Fantasy Football Draft Guide

Fantasy Football Grapevine

July 11, 2008 @ 16:37:00

By Ryan R. Bonini
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

The 2008 fantasy football season looms on the horizon and, with that in mind, we bring you our first installment of KFFL's popular Fantasy Football Grapevine.

The current buzz around the NFL - oddly enough - surrounds a retired player fantasy football players were not counting on seeing again. That is right, former - or possibly current or future? - Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is in the news non-stop.

Will Favre come out of retirement? Will Favre ever touch the field for the Packers again? Will fantasy owners be able to rely on him much like they have over the last decade and a half? The jury is still out, but you can guarantee this won't be the first and last mention of Favre in this space in the coming months.

Diving into the Grapevine this week, we are touching on some recent situations that we have our eye on. KFFL's free fantasy football player rankings and cheat sheets are being updated often, which will result in plenty of fodder for discussion in the Fantasy Football Grapevine in the coming months.

Quarterback Fantasy Football Tidbits

Brett Favre, Retired

According to reports, Favre has asked for his unconditional release from the Packers. The Packers, in response, released a statement saying Favre is still retired and, if he were to apply for reinstatement, "he would become an active member" of the Packers. From there, per the release, the team would "do what's right and in the best interest of the team."

You have to love drama in the world of sports. Favre is giving it to us. This situation will continue to play out, but it appears spending a late-round flier on Favre may not be such a bad idea if your league is drafting soon. However, be aware, even if he comes out of retirement it is not a lock that he plays for the Packers. It might be a stretch, but could you imagine him leading the Minnesota Vikings offense, which appears to just be a strong quarterback away from being lethal?

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Nobody is paying closer attention to the Favre situation than Rodgers, who we have pegged as one of our sleeper quarterbacks. The team, in theory, is Rodgers' to lead. Whether or not that plays out is another story. For now, his fantasy value is unchanged and we still recommend taking him as a No. 2 quarterback with upside. This, however, just became a whole lot more volatile situation.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Rivers (knee) is reportedly doing amazing in his recovery from last year's torn ACL. He was running at full speed just a few months after the injury. Then again, that might be an eight-second 40-yard dash when you're talking about Rivers. He isn't a mobile quarterback to begin with, so this injury shouldn't be a factor at the start of the season, and that is good news for your fantasy football team.

Brodie Croyle, Kansas City Chiefs

Head coach Herman Edwards noted Croyle will enter training camp as the team's No. 1 quarterback. Oops, how did this get in a fantasy football report? Seriously, though, until the musical chairs of quarterbacks with Croyle and Damon Huard end and Croyle is able to lessen his turnovers while improving on his big plays, this situation holds little fantasy value, even in the deepest of leagues.

In passing....

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (shoulder) had some right shoulder stiffness during the offseason. It's not a big deal and neither McNabb nor the Eagles are concerned. However, McNabb is no stranger to injuries, so this is worth keeping an eye on.
The Miami Dolphins are allowing quarterbacks Josh McCown, John Beck and rookie Chad Henne duke it out for the starting job. Whoever wins this battle does little for a fantasy football team, and it's almost safe to say the person who starts the season won't be the person who ends it as the starting quarterback.

Running Back Fantasy Football Tidbits

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Jackson, who has had ankle problems, has made it a goal to stay healthy for all 16 games this season. That's music to the ears of fantasy football participants. Jackson said he is 100 percent healthy and ready for the start of training camp, which is just a few weeks away. With a lack of feature backs in fantasy football this year, Jackson remains a strong No. 1 option.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills

Lynch is one of many to fall into the "Police and Courts" category during the offseason, which is a shame because he has a bright future. He pleaded guilty to a traffic violation for a hit-and-run accident, but the plea allows him to avoid a criminal charge. For now, it doesn't appear the NFL will come down on him. While his fantasy value is unchanged, we will leave judgment of the actual incident up to the court of public opinion.

Travis Henry, Free Agent

Beat the NFL once, good for you. Beat the NFL twice ... yeah, right! Henry was able to get out of a one-year suspension last year because he was able to beat the system. This time, however, the free agent may not be so lucky. He reportedly tested positive for marijuana and faces a one-year ban from the league due to previous indiscretions. Considering Henry is a free agent and hasn't been sniffed on too much by other teams, one has to wonder if his year was over before this. Nonetheless, his already limited fantasy value just became even less attractive.

LaMont Jordan, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are attempting to trade Jordan, but thus far it appears to just be attempts. Jordan had a pre-trade arranged visit with the Detroit Lions, who plan to focus on running the football this year, but there has reportedly been little contact between the Lions and Jordan's agent since the two sides met. Jordan remains one of those players to have on your radar late in the draft with the hope he lands with a team that would give him a prominent role.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Forte worked out his four-year deal with the Bears and is under contract for the start of training camp. This is important because Forte is expected to be the front-runner to take over as the team's primary ball carrier. This came about after the release of troubled and disappointing running back Cedric Benson, who remains without a new home in the NFL, earlier this offseason. Forte definitely has the talent to be a top-20 fantasy back this year, but taking him as your No. 3 would be in your best interest. The Bears, after all, have not had the best of luck in recent years with rookie backs. Forte, however, looks likely to change that.

Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Word out of Carolina is that Williams is likely to enter training camp as the team's No. 1 running back. He, however, may simply be a placeholder while Stewart, the team's first-round draft choice, learns the ropes. According to reports, Stewart could be the top dog when training camp comes to an end. Stewart continues to be the stronger fantasy football commodity of the two, but handcuffing them is a wise move.

Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders

Reggie Bush Part II or Adrian Peterson Part II? Fantasy football players are hoping for the latter with McFadden but probably wouldn't be disappointed in the former, either. McFadden is expected to be used in multiple offensive packages, but don't forget about Fargas, who had a breakout season last year. Reports note the team would like to see him carry the ball 20 times per game this season with the game plan for McFadden to rush for about 500 yards. Handcuff these two players!

Kevin Jones, Free Agent

Jones (knee), a former member of the Detroit Lions, continues to make his rounds working out for teams. He remains unsigned as of this writing, and speculation persisted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of his top options. Until Jones finds a team and has a specific role, he simply is a player that should be on your radar for late in the draft.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins

Brown (knee) reportedly would be happy if he were to gain 1,400 yards in the upcoming season. This one struck us as kind of odd; Brown must not remember he is recovering from a severe knee injury and will probably lose a lot of touches to running back Ricky Williams early on. Brown feels his right knee will be 100 percent recovered by September, but typical ACL injuries take a full two years to recovery from. Temper your expectations before jumping on his bandwagon.

In passing....

Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant is looking for a new contract. Until a holdout takes place, we are not going to lose any sleep over it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham received a contract extension reportedly worth $10.5 million. This should bring an end to any speculation he will hold out of training camp.

Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Tidbits

Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals

Johnson (ankle) and his million personalities should all be healthy for the start of training camp after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. There is nothing for fantasy footballers to be alarmed about here even if he does miss a week or two of camp.

Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts

This one is a bit eerie. The Colts are good at keeping injuries quiet - really good. Harrison (knee) is still dealing with a knee problem that troubled him most of last season, irritating fantasy owners who hung onto him along the way. Now, there is word he may open training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Ouch. In a standard 12-team league, Harrison is going around the late fifth round. That is a reach right now based on how volatile this situation is. In the right situation, Harrison is worth the gamble. However, unless you already have two strong wide receivers you may never find yourself in the right situation to snag him. Those interested in Anthony Gonzalez should take note!

Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos

Marshall (hand) has had a turbulent offseason. From severe arm and hand injuries while rough-housing with family members to off-the-field legal issues, Marshall isn't doing a good job at keeping his name out of the press. Head coach Mike Shanahan, however, said he still has faith in Marshall. Shanahan has not given any indication he will suspend Marshall, but there is a chance the league could through their Personal Conduct Policy. Marshall, by the way, has been cleared to participate in team activities, which is a great sign for those looking to rely on him in their fantasy leagues this year.

Plaxico Burress, New York Giants

Surprise! Burress wants a new contract. This situation is one he feels will be worked out before training camp opens and, as of right now, it does not look like it will be an issue even if they don't come to accord on a new deal before then.

Donte' Stallworth and Joe Jurevicius, Cleveland Browns

Jurevicius basically told the team to demote him to No. 3 amongst the receivers, leaving Stallworth as the starter opposite Braylon Edwards. Jurevicius simply feels he is more comfortable as the third receiver and playing in a backup role to the team's starters. Jurevicius, by the way, is recovering from yet another surgery on his knee, and that could be an issue at the start of training camp. In fantasy football terms, this clears up the pecking order amongst the Browns receivers nicely.

Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys

The status here remains unchanged, but that is not saying much. The Cowboys don't want Glenn on the field until he signs an injury waiver. Glenn doesn't want to sign the waiver and would rather be released. He has since gone back on that and would like to remain in Dallas. It has become more obvious that Glenn is more of an afterthought to the Cowboys; unless this situation changes quickly, that may hold true for fantasy owners this year too.

In passing....

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram wants a new contract and there has been some speculation about his involvement in training camp. Head coach Mike Holmgren believes he will show.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones was booked on possession of a controlled substance and faces a felony drug charge. He was reportedly caught cutting up cocaine with a credit card. With the Jaguars bringing in Troy Williamson and Jerry Porter during the offseason, along with Jones' lack of development as a receiver, his time in Jacksonville may be short.

Tight End Fantasy Football Tidbits

Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos

The oft-injured Scheffler (foot) should be recovered from his foot injury and ready for the start of training camp. Scheffler has beast potential in the Denver system, which he showed during the second half of last season. Staying healthy, however, remains something he hasn't done.

Individual Defensive Player Fantasy Football Tidbits

Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

Freeney (foot), despite his name recognition, is not an IDP stud by any means. However, he is important to the Colts "D" as a whole, so he is worth mentioning here. The former sack beast is dealing with a foot injury, which will likely land him on the PUP list to start training camp. He is, however, expected to be ready for the start of the season.

Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts

Sanders (shoulder), who is dealing with a shoulder injury, is likely to start training camp on the PUP. This shouldn't be too alarming to those looking to draft Sanders as one of their defensive backs this season; injuries and Sanders go hand-in-hand and come with the territory of owning him. Sanders should be available for the start of the season, so we are not too concerned about the situation unless it lingers deep into camp.

There you have it, the first edition of KFFL's Fantasy Football Grapevine for 2008, focused on some recent situations KFFL's team of fantasy football experts have their eye on.

This report will continue weekly through the start of the 2008 NFL season, so be sure to access it and all of the other information-packed features in KFFL's free 2008 Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

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Author Bio

Ryan R. Bonini

Founding KFFL in 1996, Bonini serves as KFFL's General Manager and VP of technology for KFFL's parent company, USA TODAY SPORTS Media Group. Bonini was named the 2009 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the FSWA and received honors with the Best Fantasy Football Series in '10, making him the first two-time FSWA football award winner.

His work has been found in USA Today, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com, and many others. He has also been featured on numerous radio programs around the country. Bonini is a member of the PFWA, FSWA and FSTA.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanbonini