On Friday, the New York Giants cut their ties with wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Although Burress was instrumental in the Giants’ Super Bowl victory in 2007, the team decided that the bad now outweighs the good. In 2009 fantasy football drafts, fantasy owners will have to make a similar decision.

Plaxico Burress Released by the Giants (Image: Newscom)

The major trouble for Burress started when he shot himself in the leg back in November. Due to that incident, Burress faces a felony charge that could very well lead to prison time. Even if he’s not sent to prison, he could face a suspension from the NFL.

His value in fantasy football will depend on which team he lands with and how much action he will miss. Even though he has had a lot of personal problems over the years, Burress is a very good fantasy player. In 2006 and 2007 combined, Burress had 22 touchdowns and more than 2000 yards receiving. That type of production makes him viable in the fantasy world any time he steps onto the field.

As for the Giants, they actually have a lot of wide receiver talent and they should be able to pick up most of the slack. Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss and Steve Smith are all very capable of stepping into larger roles. That said, quarterback Eli Manning’s stock is lowered due to this news because Burress was his favorite option and it will be harder now for Manning to accumulate touchdown passes.

Brandon Jacobs, the starting running back for the New York Giants, has been given the franchise tag. This tag allows the Giants to virtually ensure that Jacobs will return to the team for the 2009 NFL season.

In the 2008 NFL season, Jacobs was dominant at times. He finished the year with more than 1000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns despite missing three games. Jacobs’ has a powerful rushing style that allows him to get stronger as the game wears on.

One change for the Giants in 2009 will likely be at the backup running back position. Derrick Ward was the backup this past season but after a very good season, Ward is expected to go elsewhere as a free agent. The backup job behind Jacobs would then fall to running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware.

In 2009 fantasy football, Jacobs will likely be drafted in the top two rounds. The only thing that would stop him from being a surefire first round fantasy pick is the lingering question about his durability.

Even before the start of the NFL offseason, there are still some rumblings about possible offseason transactions. One such transaction that is now a rumor is Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals ending up with the New York Giants.

Even though Boldin and the Cardinals are about to play in the Super Bowl, Boldin hasn’t been a happy camper as of late. After the Cardinals advanced to the Super Bowl, instead of celebrating with his teammates, Boldin slipped out the back door because he was angry about not playing enough. Throughout the season, Boldin has expressed displeasure regarding his current contract.

Why would the Giants be interested? Two words: Plaxico Burress. In the season after winning the Super Bowl, Burress was a Super Distraction. When he wasn’t getting suspended for missing meetings, he was literally shooting himself in the leg. Although the Giants haven’t made any firm decision regarding his future, there is a lot of talk around New York that the Giants will cut ties with Burress.

If the Giants were to replace Burress with Boldin, it would definitely shake things up. While both players are very good wide receivers, Boldin is more of a possession receiver while Burress is more of a big play receiver. In the same offense, Boldin would likely get more reception and more yards, while Burress would get more touchdowns.

For Eli Manning, his fantasy value may rise if the Giants replace Burress with Boldin. Boldin is more consistent and would give Manning a dependable receiving option in each game.

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 Steelers, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers

Photo credit: Newscom

RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Already ruled out for Week 15 of the fantasy football season, be sure to take Brandon Jacobs out of your fantasy starting lineup. Expect Derrick Ward to get the start, although Ahman Bradshaw will likely also get a number of carries.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber III took some criticism last week for not playing. Considering that fact, there’s a good chance he’ll do his all to play in Week 15. The backup running back option for the Cowboys is currently Tashard Choice.

QB Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings
Listed as doubtful, it doesn’t appear as if Gus Frerotte is going to be able to play in Week 15 for the Vikings. In his place, expect Tarvaris Jackson to get the start at quarterback. Given Jackson’s shaky history, look elsewhere for a fantasy football starter.

QB Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although Jeff Garcia is listed as questionable, it sounds like he’ll be able to play in Week 15. If he doesn’t play, Brian Griese would likely start. However, there’s a possibility that Luke McCown would get the nod.

Photo credit: Newscom

In fantasy football leagues that score 1 point per 15 yards and 6 points per touchdown, here’s a look at the top five running backs for the 2008 season:

5. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Although the Niners have had a difficult year, Frank Gore has had a bit of a bounce back season. Last year, he was a fantasy football disappointment but he’s been well worth his preseason draft positions in 2008. Down the stretch, Gore should be a very good option — especially if Shaun Hill can continue having success at quarterback.

4. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Coming into the 2008 fantasy football season, it was difficult to figure where to put Michael Turner on the running back rankings. But after signing with the Falcons in the offseason, he’s made Atlanta look smart by being a very good running back. Against teams with weak run defenses, he’s especially deadly.

3. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis was actually at the top of this list until recently when he got banged up. If he can get healthy, he’s going to get a lot of carries to end the season. If not, his fantasy owners may have to look elsewhere. However, filling his huge shoes will be close to impossible.

2. Thomas Jones, New York Jets
The true surprise of the 2008 running back rankings has to be Thomas Jones. He didn’t look too good last year in 2007 and many fantasy experts were wondering whether he could lose his starting job. Not only has Jones remained the starter, he’s been arguably the most explosive fantasy back in the NFL this season.

1. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
The Super Bowl champion Giants have the best fantasy running back at the moment. Jacobs is almost impossible to bring down in one-on-one situations and he has a nose for the endzone. As long as the Giants keep giving him the rock and as long as he stays healthy, he could very well be the best fantasy running back in 2008.

Photo: Newscom

QB Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings
Although not considered a top fantasy football quarterback in 2008 by any means, Gus Frerotte has certainly exceeded expectations. He has thrown for at least one touchdown pass in each of his starts except for one game. In his last three games, he has six touchdown passes. Going up against an overrated Jacksonville Jaguars defense, Frerotte should continue to produce.

RB Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Fred Jackson has emerged as one of the better backup running backs in the NFL in 2008. In Week 12, Jackson and the Bills take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have played decently lately but they remain a horrid defensive team against the run. Look for Jackson to get plenty of touches and produce like a starter in Week 12.

WR Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
The St. Louis Rams have been horrible recently, especially when it comes to making tackles. With Devin Hester coming to town, that’s a bad combination. While Hester hasn’t had the amazing year many expected, he’s still a threat to break a long one — whether in the passing game or the return game. Week 12 may be his breakout game owners have been waiting for.

TE Kevin Boss, New York Giants
Last week, Kevin Boss was held without a catch. But that was against the Baltimore Ravens, one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. In the previous three weeks, Boss caught a touchdown pass in each. In Week 12, the Giants go up against the Arizona Cardinals and Boss should be able to get back into the swing of things.

If any of these players are available on the waiver wire of your fantasy football league, don’t hesitate to pick them up ASAP. These players are more than capable of helping you win a fantasy football championship in 2008.

QB Tyler Thigpen, Kansas City Chiefs
Entering the 2008 fantasy football season, Tyler Thigpen was the third quarterback on the Chiefs depth chart. Now Thigpen has ascended to the starting spot and he’s producing very well. He appears to be a legit quarterback and is very likely Kansas City’s QB of the future. Pick him up now and he can serve as a quality fantasy football option depending on the matchup.

RB Peyton Hillis, Denver Broncos
Although he’s more of a fullback, Peyton Hillis should become the new running back for the Broncos. Injuries to Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain have opened the door for Hillis to get a shot. As any fantasy football veteran can tell you, picking up the right Broncos running back at the right time can lead to big things.

WR Mark Bradley, Kansas City Chiefs
With Thigpen delivering him the ball, Mark Bradley has emerged as a quality fantasy football wide receiver option. In fact, with as hot as he currently is, he’s a player you need to get into your starting lineup. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he can use his quicks to make plays and score touchdowns.

TE Kevin Boss, New York Giants
For the third consecutive week, Kevin Boss scored a touchdown. He’s emerging as one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets, especially around the endzone. With as well as he has been playing in recent weeks, Boss certainly can start on your 2008 fantasy football team.

QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have actually turned it around offensively and that has allowed them to win their last three games. In that span, the Ravens are averaging 31 points per game. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco deserves a lot of credit and with two touchdowns in each of his last two games, he’s a good bet to be productive in his Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans.

RB Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers
With the Chargers hosting the Kansas City Chiefs this week, it’s a great time to gamble on a big game from Darren Sproles. The Chiefs have a horrible run defense and they very likely could get blown out this week. If Sproles gets at least eight touches this week, there’s a chance he could put up a solid fantasy football line.

WR Koren Robinson, Seattle Seahawks
In recent weeks, Koren Robinson has quietly become the most productive wide receiver on the Seahawks. Last week, he had a 90-yard reception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. This week against the Miami Dolphins, Robinson should be able to get four or five catches and his speed gives him the capability of breaking a long one.

TE Kevin Boss, New York Giants
Kevin Boss hasn’t been as productive as many fantasy football owners thought he’d be during the 2008 season, but he’s been more productive lately. In his last two weeks, he has a touchdown in each game and a total of seven receptions. With Eli Manning looking for him more, there’s a chance he can get another touchdown this weekend in Week 10.

QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Despite an injury that almost forced him to miss the game, Aaron Rodgers produced a very good fantasy week in Week 5. He finished with three touchdowns and 313 yards. All wasn’t good for the Packers however as they lost the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

RB Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Brandon Jacobs exploded in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the game with 15 carries for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Although some fantasy football owners were down on him entering the season, he has played very well thus far.

WR Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
Big things were expected out of Roddy White this season but he has struggled at times with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan at the helm. But in Week 5, White still proved he’s a dangerous fantasy weapon as he had eight catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.

TE Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Chris Cooley can sometimes get lost in the Redskins’ offense but he was very visible in the Week 5 game. He was dominant on his way to eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.