QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
At the end of the fantasy football season, Peyton Manning was arguably the best fantasy quarterback in the game. In the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl, he was once again very good. He finished the game with a touchdown and more than 150 yards passing.

RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Most experts agree that Adrian Peterson is the most talented running back in the NFL. In the Pro Bowl, he illustrated some of his talents. On eight rushes, Peterson had 48 yards and a touchdown. His score came on a ten-yard scamper in the second quarter.

WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald may be the hottest athlete on the planet. After a dominating run in the NFL playoffs, Fitzgerald had two more touchdowns in the Pro Bowl. In all, he had five catches for 81 yards to go along with his scores.

TE Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
The ageless one showed that he’s a star among stars. Tony Gonzalez finished with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown grab. He scored his touchdown on a pass from Peyton Manning in the first quarter of the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl.

Are you playing playoff fantasy football? If so, here are our quarterback rankings for the first week of the 2008 NFL playoffs.

1) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Manning is on a role and should slice up the Chargers.

2) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Rivers should be good for a couple touchdowns.

3) Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
Warner has been cold but thrives on big stage.

4) Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
Should throw plenty of passes this weekend.

5) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Rookie keeps on surprising.

6) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Not a great start but could do well.

7) Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins
Going against a tough defense.

Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Not very good.

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Although Peyton Manning hasn’t had the best of seasons, he has a very easy matchup in Week 12. Going against the San Diego Chargers, who have statistically the worst pass defense in the NFL, Manning should have a big day. Look for the Colts to pass early and often — as this game has the possiblity of being a shootout.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
With Tony Romo back at quarterback, running room will open up for Marion Barber. While Romo was out, Barber struggled — which wasn’t too surprising. Against the San Francisco 49ers, look for the Cowboys to try to establish the run early. If Dallas can get a second half lead, expect them to have Barber run it to end the game.

WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Andre Johnson has had a somewhat streaky season but Week 12 promises to be a good one for the Texans receiver. Johnson is up against the Cleveland Browns and he’ll be targeted plenty of times. While he’s had a little bit of trouble scoring touchdowns this year, Week 12 looks like a week in which AJ will get at least one TD.

TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Going up against the Colts with a healthy offense, Antonio Gates should be free to roam and cause damage. With the wide receivers playing well, the running backs playing well and the quarterback having his best season, Gates sometimes is the forgotten man. In Week 12, the Chargers will make the Colts pay if they forget about Gates.

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Last week, Peyton Manning finally looked like Peyton Manning. The Colts quarterback had by far his best game. His struggles earlier in the season could very well be chalked up to the multiple knee surgeries he had in the offseason. Expect Manning to continue his good play in Week 7.

RB Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys
Going against the St. Louis Rams, Marion Barber III should get a whole lot of work. No matter if Tony Romo or Brad Johnson starts at quarterback, Barber will be called upon to keep the pressure of the QB. This is a week that Barber could easily finish the game with two or three touchdowns.

WR Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
After blowing up in Week 6, Andre Johnson should be able to carry it over into Week 7. The Lions have been very poor against the pass and Johnson is one of the most talented receivers in the entire NFL. If he can have a big game, Johnson should emerge as a top five fantasy wide receiver from here on out.

TE Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
The Redskins will try to bounce back after their shocking Week 6 loss. Chris Cooley will be a big part of their offensive attack against the Cleveland Browns. Cooley has had an inconsistent fantasy football season, but he should be able to put up plenty of numbers this week.

QB Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams
The Rams have switched coaches and Marc Bulger is now back in as the starting quarterback. While he’s had a horrible fantasy season so far, he has the weapons to turn it around quickly.

RB Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Slowed by injuries early on, Ryan Grant has been a bust so far in the 2008 fantasy football season. But his schedule gets easier and he seems to be healthy, so he should become halfway decent soon.

WR Randy Moss, New England Patriots
Many fantasy owners have written off Randy Moss after the loss of Tom Brady. While his value certainly has suffered, expect him to step it up in forthcoming weeks as Matt Cassel adjusts.

TE Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
In Week 1, Dallas Clark got injured. Combine that with a bye week and it seems like the fantasy world has forgotten about Clark. However, as Peyton Manning gets healthier, expect Clark to produce.

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
After a tough Week 1, Peyton Manning should be able to bounce back in Week 2. Going up against a team in the Minnesota Vikings that is great against the run, Manning will be called on to pass early and pass often. Expect a couple touchdowns and 250 plus yards.

RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
In Week 1, Matt Forte had a very good day running the ball against the Colts. This week, Adrian Peterson should have success against Indianapolis. He should get plenty of carries this week and will likely finish with more than 120 yards rushing and at least one touchdown.

WR Plaxico Burress, New York Giants
The Giants get to go up against the St. Louis Rams in Week 2. This is the same team that got destroyed by the Eagles in Week 1. Expect Burress to have a huge game — with a long touchdown pass being very likely.

TE Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles will likely spend the week trying to slow down Terrell Owens, which should open up things for Jason Witten to be dominant. Witten is quickly separating himself as the clear cut best fantasy tight end in all the land.

If you have Jason Witten on your fantasy football team, be excited.

Photo: Newscom

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
In the offseason, Peyton Manning underwent a relatively serious surgery on an infection in his knee. While he didn’t play in any of the preseason games, everyone with the Colts expects Manning to be ready once the real games start.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Tom Brady has been suffering from an unspecified leg injury for much of training camp and preseason. While the Patriots are being secretive of his health status, expect him to be ready to go when the games begin to count.

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Perhaps the most mysterious injury of them all, Antonio Gates still hasn’t played after undergoing offseason toe surgery. While many expect him to play in Week 1, there is growing speculation that the Chargers may sit him until he’s 100%.

Jerry Porter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jerry Porter has a hamstring injury that is being slow to heal. Although he should be able to come back pretty soon, it is looking doubtful that he’ll be ready to roll in Week 1.

Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are reportedly concerned about Reggie Brown’s status for their opening week game. Brown is dealing with a hamstring injury that doesn’t appear to be healing quickly enough.

Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints
Although Jeremy Shockey didn’t play at all in preseason, he’s very likely to play in Week 1. Shockey is still recovering from the leg injury he suffered last year with the New York Giants.

Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings
Dealing with a condition that has been described as something close to turf toe, Bernard Berrian has missed a few preseason games. The good news is it appears he’ll be ready for opening weekend.

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While running backs are usually the position you draft first in a fantasy football draft, quarterbacks are oftentimes responsible for how your fantasy team does in a given week. In 2008, there are many quality fantasy quarterbacks available in the draft. Here is our updated list of the top ten fantasy quarterbacks for the 2008 fantasy football season:

1. Tom Brady - Despite Brady’s injury, he remains on the top.
2. Tony Romo - With T.O. on his side, expect greatness.
3. Drew Brees - His value continues to rise in recent weeks.
4. Peyton Manning - With several question marks, Manning falls.
5. Carson Palmer - Palmer has a high ceiling but there is risk.
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We’ve already taken a look at a first round fantasy mock draft of a 2008 fantasy football draft. Here is a look at a mock draft of a second round:

1. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
2. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
4. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
5. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
6. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Where are quarterbacks being drafted in 2008 fantasy football drafts? This will give you a good idea of where to expect the top quarterbacks to be drafted:

Tom Brady, New England Patriots - Middle of the first round.
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts - Middle of the second round.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys - Late second round.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints - Late thirdround.
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals - Middle of the fourth round.
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