My Donald Driver Blog

Is this the year of the Colts? That is what everyone is asking and it is clearly a wait and see situation. They still have Manning and Harrison but they have to find a strong replacement for Edgerrin James who opted to go to Arizona.

Coach Dungy is clearly a leader in his field but every playoff the Colts find a way to choke-whether it be to the Patriots or the Steelers-makes no difference. In 2005 the Colts won 13 straight out of the gate-then lost to San Diego-then the terrible tragedy that happened in the Dungy family.

We will never know if emotions of pain so deep cost the Colts the rest of the season but it is what it is and life goes on. As a parent of 6 children and 2 step-children I can not fathom losing a child and clearly my work would be affected for a very long time. The Colts have always been a favorite of mine and I would love to see them in the Super Bowl this year. Go Colts!

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

New addition of Coach Dick Jauron will do little to jump start the lack lustre quarterbacking. No go-to guy this year in Eric Moulds who was traded to Houston. Peerles Price steps in just traded from Dallas. Running back McGahee is still in the ranks but has to do much better than 2005 as he failed to gain 100 yards or score a touchdown in 7 of the last 8 games played.

The Bills passed on Matt Leinart in the 2006 draft and decided to concentrate on the defense. The strong point for the Bills is the Specialty team where Brian Moorman is one the League's best punters with a 45.7 average. Kick returner Terrance McGee led the NFL last year with a 30.2 average. The starting QB will have to lead the way or the Bills will be lost in the shuffle.Their opener is Sept. 10 in New England.

Miami Dolphins

Can Culpepper be the magic ingredient the Dolphins need for 2006? After a disasterous season with the Vikings and injuries mid way and "the scandal" Daunte hopes to start fresh and get back to his winning ways. No Randy Moss here but there is a fellow named Chris Chambers. It took 11 games for the wide receiver to wake up but after that there was no stopping him and the Dolphins won their final 6 games. However it was too little too late and they just narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record for the season.

What worries me is Culpepper's backup Joey Harrington-nice guy-not great QB. If Culpepper gets hurt again-and he will-that would be too much for Joey to carry and the Fins would fade away. With the Superbowl being held in Miami this year the pressure is on the leadership. Ronnie Brown takes over the main role of RB as Ricky Williams is suspended from the NFL and playing in the CFL now. The key will be to keep the quarterback healthy and the Dolphins will be in the hunt. Miami opens up the season facing the 2005 Champs on the road September 7th.

New England Patriots

They may be down but they are not out-not by a long shot folks! Tom Brady passed for 4,110 yards in 2005 and threw 26 TD's-playing injured for almost the last half of the season. Not a lot of people knew that till now. Completely recovered from the surgery required Brady is ready to go full tilt again. He will need much better protection than the 28 times he was sacked last year. With the retirement of Flutie the Pats have Matt Cassel to fall back on should Brady come out-not a great plan as he is too unexperienced. We will probably see him in pre-season games and judge his potential at that time.

The loss of Adam Vinateri will be felt this year. Kickers Martin Gramatica and Stephen Gostkowski are vying for this position. The latter may prevail as he is the much anticipated draft pick from Memphis. They open the season at home to the Bills September 10.

New York Jets

Last year the Jets had a horrible 4-12 season and hope to put all that behind them with a new coach-Eric Mangini-who earned his stripes under the master coach Belichick and was there for all 3 superbowl victories. QB Chad Pennington could be the poster boy for Rehab-physical that is-having 2 surgeries in 2005 on his right shoulder. Right behind him is Patrick Ramsey-recently traded from the Redskins and not really much of a threat to Pennington.

WR Tim Dwight follows Mangini from the Pats roster to the Jets and should be a big inspiration to the team. Lord knows they need it! It looks like it will be the responsability of Pennington-and the responsability of his line-backers-to keep any hope alive for the Jets this year. They open the season on the road in Tennessee Sept.10.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have lost 11 straight games on the road and this year they open the season in Tampa bay. Steve McNair will breathe some life into the position of quarterback and give Boller a run for his money. Derrick Mason will be the go-to guy and Jamal Lewis provides the running game. A variety of injuries have side lined the once great Ray Lewis 33% of the games since 2004.

Coach Billick has been struggling the past 2 years in his department with staff turnovers and sensing a loss of control with his players. Two bright spots for the Ravens are the defense which was #5 in the NFL last year and #1 in punt returns. With all the aging players Baltimore can only hope to find a fountain of youth-fast.

Cincinnati Bengals

IF Carson Palmer is healthy enough the Bengals will be strong competitors this year. The AFC North Division Champions were well on their way to the playoffs for the first time since 1990 when a funny thing happened along the way. Well not so funny for Palmer who after leading the way in the Wild Card game against the Steelers to the tune of 17-0 was driven into the turf and ended up with ACL and MCL knee injuries. Steelers came back to win 31-17.

The defense gave up an average of 31 points per game in their final 8 games of the season. That has to be addressed. A healthy Palmer and running back Rudi Johnson and receiver Chad Johnson will do the rest. Last year the Bengals ended up with an impressive 11-6 overall and hope to equal or better that this time. Bengals open the regular season on the road to Kansas September 10th.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns lack the depth needed in the quarterbacking department. Charlie Frye played the last 5 games in 2005 as a rookie and his back up is Ken Dorsey traded from the 49ers-enough said. Now a real star is running back Reuben Droughns who rushed for 1232 yards last year and broke the record for most carries(309). New receivers should light up the end zone more than ever before. New guy on the block is Joe Jurevicius and returning from a knee operation Kellen Winslow Jr. They should spark up a listless receiving corps.

Linebacker Willie McGinest comes over from the Patriots to beef up the O line. Ted Washington left Oakland to get the start as NT. It all comes down to the quarterback and will there be a strong showing from any of them. We will see when the Browns host the Saints September 10th.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With the retirement of Jerome Bettis and the loss of Randle El as a free agent the Steelers are suprisingly still pretty well in tact. They still have big Ben but have to see how he performs after his serious motorcycle accident a few months ago. Tommy Maddox has been relaeased and Charlie batch steps in to #2 position. Steelers were a stellar 15-5 last year and Super Bowl champions for 2005.

Running back Duce Staley fills the gap left by Bettis perfectly. Back up to Staley is Willie Parker who rushed for 1202 yards last year. The go-to guy remains solid and Hines Ward is not only skillful but affable as well. He has been voted team MVP 3 years out of 4. You need good morale in the locker room as well as on the field and he provides that. Coach Bill Cowher hs been in the position since 1992 and his steel jawed glares are well known through out the League. The Steelers host Miami September 10th.

AFC South

Houston Texans

It can not get any worse than last year when the Texans were a dismal 2-14 for the year. What a let down that must have been for the fans-if there are any left. The Texans were 30th in offense and and 31 st in defense. Eric Moulds came over from Buffalo to provide some quality receiving for QB David Carr.

Rookie Coach Kubiak has the experience of offensive coordinater for 11 years with Denver and also hired ex-Packers Coach Mike Sherman as assistant head coach for the offense. The still very young team is only 4 years old and needing a respectable showing since their best year of 7-9. The Texans host the Eagles September 10th.

Indianapolis Colts

There is a huge hole in the running back position and it remains to be seen if it will be filled adequately this year. They still have the powerhouse trio-Harrison/Wayne/Stokely. They still have the strong and accurate arm of Peyton Manning who is probably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The Colts dominated the League with 14-3 record but fell short in the playoff final with the Steelers.

DE Dwight Freeney continues to be a leader for the defense. Last year they were #2 in the NFL for points allowed. Kicker Vanderjagt left and another great kicker came in by the name of Adam Vinateri-of Patriots fame. No slack in the kicking department. Opening game will be historic with brother-brother matchups when the Colts play the Giants in New York September 10th.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars can be proud of their 12-4 record last year and hope to build on that with QB Leftwich. If there is flaw to be talked about it is that Byron is a pocket guy-not very mobile-and prone to injuries. The heart of a Lion or Jaguar beats in his chest and one can only admire his commitment to his job. Backup David Garrand is more than able to step up to the plate and proved it last year going 4-1 in the final 5 regular games.

The Jaguars are the poster boys for road warriors. Winning 8-2 last 10 regular season road games. The retiremnet of WR Jimmy Smith will be felt and he will have big shoes to fill. A very interesting addition to the coaching staff is former Vikings coach-Mike Tice. Del rio is a players coach and former player himself and has steadily built the team up to be serious contenders in the League.

Worth mentioning is the addition of UCLA rookies Mercedes Lewis and Maurice Drew. The kicker for the Jags is Josh Scobee who last year had 20 touchbacks and completed 23 of 30 field goals. If Byron stays healthy and can get the ball to receivers the Jags will be in the finals for sure. Jacksonville hosts Dallas September 10th to kick off the season.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are remaining tight lipped about the future of Vince Young of the Texas Longhorns;Rose Bowl Champions for 2005. Young is used to being the underdog and still comes up smelling like a rose-no pun intended. Coach Jeff Fisher wants to avoid another 4-12 season last last year and should think long and hard about using Young's talents. Starter Billy Volek has not had any success since 2004 and injuries have hurt any opportunities that have come his way.

One of the best additions to the receiving corps has been David Givens who came over from the Patriots. That will make 2 big targets that include Drew Bennett. The Titans host the Jets September 10th.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Jake Plummer is no John Elway but he has been steadily improving as the starting quarterback for the Broncos. Now there is a new kid on the block-Jay Cutler-the boy wonder from Vanderbilt. The Broncos were undefeated at home last year in regular season.

The Broncos were 2nd in the NFL for causing turnovers which meant an additional 112 points while only losing the ball 16 times and giving up 27 points. Mike Shanahan continues to do what he does so well-coach. He led the Broncos to a 14-4 w/l lst year. Champ Bailey leads another cast of superstars on the defense returning 2 of his 8 interceptions for touchdowns. With the addition of Javon Walker from the Packers we have a well rounded team. The Broncos start the year off in St.Louis September 10th.

Kansas City Chiefs

It just will not be the same without the emotional Dick Vermeil. His retirement was due but he will be missed especially by QB Trent Green. Even the untimely death of his father last year did not stop Green from fulfilling his commitment to the Chiefs. Vermeil provided that fatherly presence and supported the 33 year old through the rest of the season. The Chiefs racked up an average 10-6 season and new coach Herm Edwards thinks he knows the secret to success. More defense and that clashes with the high scoring Chiefs. It did not seem to work for the Jets last year.

Running backs Johnson and Holmes are two of the best in the NFL. WR Tony Gonzales is the go-to guy. Dante Hall is on reserves but a lethal weapon when he is on the field. A bit of trivia here-the Chiefs have won 8 of their last 9 Sunday night games. The Chiefs host the Bengals for their home opener Sunday September 10th.

Oakland Raiders

When one door closes another door opens-out walks Collins and in walks Aaron Brookes. They still have the hands of Randy Moss and Jerry Porter and the likes of defensive tackle Warren Sapp. After a terrible 4-12 season the Raiders needed a strong quarterback. Brookes was a big part of the 3-13 season the Saints had for 2005. Hurricane Katrina was a big factor with the homeless team and heartaches for many of the players who called New Orleans home. Only time will tell the tale.

A big problem with the Raiders was their penchant for penalties. Without a doubt they led the league in yards penalized. Another problem was they only had 5 interceptions last season. New coach Art Shell hopes to instill discipline where the out-going Norv Turner lacked those skills. The Raiders host the Chargers September 11th.

San Diego Chargers

QB Drew Brees is now playing for the Saints and enter first year starter Phillip Rivers. After a so-so season of 9-7 and a variety of off season changes this will be a wait and see situation. Star running back continues to be LaDainian Tomlinson and his workload will probably increase as Rivers will use the run more than the pass until he gets more cofidence.

The Chargers were # 2 in the NFL when they scored from the red zone. The Chargers host the raiders September 11 in their home opener for 2006.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Big things are expected from Dallas-but again this is Texas. Big names have been signed along with returning stars Bledsoe and Jones. The larger than life Terrell Owens and Mike Vanderjagt are on the same team and great expectations are ready to take place. They are also 2 players with larger than life egos and even bigger mouths. Vandrjagt has been touted as the most accurate kicker in NFL history-and he will tell you so in a heartbeat.

Dallas games will be one of the most watched by TV viewers this season. Freshly drafted Anthony Fasano is the TE from Notre Dame where he excelled game after game. WR Keyshawn Johnson will be missed. Cowboys kick off the season at Jacksonville September 10th.

New York Giants

Delivery,delivery,delivery! Manning needs to kick that up a notch and find his receivers down field. He had a heck of a start in 2005 going 6-2 and then just faded into the sunset-taking the hopes of fans with him. Strahan continues to be strong for the Giants in defense. Tiki barber is a great running back and the Giants still have great receivers like Toomer and Burres and Shockey.

So the Giants open at home to the Colts and Peyton Manning. No pressure-right? New addition to SLB is LeVar Arrintgon from Washington. This has to be a good thing. If he stays healthy the fans in New York will be very happy.

Philadelphia Eagles

Last year the 2 main problems were an injured quarterback and a soft defense. Brian Westbrook is back on the running game and McNabb is back as the leader to take them to the finals-if he stays healthy. Brian Dawkins remains strong in the safety position Jeremiah Trotter is the defense leader back after being away for 2 years.

The Eagles are putting their disappointing 6-10 season behind them and looking to the future. Eagles start their 2006 season in Houston Sept 10th.

Washington Redskins

In 2004 the Skins were 6-10. In 2005 the Skins were 11-7. Coach Joe Gibbs keeps proving the nay sayers wrong.

The Skin's aging quarterback is Mark Brunell who seemed to have lost arm strength towards the end of the playoffs. He also is not as quick on his feet as he used to be. Concerns maybe-doubts never. Joe still has one of the best running backs in the NFL with Clinton Portis. He is also a dependable receiver when needed.

WR Santana Moss is one of the league's fastest receivers. Now he is joined by Randle El formerly of the Steelers who also does great punt returns. The Redskins host the Vikings September 10th.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Another team that has great expectations is the Bears. A respectable 11-6 season under the guide of Lovie Smith and quarterback Rex Grossman. This year they have veteran backup Brian Griese for added insurance. Last year RB Thomas Jones rushed for 1335 yards and kept the Bears in the game more often than not, Receivers look to be sparse in the talent department

Ageless Brian Urlacher has been the mainstay for the Bears for all the years he has been there. As MLB he has never waivered in his commitment to Chicago. Chicago's defense was first in the NFL on points allowed last year. The Bears open their season in Green Bay September 10th.

Detroit Lions

No more new age west-coast pampering of players like ex-coach Mariucci did. It is all business under new coach Marinelli. Both Italian-go figure. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz(formerly of the Rams) wants to implement the hard driving game plan he had in St. Louis. the problem here is quarterbacks or rather lack of quality quarterbacks. We have Jon Kitna of the Bengals who has not tossed a touchdown since 2004. Josh McCown, formerly of Arizona, is the backup guy trying to impress the coach. This remains to be worked out yet.

The Lions were only able to muster 5 wins of 16 starts last year. The one claim to fame the Lions do have is they are second best in blocked kicks and the best at not making fumbles. Detroit hosts Seattle Sept 10th.

Green Bay Packers

Brett Favre feels like a family memeber. His personal life is almost an open book and fans respect him probably more than any quarterback today. Some say he should retire but he is the one to make that decision and has said he will go one more year at least.Running back Gado is the cinderella story of the year. Ahman Green goes down with an injury and in comes the back up. Now, after a knee injury ended his 2005 season ,Gado is back to 3rd string because Green is healthy and ready to resume his #1 spot.

Fairly or unfairly Mike Sherman was blamed for the 4-12 season and turfed. New coach McCarthy has no experience as a head coach and will be learning as he goes along. New addition WR Charles Woodson will be a big help to Donald Driver who had most of the receiving tasks. Number 1 draft choice was LB A.J.Hawk of powerhouse Ohio State. Should be a beefed up defense with his skills. The Packers host the Bears September 10th.

Minnesota Vikings

We will not harp on the "boat scandal" that was a big factor for the Vikings public relations staff. Culpepper was doing what he could without Randy Moss to throw to when he got hurt mid season and Brad Johnson took over. They ended with a 9-7 season and coach Mike Tice hit the road for Detroit.

New coach Brad Childress is new to the NFL as are all 3 of his coordinators. More revamping than rebuilding will be needed to keep the Vikings in the hunt. Regular season starts for Minnesota in Washington September 11th.

Gale Scheelar is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at [http://www.procappers.com/Gale_Scheelar.htm]

WR Rankings

Tier 1

1. Chad Johnson(Bengals)

-Ocho Cinco once again had a brilliant season in 2006 as he caught 87 passes for 7 TD's. His rapport with QB Carson Palmer is a thing of beauty and they should continue to produce more of the same in 2007. The emergence of WR TJ Houshmanzadeh last year should also help Johnson in that he will mainly see one-on-one coverage. Draft the biggest sure-thing fantasy WR.

2. Steve Smith(Panthers)

-Carolina's emotional star WR recorded numbers that were a drop-off from his ridiculous 2005 season due to a hamstring injury that caused him to miss two games and affected his running ability for the entire first half of the year. Now fully healthy, Smith is in line to have a very big year once again. Favorite QB Jake Delhomme also is healthy heading into training camp and thus a season of at least 90 catches with 8 scores is a lock. Wouldn't quibble if you picked him over Johnson.

3. Torry Holt(Rams)

-your truly has owned Holt for the last four seasons and he is as big a reason as any that I have enjoyed great success in this game. The best route-runner in the game, Holt combines sprinters speed and soft hands to habitually turn out 90 catch, 8 TD seasons. Off-season surgery on his knee confirms that he isn't as young as he used to be but count on another two years of top player out of Marc Bulger's favorite target. Second round or very beginning of third round is where he will be chosen, hopefully by you.

4. Marvin Harrison(Colts)

-the ageless wonder turned in an incredible 2006 season, hauling in 93 passes with 10 scores at an age(35) where many receivers have started to decline. Of course you can't ignore Harrison's age when deciding whether to draft him or not but until he proves otherwise, then you would be foolish to pass on him. The chemistry he has with QB Peyton Manning is possibly the greatest passing show in NFL history and I believe Harrison will put up around the same numbers he did last season. In other words, he is a player you want to own.

5. Larry Fitzgerald(Cardinals)

-Fitzgerald took a little bobble in his development last season as his 69 catches and 6 TD's were not what fantasy owners expected after his breakout 2005 season. However injuries were the main cause of the diminished production and I look for Fitzgerald to have a big year as he builds his rapport with QB Matt Leinart. The presence of fellow Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin will allow Larry to get single coverage and at his size, he should have no trouble getting open and piling up the catches. While Boldin may have slightly more catches, Fitzgerald is the one who will grab the more TD's which in fantasy is the name of the game when it comes to scoring points. Draft him by the end of round 3 or if your lucky the top of round 4.

6. Terrell Owens(Cowboys)

-no one at the WR position will give fantasy owners more stress when it comes to deciding whether to draft him or not than Dallas' mercurial, moody pass catcher. There is no doubt that when healthy and he has his head on right, Owens can flat out dominate a game. He proved that once again in a comeback season(85 catches, 13 TD's) of sorts after the controversy/injury filled ending to his tenure in Philadelphia. Despite more than occasional drops, Owens is the best source out there for catching TD's and for boorish behavior. So if you plan on drafting him, just be prepared for both.

7. Reggie Wayne(Colts)

-once again taking a giant step forward in his development, Reggie Wayne is almost running neck-and-neck now with counterpart Marvin Harrison in the value department. Despite still being considered the number two wideout in Indy, Wayne's 86 catches and 9 TD's were numbers indicative of a true number 1 receiver. Smack dab in his prime at the age of 28, this could be the year Wayne takes the mantle of top dog in the WR hierarchy. Make sure you get this guy. I certainly will.

8. Anquan Boldin(Cardinals)

-the other half of Arizona's stud WR duo, Boldin once again was the go to guy in the passing game as far as total receptions are concerned(83 to Larry Fitzgerald's 69). Boldin will continue to pile up the catches and is thus extremely valuable in point/reception leagues. His lack of top-notch speed has proven to be a non-hindrance and he is ability to run crisp routes will ensure a solid season. Only negative is the fact he is not as big a TD producer as Arizona will look to the much larger Fitzgerald in the red zone. Solid weekly performer will be a great number 2 receiver.

9. Roy Williams(Lions)

-after injuries impacted his production his first two seasons, Roy Williams put it all together in 2006 as he recorded a career-high 82 receptions with 7 TD's. Williams has incredible size for his position and will win most one-on-one battles so an increase in TD's is more than likely. The drafting of WR Calvin Johnson will take away most of the double teams he faced last season and thus also has a chance to reach the 90-catch plateau. Draft him for a potentially larger breakout season than the year before. Also don't be afraid to reach for him as he could put up number one WR numbers.

10. Donald Driver(Packers)

-Brett Favre's favorite target is in line for another great season as Green Bay tries to venture into the playoffs for possibly the last time with their Hall of Fame QB. Driver has made a nice career for himself despite not having top-notch speed and due to the fact Green Bay lacks another WR of Donald's ability, another 90 catch season is very possible. Although you would like to see him score more than the 7 TD's he recorded last season, those in point/reception leagues will especially value the fact that Favre will look to him first on every pass he goes back to throw. Draft him around the 5th round and you have yourself a top number two wideout. One of my favorite receiving options to draft.

11. Javon Walker(Broncos)

-it was a comeback season of sorts in 2006 for Javon Walker after missing almost the entire 2005 season with an injured knee. The great speed and ability to make the deep catch were all still a part of his repertoire and thus all the fears were alleviated about whether he could be the same player he was before he got hurt. There will be some growing pains for sure as second-year QB Jay Cutler will struggle some in his first year as a starter but already Walker is his favorite target when going back to pass. If you're looking for a 90-catch guy, that Walker is not your man. Denver is a run-oriented offense and so reasonable expectations center on around 75 catches, although he will pile up the yardage and is a better than-average TD source. So overall Walker is a solid number 2 WR you should feel comfortable drafting.

12. Lee Evans(Bills)

-Evans rose to stardom in 2006 with an 82 catch, 8 TD breakout. Probably the biggest home run threat in all of football, Evans had an absolutely incredible 265-yard performance in a win over the Houston Texans. The improvement of QB JP Losman further legitimizes Evans' long-term potential to succeed and I believe he could make an even bigger leap into maybe even top five status this coming season. If you're going to reach for one WR in your draft, be sure to make it this guy.

13. Andre Johnson(Texans)

-Johnson is an interesting option in fantasy circles for a number of reasons. No one doubts his ability as he led the NFL in pass receptions last season(alarm sounding point/reception players). Awesome as that total is, the only problem is that they resulted in only 5 TD's for 1,147 yards. To put it in perspective, Lee Evans of Buffalo piled up 150 more yards with 21 fewer receptions, while scoring 3 more TD's. So my point in all this is the fact that Johnson will indeed pile up receptions as he is the only legitimate top-notch receiving option on the Texan roster and if you're in the point/reception leagues, then feel free to draft him as high as round 3. Otherwise, expect a repeat in his 2006 numbers which may not yield enough points to make him worth the effort in TD heavy leagues.

14. Marques Colston(Saints)

-call me naïve, but I still need to see more before I jump on the Marques Colston bandwagon. Sure his performance last season(70 catches, 8 TD's) was truly one of the biggest out-of-nowhere breakouts in NFL history. Is it possible Colston is the biggest "Rudy" in NFL history or is he another Michael Clayton waiting to happen? I think the answer falls somewhere in between and I believe there are much safer options to choose from than Colston. Let's see him have another 2006 season before he gains our fantasy respect.

15. TJ Houshmandzadeh(Bengals)

-the other half of the Cincinnati aerial assault, Housmandzadeh showed the NFL world he was much more than a possession receiver as he out-caught his more-hyped teammate Chad Johnson(90 catches to 87). He also recorded 9 TD's to Johnson's 7. Although I believe those numbers will reverse themselves this season due to more defensive attention devoted to TJ, I still believe he can have a great season. I expect a slight decrease in his receptions(80 sounds about right) with around 7-9 TD's. Sounds like a nice pickup to me. If you drafted Chad Johnson, reach for this guy so you can feel cool that you have them both! ?

16. Darrell Jackson(49ers)

-it was an up-and-down 2006 season for Darrell Jackson as his 10 TD's were a nice bonus for fantasy owners but his 63 receptions were a disappointment. Much of the latter had to do with an injured toe that made him miss the last three games of the regular season. It seemed the Seahawks were fed up with Jackson's injuries as they allowed him to skip over to division rival San Francisco where he instantly becomes QB Alex Smith's top weapon. If he can manage to stay healthy, the still young Jackson(age 28) could have a bounce back season that includes his customary 80-plus receptions and 8-10 scores. Don't be afraid to draft him but just know he tends to always miss a game or two during the year.

17. Randy Moss(Patriots)

-the biggest NFL off-season transaction without a doubt was the gutsy call by NE to trade for mercurial receiver Randy Moss. Once the top dog at his position while with Minnesota, the star dimmed considerable on Moss during two mostly turbulent, ineffective seasons with the Oakland Raiders. Moss' petulance wore thin in the locker room and pretty soon it was apparent he was only giving half effort towards the end of last season. Now with a golden opportunity to get his big-play name back with perennial contender NE, look for Moss to be on his best behavior as he tries to coexist with the drill sergeant ways of coach Bill Belichick. Although I believe Moss' days of catching 100 passes and 12-15 TD's are long gone, I believe he still can be a big-time player with around 80 catches for 10 scores sounding about right. Of course this situation bears watching since NE traditionally spreads the balls around which may not please the greedy Moss. However I don't believe Randy will blow this opportunity to win the ring he so desperately craves. Draft him as long as you expect him to perform like a number 2 receiver instead of the 1 he used to be. Be prepared with a good backup in case he finds trouble however. Will sink or swim for you so get ready for the roller coaster ride.

18. Plaxico Burress(Giants)

-New York's big-play wideout had another good but not great season in 2006 as he scored his customary better-than-average TD's(10), while securing less than big-time reception totals(63). This makes Burress a frustrating player to own as one week he will have an 8-catch, 2 TD day and than follow it up with a 2 catch whitewash. Still in TD stressed leagues, Burress is a decent number 2 option and thus shouldn't be ignored. However try to do better before you decide to take him for your club.

19. Hines Ward(Steelers)

-a less-than stellar 2006 season began whispers that maybe the 31-year-old Ward might have lost a step. The real reason however for the seemingly lackluster totals(74 catches, 6 TD's) was the absence of QB Ben Roesthlisberger for a good portion of the year. Now fully healthy, Big Ben and Ward should be able to rediscover the chemistry they exhibited during 2004 and 2005. Although I don't foresee a blockbuster season ahead, expect Ward to improve both his reception total and TD's in 2007. Draft him as your number 2 receiver and you won't be disappointed.

20. Reggie Brown

-many fantasy owners were predicting a breakout season from Reggie Brown in 2006 but even though it might have happened, the late addition of Donte Stallworth relegated Brown to second-tier status in Philly's WR hierarchy. Now with Stallworth gone, the number 1 job is Brown's to lose. HE still put up respectable numbers last season(46 catches) and displayed a nose for the end zone(8 TD's). With coach Andy Reid historically favoring a pass-heavy offense, it is possible Brown will truly have the breakout year everyone predicted for him with it coming one year later than originally anticipated. Draft him hoping he has that breakout year and serve as your number two wideout.

21. Laveraneous Coles(Jets)

-Coles more than delighted his owners in 2006 as he hauled in a more-than-expected 91 catches and over 1,000 yards. The chemistry he had with QB Chad Pennington before he signed with the free Redskins as a free agent a few years ago was still evident and there is no reason to believe he can't put up similar numbers. When it comes to the TD department however, Coles takes a backseat to his partner Jerricho Cotchery. Coles was never a TD machine to begin with so this shouldn't negatively impact him much for those who are aware of this. You still get a nice package here and you target him as a number 2 receiver.

22. Vincent Jackson(Chargers)

-I may be guilty of over ranking this second-year player but he is 2007 potential is that good. 27 catches in 2006 don't stand out much but the 6 TD's do. With WR Keenan McCardell no longer with the club and Eric Parker being nothing more than a possession receiver, Jackson has a terrific chance of becoming the number one guy for a potentially explosive offense. QB Phillip Rivers will be that much more comfortable behind center in his second year as a starter and the deep bombs the two seemed to routinely connect on late in '06 stand a good chance of becoming a weekly trend. HE may not become a star overnight, but the TD's will cover what he lacks in the reception department. Draft as your number 3 with the potential to be a solid number 2 if things develop correctly.

23. Santana Moss(Redskins)

-after his Pro-Bowl, highlight reel 2005 season, Moss came back down to earth in '06 as he recorded only 55 catches for 6 TD's. Not what fantasy owners were expecting. Moss historically has been very inconsistent with his performances and he will alternate good games with bad ones. His ridiculous speed however will provide many big-play opportunities and thus chances for long scoring receptions. Will serve as a good number 3 wideout so make room for him and hope his Pro Bowl year's alternate.

24. Jerricho Cotchery(Jets)

-what a find this guy was in 2006 as Cotchery exhibited the talent he displayed at Louisville by grabbing 82 passes for 6 TD's. Blessed with better-than-average speed, Cotchery was the big-play threat in New York's passing attack. Heading into 2007, Cotchery has the chance to be even better and wrest the mantle from Laveranues Coles as the top man, if that hasn't happened already. Draft him if he is still available in the middle rounds for possibly a number 2 player.

25. Chris Chambers(Dolphins)

-without a doubt the biggest WR bust in 2006 as Chambers as he went from 82 catches with 10 TD's in 2005 to 59 catches for 4 Td's in 2006. The 677 yards were also unacceptable for a receiver of his ability. Some of that could be blamed on the fact the Dolphins were inept in almost every sense last season and having Joey Harrington as your QB definitely won't help you either. With veteran Trent Green on board, look for Chambers to become his new Tony Gonzalez. I think Chambers will be re-energized to play with someone of Green caliber and thus will lose the concentration lapses that caused him to drop too many easy throws in '06. Look for a rebound here with potential to get back to number 1 status if all goes smoothly. Draft him as a big bounce-back candidate.

26. Deion Branch(Seahawks)

-without a 1,000 receiving season on his resume, Branch is not someone you target until the middle rounds of your draft. In fact I am going to avoid him altogether because his inconsistency will drive a fantasy owner crazy. The former Super Bowl MVP is talented however and he will have the occasional 8-catch, 125 yard day. The problem with Branch is that his lack of height will prevent him from being a dominant wideout week in and week out. A number three wideout.

27. Terry Glenn(Cowboys)

-Glenn proved in 2006 that he is not done yet as his 70 catch, 6 TD season kept him relevant in fantasy terms. His explosive speed is still his main weapon and if he can avoid the nagging injuries that have always seemed to be a problem for him, Glenn could match last season's numbers. Risky pick but he always seems to have decent numbers at the end of the year.

28. Mark Clayton(Ravens)

-Baltimore's best receiving option for 2007 will most likely be TE Todd Heap, by third-year WR Mark Clayton stands a good chance of having a breakout year to give the Ravens a pair of vertical threats. One of the better sleeper candidates overall this preseason, Clayton has the ability and the determination to succeed. Although Baltimore is a run-first offense, look for QB Steve McNair to utilize this deep-ball pass catcher. Draft him for his potentially explosive potential.

29. Braylon Edwards(Browns)

-still waiting for Edwards to fulfill the grandiose expectations he had after being the third overall draft choice in the 2005 draft. Less than ideal workout habits and off-the-field troubles have conspired to prevent Edwards from being the 80-catch, 8 TD receiver everyone envisioned coming out of Michigan. Has tremendous speed with the ability to make the home run catch. The problem here is that weak-armed QB Charlie Frye is expected to be the starter entering the season while rookie Brady Quinn develops. Thus the long-ball will be difficult for Edwards to procure. Draft him for the possible breakout in the magical third season but don't be surprised if he lets you down again.

30. Bernard Berrian(Bears)

-Chicago's deep threat caught 6 TD's and it almost seemed like he had a deep catch just about ever week. With fellow wideout Mushin Muhammud on the downside of his career, Berrian has the chance to grab the majority of the throws from QB Rex Grossman. Will most likely prove on the 51 catches he managed last season and contribute at the very least 5 TD's. Makes a great number 3 receiver as he could ascend to number 2 status by the end of the upcoming season.

The Rest(Third WR's Only)

31. Joe Horn(Falcons)
-once a fantasy star, injuries and age have relegated Joe Horn to third WR status. His 37 catches and 4 TD's in 2006 were about what he would put up in 6 or 7 games while in his prime years so his best days are clearly behind him. He is a solid veteran however who still can make a fantasy contribution to your team so look to him as a third WR.

32. Donte' Stallworth(Patriots)

-Stallworth was looking like he was going to have a breakout 2006 season with the Eagles until more injuries set him back once again. Blessed with top-notch speed and good hands, Stallworth has everything as star WR needs to succeed. However he never can stay healthy which most likely has to do with his slight frame. Now with the NE Patriots, Stallworth is in a crowded receiving conga line with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Kelly Washington so his overall numbers don't stand to improve much from the 38 catches and 5 TD's he recorded in 2006. Draft him since he is playing for pass-happy NE but have good backups ready for when he gets injured once again.

33. Joey Galloway(Buc's)

-one one the NFL's fastest players since entering the league out of Ohio State, Joey Galloway never fully realized the potential many foresaw for him. At the age of 35, Galloway is clearly on the downside of his career but the speed is still there which makes him somewhat appealing. The Buccaneer's QB situation is a mess however and Galloway has never been one to pile up the reception totals in his career. Pass on him unless you really are hurting for a receiver.

34. Kevin Curtis(Eagles)

-after spending some productive years with the Rams, Kevin Curtis heads east to the City Of Brotherly Love. A blue-collar receiver all the way through, Curtis uses what he has to make himself useful. Those tools include good speed with incredible hands. Picture a poor man's Ed McCaffrey who wasn't so bad. A nice player who can contribute for you in a number 3 WR capacity.

35. Greg Jennings(Packers)

-with Donald Driver seemingly being option 1 and 1A for QB Brett Favre when he goes back to throw, many failed to see the decent rookie season put up by Greg Jennings. After making a good impression in training camp, Jennings went on to record 45 catches for 3 TD's which places him in the number 3 WR vicinity. Still has room to improve so make sure you make an effort to draft him towards the end of your draft.

36. Devery Henderson(Saints)

-Henderson is another LSU receiver(read; Michael Clayton) who just hasn't made a good transition to the NFL. Has great speed but always seems to vanish for long periods of time each week. Injuries also a problem for him lately. Pass on him and see if he starts to work out his issues.

37. DJ Hackett(Seahawks)

-with WR Darrell Jackson signing with San Francisco in the off-season, DJ Hackett has a chance to further build off his solid 2006 season. 45 catches and 4 TD's in a crowded receiving corps was more than solid in fact for this youngster and more improvement is expected in 2007. Could be a good number 3 WR but more suited for number 4.

38. Ronald Curry(Raiders)

-despite only recording 1 TD, Ronald Curry had a very good 2006 season for the Oakland Raiders. Grabbing 62 passes for such a pathetic team last year makes his accomplishments much more impressive. With Randy Moss now in NE, the spotlight is all to himself and I expect solid number 3 WR numbers out of him with the chance to move up to number 2 status. If the team wasn't so bad, would have ranked him much higher. Draft him late however and bask in selecting a nice sleeper.

39. Issac Bruce(Rams)

-clearly on the downside of his career, Issac Bruce is still a solid veteran who can help your team in a pinch. One of the better route runners in the league, Bruce habitually finds the open seam in opposing defenses. The days of 90 catches and 8 TD's are long over but 70 and 4 sound reasonable. Draft him as your fourth wideout. Always a good performer in this game.

40. Mushin Muhammud(Bears)

-one the wrong side of his prime, Mushin Muhammud's days as a 10 TD force are over and never will return. HE still is a solid route runner with good hands so he has a place on your bench. Draft him as insurance and that's it.

Don't Draft

41. Derrick Mason(Ravens)

42. Santonio Holmes(Steelers)

43. Eddie Kennison(Chiefs)

44. Brandon Jones(Titans)

45. Amani Toomer(Giants)

46. Reggie Williams(Jaguars)

47. Mike Furrey(Lions)

48. Brandon Marshall(Broncos)

49. Drew Bennett(Rams)

50. Jerry Porter(Raiders)

51. Arnaz Battle(49ers)

52. Hank Baskett(Eagles)

53. Michael Jenkins(Falcons)

54. Marty Booker(Dolphins)

55. Rod Smith(Broncos)

56. Wes Welker(Patriots)

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 Alright, at least the Packers could block the Rams long enough for Aaron Rodgers to complete some passes. The Rams did register two sacks early in the game, but that is all they were able to get. Rodgers actually got a little bit comfortable and was able to throw for a couple of touchdowns. There were some things that I liked about this game, but other things that I did not.

I really liked that the Packers were at least able to do a little something on offense. I only saw a couple of drops. One by Jordy Nelson deep over the middle which was directly followed by the James Jones drop. Nelson's was actually a difficult catch to make, but James Jones' should have been an easy catch.  James Jones stock is definitely dropping in my opinion.  Even though Nelson has not been perfect this year, I would take him any day of the week over James Jones.

There were still a lot of times when our offense was stalling and the blocking was still very suspect.  Only at the end of the game was Grant able to get some running room and actually pick up some yards.  And this is against one of the worst defensive lines in the entire league.  So that is not really very encouraging.

Aaron Rodgers connected on a few deep passes which actually played a large part in the win.  The first of which was to Donald Driver and is by far the best catch of the year for the Packers and possibly of Donald Driver's career.  It was about 50 yards down the field and Driver had to shed off some pass interference to catch the ball with one hand.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  The other two deep passes were to my man Greg Jennings.  They were both really nice passes and moved the Packers into scoring position.

The announcers kept on bringing up that Aaron Rodgers is saying that the Packers need to take more shots down field.  Rodgers did take a lot of deep shots today while only connecting on the three mentioned above.  I like to see that he is intelligently aggressive.  None of the deep balls that he threw were into double coverage, nor were they close to being intercepted.

So with this route of a victory, why exactly am I so worried?  The primary concern that I have is the inflexibility we have on offense.  With the lack of time that Aaron Rodgers is getting, the Packers should be intentionally throwing short quick systematic passes.  Not the deep drops where Rodgers holds on to the ball.

It seems that Rodgers may be getting a little addicted to the big plays.  He needs to focus on getting that ball out of their quickly so that he can live to see another day.  We are playing Minnesota next week and I want Rodgers to survive that game.  In order for him to do so, he is going to have to get rid of that ball a lot faster than he has done in the first three weeks.

The coaches better be screaming at him this week.  If it is not there get rid of the ball quickly.  The Packers will probably lose the game next Monday no matter how many plays Rodgers does or does not make.  It will be far worse lose Rodgers than the game.  He will have to stop focusing on getting big deep plays and just get out of there alive.

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We've all been there, it's the 8th round of your fantasy draft and everyone's waiting. It's your pick and you're feeling the pressure. The player you wanted went to the guy before you and you've been caught off guard. Your fantasy team has the stud running backs and the great quarterback. You're solid at wide receiver (at least you think you are) and the late round sleeper Tight End you've been eye balling is good for a few more rounds. So who's it going be?

Insert the nothing pick.

The nothing pick is the guy you take and regret seconds after announcing his name. He's the guy everyone snickers at, the player that gets a punchline from your friend sitting across the table; he might be a sleeper, but more likely he's a reach.

Everyone loves that feeling of picking the fantasy player that gets the big commotion. The "Oh man, he's still around?" kind of response that puts a smile on your face. There's nothing like seeing your buddy drop the F-Bomb and pound the table. While that feeling is no doubt the highlight of your day, reaching on a player that never does anything for your fantasy team hurts ten times worse.

Selecting productive veteran workhorses is always a smarter pick than looking at the bottom of the page for some rookie that will be great in 2 years. The following are solid mid round players that are lacking the "sexy pick" nametag that add depth to your fantasy team. These players are projected around the 7th and 8th round. They're not superstars, but they'll beef up your depth and have little to zero risk.

WR Kevin Walter - The Texans always seem to get into a shootout with whoever they play. Andre Johnson demands double coverage consistently which allows Walter to find breathing room. Walter is a solid receiver to add to your roster; he can step in at any time for a bye week replacement or fill-in injury spot.
WR Hines Ward - This 33 year old receiver always gets the knock for being risky due to his age. 33 is no spring chicken, but Hines Ward is a magnet for the end zone, and in a bind he will get you some decent yardage. Last year was Hines Ward's first 1000 yard season since 2004.

QB Carson Palmer - It seems like it's been a while since we thought of Carson Palmer as a stud fantasy QB. The Bengals were the doormat of the league for years (some say they still are) and the only bright light was this former USC gunslinger. Palmer was becoming an elite fantasy player before another injury setback last year. With health concerns behind him, the Bengals can finally get back to the high power passing attack from 06-07. Grab some depth at quarterback, you'll thank yourself mid-season.

WR Donald Driver - The Packers are loaded with offensive weapons, which makes Driver a hard player to pick when to start, but regardless of the guessing game he is a 1000 yard WR. While defensive coordinators are scheming for Greg Jennings, Driver can make big catches and is fairly consistent with getting involved in the offense.

RB LenDale White - Would you really be upset with 6 carries for 18 yards and two easy gimme-touchdowns? LenDale White lost a little weight but he still gets the ball where it counts.

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Since 2001 the Green Bay Packers have won fewer games than the previous year. Their alarming slide came to the forefront last season when they finished a paltry 4-12. The team was riddled with injuries and problems. It looked like Brett Favre's last season would be one to forget. However, Favre has decided to come back for a 15th season in 2006. This upcoming season has to be better than 2005, right?

Quarterbacks

Brett Favre is past his prime and clinging onto the glory days gone by. Sure, he still has some gas in the tank, but he commits far too many errors to lead the team anywhere meaningful--like the Super Bowl. What's worse is the fact that the Packers don't have a bona fide replacement for him. Of course, many will say there's just one Favre. Still, the Packers are just average in this category. A QB that throws 29 interceptions and 20 TD's just isn't getting the job done.

Running Backs

Who's going to step up and be the man? Ahman Green is an injury waiting to happen. Last season was cut short--he had 255 yards. If Green is healthy, he should rush for about 1,000 yards. Still, that's only 62.5 yards per game. 2003, when Green rushed for 1,883 yards, was a magical year and not indicative of Green's ability--especially now that he's older. The rushing game for the Packers is just average at best.

Receivers

The receiving tandem is anchored by Donald Driver. Again, question marks abound. If Driver stays healthy, he figures to get about 1,200 yards receiving this season. Aside from Driver, there's a huge gap in the receiving unit. It's Driver and Driver. He's the only reason why the receiving unit gets a grade of average. If he goes down, this unit is well below average.

Defense and Special Teams

The Packers have a lackluster line this season. They picked up DT Ryan Pickett, but they lost Grady Jackson. The best this line can hope for is to make a minor push. The Linebackers are slightly better and could end up being the anchor of the defense if some key players, like A.J. Hawk from Ohio State, step up. To improve the secondary, the Packers sign CB Charles Woodson. He's not a shut down corner by any stretch, but he could give the secondary a small boost. As to the special teams, well, there's not much to talk about. The lone bright spot, Ryan Longwell, has left the team for Minnesota. The special teams unit is below average.

2006 Predication

The Green Bay Packers have a somewhat challenging schedule in 2006. Based on 2005, there are at least 11 games they could lose. Some of their opponents include Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Miami, New England and division foes. It's the last hurrah for Brett Favre. It's very likely that the Packers finish somewhere in the range of 5-11 to 7-9.

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NFC Northern Division:

1) Chicago: da'Bears made the playoffs by breaking out with an 11-6 record last year which was their first winning season since 2001 and figure to battle a now healthy Packer team for the divisional crown this season. In truth these Bears were able to win the divisional crown last year because of the fact that the rest of the division had a very down year as evidenced by GB, Detroit, and Minny combining for a shoddy 18-30 record in 2005. Chicago had a very strong defense last season and good play on that side of the ball will be needed again this year if they want to match last years win total. The Bears have a lot of question marks on an offense that ranked a shoddy 29th overall last year and it starts with QB Rex Grossman's ability to stay off the injury list, as an insurance policy Chicago brought in Brian Griese to back up Grossman. The Bears also have disgruntled RB Thomas to deal with and a possible training camp injury to starting RB Cedric Benson. Projected record: 10-6

**Look to play AGAINST these Bears in their Monday Night game on October 16th at Arizona, the Cards are only the 2nd playoff caliber team the Bears will have faced at this point in the season. Brand new Cardinal Stadium will surely be rocking and rolling since this is the Cards first MNF appearance since 1999, its also nice to know that four of the Bears six losses from a year ago occurred when playing on the road.

2) Green Bay: Never mind the fact that QB Brett Favre finished last year ranked a very shoddy 14th out of 16 starting NFC Quarterbacks in terms of QB rating and threw an eye opening 29 interceptions against 20 TD's, they begged him to come back, instead the blame was placed solely on HC Mike Sherman. The Packer organization fired HC Mike Sherman for having a 4-12 season last year after he had posted winning seasons in each of his first five years in Packer land and had made the playoffs in each of the four seasons prior to last year. The truth of the matter is that GB suffered serious injuries to key players on both sides of the ball last year and especially on offense where virtually every starting skill position had players succumb to injury except for QB Brett Favre and WR Donald Driver. In Sherman's place the Packers hired first time HC Mike McCarthy who will look like a genius in winning 10 or 11 games this year, all because the Packers will be healthy once again and were able to pick high in the draft which allowed them to snag linebacker A.J. Hawk with the 5th overall selection, the free agent signing of CB Charles Woodson should shore up the Packer defensive secondary as well. Projected record: 10-6

**Look to play ON these Packers in their October 8th home game against the visiting Rams, St Louis will be playing on the road for the 3rd time in a 4 week span and has a divisional battle versus Seattle on deck, meanwhile, according to the ole history book GB is a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games against NFC West teams.

3) Minnesota: These Vikings are one of three teams in this division to bring in a new first time head coach to take the helm with the hiring of HC Brad Childress. The Vikes have won 9 games each of the past three seasons which is really a middle of the road kind of performance, not bad enough to garner top draft picking and not good enough to consistently make the playoffs, hence the reason for HC Mike Tice's firing (finally!!). For a second straight year the Vikings let a franchaise player get away with the loss of QB Duante Culpepper to Miami and will start 38 year old journeyman QB Brad Johnson who played very well for the Vikes during the second half of last season following Culpepper's knee injury. Minny had a terrible draft and really didn't help themselves much in free agency other than the acquisition of RB Chester Taylor and LG Steve Hutchinson to bolster the running game. The Vikes are an aging team with a new first time HC who is installing all new schemes and it adds up to a sub par season. Projected record: 6-10

**Look to play ON these Vikings when they visit Buffalo on October 1st, the Bills will be coming off three straight divisional games and thus will experience a natural let down in this situation, Minny will probably be getting a couple of points and its nice to know that Minny has covered 4 of their last 5 games ATS following a game against the hated Bears.

4) Detroit: What is up with this Lion organization, when are they going to wake up and get rid of GM Matt Millen? Millen was nothing more than a former player who had a broad casting gig with Fox Sports, he had no coaching experience at all nor did he have any front office experience. Yet Millen was hired to assume the GM Duties following the Lions 9-7 season in 2000. Since Millen's arrival in Detroit the Lions have not had a winning season nor have they won more than 6 games in any single year over the past five seasons under his guidance. Its head shaking stuff that in Millen's five years in Detroit the Lions have posted a shoddy combined mark of 21-59 and yet he is still the GM! This year the Lions will start their 3rd head coach since Millen took over, this time around they start a brand new HC that has never held the head position (Rod Marinelli). In the big picture these Lions have a brand new first time HC, they have the "mad bomber" Mike Martz installing his complicated offense, they have a new QB under center, and they have a losing mentality to overcome, add it all up and it equals yet another losing year for the Lion faithful. Projected record: 4-12

**Look to play the UNDER when Detroit visits St Louis on October 1st, both teams are in transition with new first time HC's who want to control the game's tempo by using the running game, meanwhile, the public will in all likelihood expect a high scoring affair because that is usually what they got in Ram home games.

Jim Campbell runs http://www.FootballForecastor.com which has been an internet based sports handicapping service since 1997, you will be hard pressed to find another handicapper that has had the kind of success Jim has had, over the past eight years he has maintained one of the very best winning percentages of any sports handicapping service.