Jackson Sent Packing By Patriots

The NE Patriots today released WR Chad Jackson thus ending his disappointing career with the team in which he recorded only 13 receptions. Jackson was the teams second round selection in '06 and prior to the signing of Randy Moss was looked upon as the big time WR the Patriots had been looking for. Jackson joins a long list of WR's from Florida that have had stellar careers in college but have failed to meet those expectations in the NFL. Jackson is still a young player that is almost certain of another team signing him

EFF News And Notes

As expected Bengal RB Rudi Johnson has been released from the team making way For Chris Perry and Kenny Watson to assume the position.Johnson is now a FA and will try to hook on with another team.

The Bucs have released former starting QB Chris Simms

It now is official...The Cardinals have named QB Kurt Warner their starter for week 1

The Dolphins have given an extension to RB Ricky Williams and have increased his salary for the '08 season

Texan RB Chris Brown has landed on the D/L with back problems.This is no surprise for Brown who has been injury prone for his entire career. The Texans head into the season with Ahman Green as their starter with Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton also garnering some playing time.

Cowboy Sam Hurd will miss the season opener for Dallas leaving them with only Patrick Crayton and T.O as healthy receivers for week 1. Expect TE Jason Witten to move to the slot position as Dallas Clark does for the Colts.

Noteable NFL Cuts from Saturday:
Joey Harrington(ATL)
Marcus Pollard(ATL)...again
Kenton Keith(IND)
Verand Morency(GB)
Noah Herron(GB)
Ashlie Lelie(SF)
Brooks Bollinger(MINN)
Todd Bouman(JAX)

EFF - NFC/AFC Depth Chart - Updated August 31

EFF - NFC/AFC Depth Chart - Updated August 31

Saints IR WR

The Saints have placed WR Adrian Arrington on the Injured Reserve list, ending his season for 2008.

Panthers Acquire QB

The Panthers have acquired QB from the Dolphins, an early indication that QB Matt Moore is headed for the IR.

Texans Release RB

The Texans have released RB Marcel Shipp.

Jets Waive RB

The Jets have placed RB Jesse Chatman on waivers. He will most likely get a job somewhere soon.

Marshall Wins Appeal

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has won his appeal and will have his suspension reduced to one game.

Johnson Changes Name

Bengals WR Chad Johnson has officially changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco.

2008 AFC/NFC Depth Chart - Updated August 28

2008 AFC/NFC Depth Chart - Updated August 28

Cowboys News

With the reinstatement of CB/KR Pacman Jones, the Cowboys D/ST have received a huge boost.

Ravens QB News

The Ravens have admittied that QB Kyle Boller has a serious shoulder injury, and there are rumblings that he may be headed for the IR. The team signed QB Casey Bramlet, and that may be a sign of the times. Drafters beware !!

Browns WR Notes

The Browns have placed WR Joe Jurevicius on the PUP List, and have placed WR Kevin Kasper on the IR, ending his season for 2008. It looks like WR Travis ilson will be the team's WR3.

Cadillac On PUP List

The Bucs have placed RB Cadillac Williams on the PUP List, and the team will have till Week 9 to decide what to do with him.

Chiefs K Notes

A day after signing him, the Chiefs released K Jay Feely. Ks Connor Barth and Nick Novak are currently fighting for the job of Chiefs PK.

EFF News And Notes

-The NY Jets have released RB Musa Smith

-The Carolina Panthers have signed former Chief WR Samie Parker to a contract in an attempt to add more speed and quickness to their receiving corps

- Jaguar WR Jerry Porter still has not been on a practice field since his June Surgery to repair his hamstring. The jaguars are becoming less and less optimistic that Porter will be available when the season begins and may miss the first 2 or 3 games until he has enough practice time to get acclimated to the Jaguar offense.

EFF News And Notes

- To no ones surprise the Dolphins have named Chad Pennington their starter for the season opener.

- Not so fast in Arizona! Contrary to ESPN reprts the competition for the QB position between Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner is still an open competition according to HC Ken Whisenhunt.The Cardinals so want Matt Leinart to succeed and have a young nucleus of offense stars to build around so Leinart has gotten more chances than he probably deserves. This team so needs a winning season and going by pre-season play Warner should be the starter.

-Colt QB Peyton Manning will participate in his first practice on Tuesday.

Bengals Johnson Shoulder Update

The shoulder injury suffered by Bengal WR Chad Johnson 8 days ago is more serious than first reported. Johnson has a torn labrum in his shoulder which if he decided for surgery would have him miss the entire '08 season. To Johnson's defense he has said he will be on the field for the season opener and that he has been working out with full mobility in the shoulder. This is an injury that will linger for the season and any hit on the shoulder could be cause for concern. In any event to rely on Johnson for an entire season would be an iffy proposition at best.

Raiders WR Injured

Raiders WR Drew Carter has a torn ACL, and will be placed on the injured reserve list.

WR3 For Falcons

WR Harry Douglas has won over the WR3 job for the Falcons.

Taxans WR Injured

Texans WR Harry Williams fractured a vertebrae and will have surgery to repair it. Williams experienced paralysis, but it is believed that he will be able to walk again. His career is most likely over though.

Giant K Tynes Has Knee Problems

Giant K Lawrence Tynes will have surgery to try and figure out what is wrong with his ailing knee. It is believed Tynes hurt the knee slipping on wet grass during practice. In either event the Giants are in need of some insurance in the event that his knee would prevent him from playing for any extent of time.The Giants did sign K John Huston but they may search the waiver wire for other talent. Jay Feely is still available but he was cut by the Giants a couple years back due to his inconsistencies so he already is not a favorite of Tom Coughlin. The chances of him returning to NY would appear to be slim at best

Curtis To Have Surgery

Eagles WR Kevin Curtis is expected to miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia.

Bengals WR Out 6 Weeks

Bengals WR Marcus Maxwell will miss up to 6 weeks with a torm muscle.

New WR2 For Broncos

Broncos WR Eddie Royal apparently has become the team's WR2.

Eagle WR Position Takes Another Hit

Eagle WR Kevin Curtis will undergo a what is being discribed as a sports hernia surgery.While it is not known exactly how much time he will miss early reports have it as significant. Last season was Curtis' best as a pro recording 77 catches for 1077 yards. With teammate a fellow WR Reggie Brown already out with a hamstring injury the WR position is all of a sudden very thin.Rookie DeSean Jackson, Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis are now all that are healthy heading into the start of the season.

Patriots Release TE

The Patriots have released TE Marcus Pollard. It appears as though his career is over.

Falcons Release WR

The Falcons have released WR Joe Horn. It looks like his career is over.

Bears Week 1 QB1

The Bears have announced that QB Kyle Orton is the team's QB1 for Week 1. QB Rex Grossman will be the team's QB2.

Bengals Sign WR

Unbelievable but true, the Bengals have signed WR Chris Henry to a one year contract.

Jets WR Injured

Jets WR David Clowney has a broken collarbone and is in real danger of missing the season.

Texans RB Issues

The Texans have signed RB Marcel Shipp as insurance for RB Ahman Green who might be out for a few weeks. RB Steve Slaton is moving toward a larger role with the team.

Bengals Rookie WRs

With WR Andre Caldwell on crutches with a toe issue, WR Jerome Simpson has moved to the forefront of Bengals rookie WRs with the best chance to play.

EFF News And Notes

- The Cleveland Browns have recently experienced a rash of Staff infections with the most notable being WR Braylon Edwards. Edwards will not play in the 2nd or 3rd pre-season game and be limited or not play at all in the 4th and final pre-season game. The Browns do fully expect Edwards to be on the field for We4ek 1 of the season. With the loss time and lack of practice time Edwards and QB Derek Anderson may have some early season problems until they can work out their timing due to Edwards absence.

- Raven QB troy Smith will start at QB for the Ravens in Week 2 of pre-seaon and be given a long look in the game. With any type of solid performance Smith could earn the inside track to become the teams starter in Week 1

- Titan QB Vince young heard the boo birds last night in their pre-sesaon game. Young completed 4-13 for only 37 yards and looked more like a rookie than a player heading into his 3rd season. Young seems confused into whether to be a pocket passer of the player that is able and most effective when he is given free reigns. Young needs to find his way over the next 2 pore-season games or it could be a repeat of the disappointing offense the Titans had last season.

-It is official...The WR #2 position is wide open in Atlanta. Laurent Robinson whop looked like he had the inside track has struggled while ever inconsistent Michael Jenkins has looked like he should be the starter. Throw in rookie Harry Douglas, who has been the most consistent and also someone who seems to be improving and the team has quite a mess heading into the next 2 pre-season games. While it would be tough to project any of their numbers with a rookie QB likely the starter and this is a situation that should be avoided.

EFF

EFF - Top 10 Players On The Way Down

EFF - Top 10 Players On The Way Down

EFF - Top 10 Players On The Rise

EFF - Top 10 Players On The Rise

Chiefs WR2

Chiefs WR Devard Darling has won the WR2 job for the club.

Giants Sign K

The Giants have signed K Josh Huston, but K Lawrence Tynes' job is safe. He is slightly injured.

Proceed With Caution-Jonathan Stewart

Stewart was drafted with the 13th pick in the first round of the draft but the surgically repaired big toe of Stewart is still causing him some problems. The surgery happened prior to the draft but months later is still is not pain free. While the team is optimistic that Stewart will be an impact player this season Stewart himself has said that the pain in his toe will probably linger for the season. Stewart had been penciled in as the big time back the team has been searching for since Stephen Davis retired so this is not good news for a team that is still built as a power running team. Either way Stewart's draft position and his value is sure to suffer while his counterpart D'Angelo Williams' will surely rise.

EFF News And Notes

- Colt HC Tony Dungy re-iterated that QB Peyton Manning is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and will be the teams starter in Week 1

- Eagle WR Reggie Brown will under go an MRI on his hamstring injury suffered in the teams pre-season games Thursday night. In his absence rookie DeSean Jackson stepped in with 7 receptions for 71 yards and looks to better and better each day. Jackson is making a strong case for a starters position.

- J.T. O'Sullivan will start for the 49ers in their second pre-season game. As amazing as it is overall #! pick QB Alex Smith is in a serious competition with O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill for the starting position.

-Giant WR Plaxico Burress is undergoing numerous treatments of all kinds to get his bum ankle feeling 100%.It is the same ankle that bothered Burress almost the entire '07 season but Burress vows he will be ready to go for the season opener. Burress has limited himself during practice to rest his ankle.

EFF - Top 10 NFL Workhorse RBs

Draft these guys with confidence as they should all have near or over 300 touches in 2008.

EFF - Top 10 NFL Workhorse RBs

Teams Interested In Feely

The Chiefs and Broncos are interested in FA K Jay Feely. He may fit in pretty good with the Chiefs.

Another WR Worth A Sleeper Pick

In deep leagues, a receiver that might score 4-5 TDs this season is Bucs WR Antonio Bryant. He might be worth a late round pick.

Soon To Be Named Starter

Expect Falcons QB Matt Ryan to be named the Week 1 starting QB before the end of camp.

Dolphin Release K

The Miami Dolphins have cut K Jay Feely thus making him an unrestricted FA.It is almost a guarantee that he will be on someones roster for the start of the season. For now dan Carpenter is the leading candidate for the Dolphin K job

Position in Turmoil...Bengal Starting RB

With the first pre-season game in the books The Bengal RB situation was made a little more unclear with the performance of Chris Perry....the steady if not spectacular play of Kenny Watson and the disappointing no show of Rudi Johnson who was held out due to injury (hamstring). It appears to be an open competition due to the remarks made by HC Marvin Lewis on Johnson. Lewis expressed his disappointment about Johnson saying he needs to get out onto the field and work with the first team as much as possible and return to closer to his '06 form rather than his '07.
A look at the contenders:

Rudi Johnson ( 8th season..29 years old)...Johnson will try to make it back from an injury season of '07 but has not gotten off to a favorable start. Johnson is battling a slight hamstring injury and was held out of the teams first pre-season game. During the '04-'06 seasons Johnson averaged @ 350 carries and 12 Tds/ year. Johnson has seen his YPC drop from 4.3 in '05 to just 2.9 last season. Johnson has taken alot of punishment over the last few seasons and the wear could now be showing it effects.

Kenny Watson (8th eason...30 years old) Watson filled in admirably for Johnson last season carrying the ball 178 times for a 4.3 yard average. Although 30 Watson has seen little playing time in his career so his body has taken a less physical toll than other RB's his age. Watson has been nothing more than a career backup his entire career so it is doubtful that he could keep up the production for a full season. Earned playing time with last years performance but would be best suited for brief periods of time rather than carrying the entire load.

Chris Perry (5th season...years old) Perry returned to action after 624 days of recovery time due to a fractured ankle in '06. Perry responded with an impressive pre-season game last night showing no adverse effects in running tough up the middle as well as showing some speed. While all three are relatively the same size, Perry has all the tools to be a full time back as he was during his Michigan career. Perry has been the most impressive RB in camp to date and with a continued strong showing will make a case for playing time of his own.

Final Analysis:
Rudi Johnson will be the teams starter to begin the season but without a fast start could see his playing time being cut into. The Bengals are coming off another disappointing season with the coaching staff and some of its starter on the hot seat to perform. Perry is beginning to work with the first team offense in certain package situation and provides the best combination of bull runner inside but with enough speed to run away from defenders as well. Watson will also get his share of action but is more of a backup rather than starter. Watson has shown his ability to do everything well but does not possess the overall skills to be much more than a situational back. Johnson should not be regarded as the a solid #2 back on fantasy teams as he was in the past and owners should use caution when considering him. The Bengals are in a must win now situation to help forget about player personnel problems off the field as well as meeting some of the high expectations given to them the last few years. The leash will be short for Johnson this season with Perry and Watson both making headway for playing time.

EFF

Seattle WR Lost for 2 Months

Seahawks WR Bobby Engram will be lost for 2 months with a cracked bone in his shoulder. Engram had the best year of his career last season and set a Seattle team record with his 94 catches.

Raven RB McGahee to Have Surgery on Knee

It looks as if Raven RB Willis McGahee will undergo a scope on his knee sometime in the near future. The surgery looks like a maintenance type procedure to clean the knee up of loose tissue . It would be unknown as to whether this would affect his availability heading into the season opener on Sept. 7. If he is unable to go Ray Rice will get the start in his place

Making The Grade :A Look At The Rookie WR

This was a pretty lean year for what we would call an elite receiving class. While there was some talent.no WR was taken in the first round, each has some flaws that need to be worked out before much can be expected. Generally speaking a WR takes 3 years of seasoning before he can become a consistent producer for an offense. That being said below is a look at some WR's that may have some value and may in deeper leagues hold some value.

Top 3

1) Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh Steelers) Sweed, like his predessesor at Texas Roy Williams, is a big and lanky receiver that causes matchup problems in short yardage situations. The Steelers finally have a big target that they have not had since Plaxico Burress left town.Sweed could become a big time producer for the Steelers, especially with the age and recent injury problems of Hines Ward but this year will be have it's up and downs.

2) Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins) The Redskins finally add a big and physical WR to go opposite Santana Moss and slides Antwaan Randle-El to a more comfortable position in the slot. The Redskins needed a bigger WR for short yardage and red zone opportunities so Thomas will get plenty of looks. Like Colt WR Anthony Gonzalez, expect Thomas to become more and more involved as the year rolls on.

3) Donnie Avery (St.Louis Rams) The Rams needed to add speed to the outside and went out and drafted theone of the fastest WR of the draft. Avery is a deep threat at all times and on the turf of St. Louis will be a valuable weapon. With the loss of Isaac Bruce to FA, the recent knee problems of Tory Holt and Drew Bennett being more of a possesion WR Avery is being relied upon heavily to stretch the field and open up some running lanes for Steven Jackson.

Middle Of The Pack

1) Jerome Simpson (Cinncinati Bengals) Whether or not Simpsons productivity at Coastal Carolina will carry over into the NFL he is in an interesting situation. The once deep WR position was suddenly weakened with the release of Chris Henry and the circus saga of Chad Johnson.Simpson is a precise route runner( something palmer and Johnson have had their differences on) and has the body control to shield opposing defenders. Simpson at worst will be the #3 receiver and his play may dictate how the Johnson situation is resolved.

2) Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals) While much was expected of Doucet his senior year at LSU, leg injuries slowed him for much of the season. That being said Doucet will look to inherit the slot receiver position vacated when Bryant Johnson left to FA. Doucet is a solid route runner and a physical player that does not shy away from contact. Without the injury problems Doucet projected as first round talent and it scared alot of teams from him. Doucet is flanked by 2 solid receivers so he should see plenty of single coverage which he should win more often than not.

3) James Hardy (Buffalo Bills) Hardy is tall 6' 6'' lanky receiver being relied upon in short yardage and goal line situations where his height will be a major advantage. Hardy does have adequate speed but will be more of a compliment to Lee Evans rather than the primary target. The Bills have had struggles scoring points in recent years and their carousel at QB over that time will continue to have an adverse effect on the offense. Hardy will show some promise but until the Bills can groom a QB his numbers will be inconsistent at best.

4) DeShaun Jackson ( Philadelphia Eagles) The Eagles gain a potential game breaker they have not had since the loss of Terrel Owens. Smith is a physical receiver for his size (178 lbs.) but also has the speed and quickness to be a threat to go deep as well as over the middle. The Eagles have gotten the most at their WR position and McNabb seems to excel without that true #1 WR.That may be the biggest hinerance in Jacksons developement: the lack of a true #1 wideout Jackson may have to accelerate his developementand become the Eagles leader on the outside. Jackson will added to the mix early and could become the Eagles #1 wideout by seasons end.

5) Eddie Royal (Denver Broncos) With the loss of Javon Walker and his big play ability as well as the suspension of Brandon Marshall and all of a sudden the Bronco offense looks void of big plays. Royal is a speed receiver that has the ability to get behind opposing defenses with relative ease. The Broncos like to stretch the field so this is a good fit for Royal to succeed. Royal also should be a boost to the Bronco DEF/SPT because of his punt returning skills.

Don't Expect Much

1) Mario Manningham (NY Giants) While Manningham has a solid career at Michigan he will be lost in the shuffle in NY. Manningham looses concentration when he's not involved in the offense and with Steve Smith and Plaxico Burress as the incumbent starters he won't see the ball as much as he would like. For Manningham to become a productive player he must become more focused and stay in plays even if they aren't designed for him.

2) Ahman Shields (Oakland Raiders) The Raiders and Al Davis live by the vertical threat and Shields is the next in line for that position. The Raiders had a difficult time scoring TD's in part because of the relliance on the running game and their inability to get large chunks of yardage from their passing game. With 2nd year QB JaMarcus Russell the teams starter this could be another long year for the Raider offense. Once again the Raiders will be a run the ball team' especially with the drafting of Darren McFadden, so their passing game should not be looked upon as a strength.

3) Earl Bennett (Chicago Bears) With bernard Berrian lost to the Vikings the Bears WR position is void of a true #1 receiver. Bennett did have a solid career playing at Vanderbilt but the play,or lack thereof, of their QB position makes the Bear WR position a reach at best.

4) Harry Douglas (Atlanta Falcons) While the Falcons will show improvement from last season this team will struggle in '08. Rookie QB Matt Ryan will suffer from growing pains but the Falcons needed to address the WR position for youth from the aging Brian Finneran and old Joe Horn. Douglas will get his chance to earn the #2 WR behind Roddy White and could be more valuable next season rather than '08.

EFF

Expect These Two Guys To Skyrocket This Week

After impressive first weeks, expect Titans RB Chris Johnson and Falcons QB Matt Ryan to go higher than expected in drafts this week.

Broncos WR News

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall is suspended. The starters are currently WRs Keary Colbert and Eddie Royal. WR Brandon Stokley is WR3 and WR Darrell Jackson is WR4. Royal is the sleeper out of this bunch and could be a great pick late in drafts.

Texans Waive RB

The Texans have placed RB Mike Bell on waivers. His career looks to be over.

Raiders Sign K

The Raiders have signed K Aaron Elling, as insurance to K Sebastian Janikowski.

Dolphins Sign QB

The Dolphins have signed QB Chad Pennington to a 2 year contract. He is expected to be at least a QB2 for the Fins.

Steelers QB Injured

Steelers QB Charlie Batch is out for an indefinite period due to a broken collarbone.

Lions K News

The Lions have signed K Dave Rayner as insurance that K Jason Hanson may be out a bit longer due to a hip flexor.

Steelers To Sign 2 QBs

The Steelers are expected to sign QBs Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich to compete for one job as a QB2 or 3.

Making The Grade: What To Expect From The Rookie RB

While there were 27 RB's selected in this years draft no all will have an impact. Here's a look at 13 that may have an impact:

These Guys are Studs!

1) Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) The Raiders will look for an immediate impact from McFadden as he will head into the season as the teams featured RB. With inexperienced JaMarcus Russell at QB the Raiders will run the ball more than most and with the success of Justin Fargas last season run blocking is something this team does extremely well.The Raiders are hoping for an Adrian Peterson type impact from McFadden. Peterson and Fargas may split carries at the start of the season but the Raiders did not draft McFadden to be part of a two back system.

2) Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) Like the guy he replaced at Oregon,Steven Jackson, Stewart is probably the most ready back in this years draft. Stewart not only is a power back but also has the speed for many long gains. Along with his pass catching abilities and Stewart is head and shoulders above all other RB's on the Panther roster. Stewart may be the best back in the draft and would be a solid #2 RB on fantasy rosters.

A Notch Below

1) Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) Smith was a first round talent that slipped to round 3 due to off field problems. Smith is a tough inside runner that will be more reliable than former RB Kevin Jones. Smith will eventually be the teams starter and will be the primary back in goal line situations. The Lions will take less chances on offense this which should be a good sign for Smith and the running game.

2) Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) The Cowboys are still not convinced that Marion Barber can be an every down type of back so there will be carries available for Jones especially with the loss in FA of Julius Jones. Jones is big and powerful and should be able to spell Barber for periods of time to keep him fresh for the entire season.

3) Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) Forte put up huge numbers at Tulane and whether or not that translates to the NFL is the question. Forte has the speed to run inside as well as the power to also be effective in short yardage situations. Cedric Benson proved to be a complete bust as he often shied away from contact something Forte will embrace. Forte has the inside track to the Bears primary back but Adrian Peterson is a favorite of HC Lovie Smith.This could be a 2 back system for much of the year depending on any early season success the Bears offense may have.

These Guys Could Surprise:

1) Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) Slaton could be the surprise of the draft class due to the injury problems that always seem to follow Ahman Green. Slaton is strictly a speed back and will due the majority of his running to the outside where he could pull away for some huge gains. With his speed Slaton could also see some time at WR looking for a mismatch against opposing LB's.

2) Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) With the loss of Chris Brown,Johnson could emerge as a perfect compliment to Lendale White as the speed back. The Titans rely on the run more than any other team coupled with the inconsistent Vince Young so there could be playing time for Johnson.

3) Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) Willie Parker is still the #1 man in Steeler land but Mendenhall could finally be a back that the Steelers could use to spell Parker for longer periods of time.Mendenhall will be especially valuable in short yardage situations and may take some short TD runs away from Parker.

4) Jacob Hester (San Diego Chargers) With Michael Turner now in Atlanta, Hester now steps in as LT's primary backup. Hester has the same build as Turner and will be used much in the same way as Turner was. With LT starting to creep up there in age could this be the season that he is protected a little more in short yardage and goal line situations?

Don't Expect Much:

1) Mike Hart (Indianapolis Colts) Joseph Addai is the teams starter for the forseeable future so barring any injury Hart will be a backup with little value at best. A tough pill to swallow for a player that had the type of college career as hart did while at Michigan.

2) Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) Another player that had an exceptional career while at Rutgers Rice lacks the all around speed to be any more than a backup to Willis Mcgahee.

3)Jamal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) The Chiefs will struggle to score points and until they prove they can through the ball Larry Johnson could also be in for a tough year.Kolby Smith showed flashes last season filling in for Johnson but the competition is open between Smith and Charles for that position.

4) Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) With the release of Marcel Shipp, Hightower has more value now than he did 10 days ago. Hightower and JJ Arrington will now compete for the backup role to Edgerrin James. Arrington has been a disappointment his entire career so look for Hightower winning that position.

EFF

Broncos RB Injured

Broncos RB Ryan Torain will miss 2-3 months with a broken elbow. This opens the door for RB Michael Pittman to move back to tailback.

49ers QB1 For Week 1 Preseason

The 49ers will start QB JT O'Sullivan in their first pre season game.

EFF Breaking News - Favre Traded

Packers QB Brett Favre has been traded to the Jets, not the Bucs as was previously thought. No terms are known yet, but it looks like the end of the road for Jets QB Chad Pennington, who will most likely find work in the NFL soon.

Another RB Worth A Sleeper Pick

If drafting in a deep league, a good sleeper pick in the later rounds just might be Bears RB Kevin Jones.

Steelers Goal Line RB

Of course nobody knows what will happen in the regular season, but as of now it looks like RB Willie Parker will be the team's Goal Line RB, boosting his fantasy value.

A Decent Late Round Sleeper

If drafting in a 12 team or more league, or a draft with a lot of rounds, a player who has some good upside is RB Pierre Thomas of the Saints. With RB Deuce McAllister not expected to have much fantasy value this year, Thomas may emerge as the team's RB2 behind RB1 Reggie Bush.

Broncos WR News

The Broncos have to deal with WR Brandon Marshall's three game suspension, which was made official. WR Darrell Jackson will be the team's WR1 in Marshall's absence, and either WR Keary Colbert or WR Eddie Royal will be the WR2. One has to believe that Colbert will win the WR2 job with Royal working out of the slot.

Texans RB1 For P1

The Texans will start RB Ahman Green in their 1st pre season game. He will probably not play much as the Texans will try and keep him healthy this year.

Bears Starting QB

The Bears will start QB Kyle Orton in their 1st pre season game. Nobody should draft either he or QB Rex Grossman except in large leagues or if injuries hit your fantasy team.

EFF Breaking News - Favre To Be Dealt

It looks like Packers QB Brett Favre will be dealt to the Buccaneers as early as Wednesday. Favre gave an OK for a trade to the Bucs.

This Years Wes Welker?

Last year proved that under the right circumstances a relatively unheralded WR can turn into an ALL-PRO as Patriot Wes Welker proved. Is there a Wes Welker in this years fantasy? Here are 3 WR's to watch and could hold enormous value late in rounds:

1) Anthony Gonzalez (Colts)....If the Patriot blueprint is the standard than Gonzalez holds the most upside. Like the Patriots the Colts have a dominating QB, at least one bonafide big time threat on the outside, a solid running game and a TE who cannot be overlooked. It took Gonzalez a few games to adjust to the pro game but gained more and more confidence as the year went on finishing with 37-576. Entering his second season Gonzalezs' numbers should have a huge increase and be a solid late round pick.

2) Kevin Walter (Texans)....While injuries to starters Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will dictate his numbers,Walter has 2 years under the Kubiak system so much can be expected heading into year 3. Walter set career highs last season,65-800-12.3, and seemed to be a perfect fit in the Kubiak system. While their running game may be a question(keep an eye on Steve Slaton) the Texans do have speed on the outside with Johnson and Andre Davis a solid up and coming TE in Owen Daniels and a QB in Schaub that does understand where the ball should go. The Texans made a push for the playoffs last season so on a up and coming team Walter will have an impact.

3) Bobby Wade (Vikings)...Wade be a reach due to the the inconsistent play of QB Tavaris Jackson but even with that Wade had his best year of his career last season(54-647-3). The Adrian Peterson factor and how he alters defenses help wade and the passing game and along with the signing of Bernard Berrian clarify exactly what is expected of the WR's. While the weakest of the TE's ,Visanthe Shiancoe, their running game more than makes up for any deficiencies he may have. Wade looks like a younger Bobby Engram with his ability for 3rd down receptions and hands that don't drop may balls. If this team is to make that next step the passing game needs to be involved more than last season and Wade could become an 80-90 reception player.

Broncos WR News

Broncos WR Brandon Marshall has been reportedly suspended for 2 or 3 games this season, dropping him a notch or two on most all cheat sheets.

A Guy Worth Drafting

WR Ted Ginn of the Dolphins is currently WR1, and top on the punt and kickoff return depth charts, making him quite valuable, and possibly pushing the Dolphins D/ST up a notch or two.

Bengals Waive RB

The Bengals have released injured RB Keny Irons.

Broncos RB2

Broncos RB2 is currently Andre Hall, behind Selvin Young.

Cardinals Release RB

The Cardinals have released RB Marcel Shipp, moving RB Tim Hightower up the depth chart.

Favre News

Packers QB Brett Favre has reported to camp, and now he is unlikely to be traded.

Shipp Sails In Arizona

In a surprise move the Cardinals have released RB Marcel Shipp and barring any waiver wire moves have promoted disappointing JJ Arrington to the backup to Edgerrin James

Grant Signs

Packers RB Ryan Grant has signed a contract extension, and should be drafted as a Top 15 RB.

Welker News

Patriots WR Wes Welker has been removed from the PUP list, and will be back at full strength and worthy of a Top 20 WR status.

Favre News

It looks like QB Brett Favre will be in Packers uniform on Monday, andbe in an immediate competition with QB Aarpn Rodgers for the team's QB1 position.

Another WR To Steer Clear Of

Be wary of Raiders WR Javon Walker, who is less than spectacular in camp thusfar, and is considering retirement. Drafters should not even think of selecting him before the 10th or 11th round.

Buyer Beware On This WR

Be careful if you draft Panthers WR Steve Smith, as he has been suspended for two games by the team for team misconduct.

Seahawks WR3?

As of right now, it looks like WR Ben Obomanu will be the Seahawks WR3 this season. His competition should come from WR Courtney Taylor.