Post Pre-Season Week 1: Yikes.

We have reached the midway point of "FFDM," or what I have come to deem August as Fantasy Football Draft Month, with some of us have completing at least one draft, I am urging all of you hardcore footballers and casual players alike to do your homework! If you are currently a student in high school, college, post grad, technical school, etc, I apologize for the extra burden but to be successful in Fantasy Football, you must research as much as possible. Now I know all of us do not know when an injury is going to occur to a star player or even a 3rd string QB, but we must be prepared for any and all injuries and use our instincts when drafting(Madden curse anyone?) the best players for our teams. After 1 week of preseason games, the injuries popped up like your ex-girlfriend did the last 6 times you went out on the town. To avoid such situations, I implore you to check the latest injury ticker. And to avoid seeing your ex? Well, maybe you should try a different hangout, not the one you took her to every Sunday for the game. Just a thought.


Preseason Week 1 is in the books. The regular stars played like stars. Some backups shined and upped the ante on winning a roster spot. Others, not so much. One thing is for certain, it did seem many more injuries occured in this first preseason week than in years past, if my memory serves me correctly. Ben Tate, the Houston Texans' 2nd round draft pick this season, was lost for the season. Eli Manning, though not predicted to miss any games in the regular season, received 12 stitches in his head after Monday night's Giants victory to christen their new stadium. Uncertainty defintely seems to be the trend or better yet the word to describe the start of this season. Knowing what I know now, Eli Manning, Ben Tate, Stafon Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Torry Holt and Limas Sweed will be near the bottom of my radar. Larry Fitzgerald should be okay by the start of the season but when a Top Tier WR injures a knee, it's a cause for concern. Continue keeping your eye on his progress, should you want to draft him higher than the 4th round.




Before I wrap this up, I have assembled an UPDATED "Top 5" of each position in standard Fantasy Leagues(QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF). Feel free to consult this list come draft day.


TOP 5 QB's



Peyton Manning-Colts: Still the model QB.
Drew Brees-Saints: Throw 1st, answer questions later.
Aaron Rodgers-Packers: Gunslinger extraordinaire.
Philip Rivers-Chargers: Who will he be throwing to this year?
Tom Brady-Patriots: We all wonder if the knee will hold up.....again.



TOP 5 RB's



Chris Johnson-Titans: HIS nickname should be the "Freak."
Adrian Peterson-Vikings: All Day will have to run all game with the loss of Chester Taylor.
Maurice Jones-Drew-Jaguars: "Little Bruiser" will once again dominate the AFC South.
Steven Jackson-Rams: He IS the Rams offense.
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart-Panthers: This combo was unstoppable last season, both averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.





Top 5 WR's



Andre Johnson-Texans: Schaub needs to throw his way more often in the red zone.
Larry Fitzgerald-Cardinals: Combo of size/speed makes him more dangerous each year.
Calvin Johnson-Lions: "Megatron" should have an outstanding year, pending Matthew Stafford's health.
Reggie Wayne-Colts: He has the best QB throwing his way each game.
Roddy White-Falcons: Continues to grow alongside Matt Ryan and establishing a positive rapport with him.





Top 5 TE's



Dallas Clark-Colts: Just like Reggie Wayne, his QB makes him better.
Jason Witten-Cowboys: Tough, physical and fights for yards. Always seems to be wide open.
Antonio Gates-Chargers: In the perfect offense for a guy who can block and catch.
Vernon Davis-49ers: Stepped up last year and has bigger expectations in 2010.
Brent Celek-Eagles: With McNabb gone, Eagles will look to Celek more often.





Top 5 K's



Nate Kaeding-Chargers: Kicks in warm weather and for a high-powered offense.
Rob Bironas-Titans: Big leg. Made 5 field goals of 50+ yards. Not to mention, accurate.
Ryan Longwell-Vikings: Gets a boost for kicking indoors half the season.
Mason Crosby-Packers: This kid has a strong and accurate leg. But Lambeau can be tricky in winter.
Stephen Gostkowski-Patriots: The Patriots score a bunch so G-Man kicks a lot.





Top 5 DEF



New York Jets- Have to mention Darrelle Revis. There. Did it. Now stop holding out.
Baltimore Ravens- Getting older before getting younger but these guys can still play.
Green Bay Packers- 30 INT's is a disgustingly good stat in the takeaway category.
Cincinnati Bengals- Who knew?
Minnesota Vikings- Those big run stoppers have no suspensions this season....so far.





Remember to check back each week to find these useful tips: Who to Start, Who to Bench, Sleeper Pick of the Week and my Game of the Week prediction for those who play in Pick 'Em leagues.





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