one rated quarterback in the 2008 NFL draft, has played well in front of scouts and most experts expect him to go in the top ten. If Ryan is on the board, he’d be a very nice pick for the Falcons. If Ryan isn’t on the board, defensive players Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey would make sense.

Check out this Matt Ryan video:

Post from: Expert Fantasy