1. Darren Sproles
Although Sproles has been franchised by the Chargers, it’s not a guarantee that he’ll return for the 2009 fantasy football season. In the playoffs, teams saw just what Sproles is capable of if given an opportunity.

2. Derrick Ward
Playing behind Brandon Jacobs, Ward had very impressive stats in 2008. He gained more than 1,000 yards and averaged better than five yards per carry. Ward is the most likely running back to be signed specifically for a starting RB job.

3. Cedric Benson
Though he was far from spectacular, Benson gave glimpses of his potential near the end of the season with the Bengals. He’s still a work in progress but count on an NFL team rolling the dice of this former first round pick.

4. Fred Taylor
After being cut by Jacksonville, Taylor has already started his search for a new job. Taylor visited the Bills recently and is expected to visit the Patriots. If he lands a starting job or an important backup job, he’s still viable in the fantasy world.

5. Deuce McAllister
The Saints released McAllister after a long and successful career in New Orleans. Now McAllister will likely have to move on. Although he’s not an every-down back anymore, he could potentially turn into a touchdown vulture once again.

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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:

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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.

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Not too long ago, Alexander was a fantasy football franchise player. He was a top three pick who could be counted on to bring you big points on a weekly basis. Nowadays, it’s unsure whether he’ll be able to land a starting role in the 2008 NFL season.

As far as the Seahawks are concerned, they needed to move on. The fans had grown tired of Alexander and Seattle had brought in a couple of other running backs. Julius Jones and TJ Duckett were signed and now both of those players will get a lot of carries for the Seahawks. Jones will be more responsible for yardage, while Duckett will likely be the goal line back.

Alexander’s next stop in the NFL is unknown at this point. While he isn’t expected to retire, he’ll need to fight for carries in 2008. Which teams could be interested in signing Alexander? Two teams that really need running back help are the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets. The Lions waived Kevin Jones earlier in the offseason and could be looking for a replacement. The Jets have signed a number of veteran players and could view Alexander as another veteran that can help the team win now.

There have also been ties between Alexander and the Cincinnati Bengals. Alexander could end up with the Bengals to further bolster their running game.

Alexander’s fantasy projections for the 2008 season will depend on what team he signs with and how many carries he’s expected to get. However, in all scenarios, he won’t be viewed as anything more than a third or fourth rounder in a fantasy football draft.

Here is one fan who thinks you should leave Shaun Alexander alone:

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Parker spent the first four seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Parker showed glimpses of potential but never was able to sustain quality play. The Chiefs had decided to move on without the wide receiver.

One reason the Broncos brought in Parker is due to the Brandon Marshall situation. Marshall, who was the lead receiver on Denver last season, suffered an arm laceration while on vacation with his family. Marshall will miss several months with his injury. In the meantime, the Broncos were in need of depth at wide receiver.

Right now, the most likely player to start next to Marshall in 2008 for the Broncos is Brandon Stokley. However, if Stokley stumbles at any point, Parker could find his way into the starting lineup. His fantasy projections for 2008 depend largely on whether he starts. That said, he’s not draftable in any scenario. If he starts, wait for him to have a good game before you consider picking him up.

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Franks struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness in 2007. The Packers let him go, largely due to the improved play of Donald Lee. Now Franks is in the mix to become the starting tight end for the Jets in 2008.

However, don’t count on it. Franks will likely be used in a backup role and while he could be good for three or four touchdowns in 2008, it is unlikely that he will get enough catches or enough yards to be a fantasy football option.

The only way you should pick him in your 2008 fantasy football draft is if Franks is named the starter. Even then, he should be nothing more than a very late round pick who is backing up a quality tight end.

Favre to Franks …

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While Hartsock doesn’t have a touchdown in his career and only had 12 catches last year, the Falcons are happy to add him to the mix. As of now, there’s a real chance he’ll be the team’s starting tight end.

The best thing about him is his blocking. He’s a very talented blocker at the tight end position. However, blocking doesn’t count in fantasy football. Could he be worthy of a 2008 fantasy football draft pick?

Probably not. Hartsock has some talent but the Falcons quarterback situation is too uncertain to trust Hartsock. A better idea is to keep an eye on Hartsock early on in the 2008 NFL season and then pick him up if he shows any potential.

Even if he starts, I don’t see him going for more than 400 yards and two touchdowns.

Image details: New York Jets v Tennessee Titans served by picapp.com

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The team that apparently has the most interest currently is the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have had trouble landing a quality kicker for what has seemed like the last decade. While the 38-year-old Vanderjagt would only be a stopgap fix, he’d likely be an upgrade.

If the Chiefs don’t sign him, the other team said to have interest is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos let longtime kicker Jason Elam leave and are still searching for his replacement. Vanderjagt is said to currently be high on the team’s list.

In the fantasy football world, you should take a wait and see approach for Vanderjagt in 2008. In his last year in the league in 2006, he hit only 13-of-18 field goal attempts for the Dallas Cowboys. At his advanced age, there’s a chance he won’t be able to reclaim his old magic.

Image details: Minnesota Vikings v Dallas Cowboys served by picapp.com

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Image details: Oakland Raiders v San Francisco 49ers served by picapp.com

In his four years in the NFL, Gabriel has eight touchdowns. He’s known as a speed receiver who can beat most defenders up the field, however his lack of good hands has hurt him since being drafted in 2003 in the fifth round out of Central Florida.

In addition to the loss of Henry, the Bengals also lost Tab Perry to the Miami Dolphins. Cincinnati is banking on Gabriel, Antonio Chatman and Glenn Holt to provide depth at wide receiver.

To add even further uncertainty to the Bengals’ receiving corps, star wideout Chad Johnson has complained openly about not being traded away from Cincinnati. Johnson has even threatened a holdout if he doesn’t get moved. If the Bengals lose Johnson, suddenly TJ Houshmandzadeh is the only sure thing at wide receiver for Cincinnati.

Doug Gabriel’s projections for the 2008 NFL season depend largely on his role. If he secures the third wide receiver job, expect him to finish 2008 with about 600 yards and four touchdowns.

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James “Bus” Cook, Favre’s agent, denied the report.

“I don’t think that has anything to do with anything. He’s retired, period, point blank,” Cook the Los Angeles Times.

Favre also denied the claim when speaking with SI.com.

Said Favre: “That’s the last thing I’m thinking about. I have no idea where that came from, but it certainly didn’t come from me. I’m happy about my decision and I haven’t once said, ‘I wonder if I made the wrong decision.’ I know it’s the right one.”

“It’s crazy to me that I’m the guy they’re all talking about, and the story is out there everywhere, and I have nothing to do with it. It’s not something I’m thinking about. It’s kind of funny. Even when I’m retired, they won’t let me stay retired.”

Will Brett Favre unretire? We think so . . .

• Brett Favre to Unretire? Fantasy Football Perspective
• Brett Favre – Don’t Believe Him

Watch Favre’s retirement speech:

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