Williams is entering his third year in the league often a make or break time for receivers in the NFL. Williams is a deep threat, averaging 16.3 yards per catch during his career. He was off to a decent start in 2007 before an ankle injury cost him several six. The unsettled quarterback battle will factor into Williams' growth, but he is worth keeping an eye on during training camp.
Potential disappointing players
In 2007, wide receiver Derrick Mason was very good. He recorded 103 receptions (career high) and had more than 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. With a rookie quarterback potentially starting, the situation could be shaky all season long, thus lowering Mason's value in 2008. Consider Mason a weak No. 3 and strong No. 4 receiver with his value higher in a points-per-reception format.
Injury update
From a fantasy perspective, the Ravens are a healthy team.
After an injury-riddled 2007 season, running back Rudi Johnson's stock seems to have dropped off the table. According to KFFL's average draft position tool, Johnson has an ADP of 56th overall, which is very low for a back of his caliber. Johnson isn't a true "breakout" candidate, but he should be viewed as more of a rebounding player. Before last season, Johnson rushed for more than 1,300 yards three straight seasons and was considered a No. 1 back. While Johnson will turn 29 during the 2008 season, he has only 1,441 rushing attempts in his career and should have plenty of tread on the tires. Consider him a No. 3 back with some upside.
Tight end Ben Utecht comes to the Bengals after four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Utecht will be Cincinnati's top pass-catching option at tight end after serving as Dallas Clark's backup with the Colts. In 2007, Utecht hauled in 31 passes for 364 yards, adding one touchdown. With Henry no longer in the mix, look for Utecht to provide quarterback Carson Palmer with a safer, short-area target to pass to.
Potential disappointing players
Star wide receiver Chad Johnson (ankles) had a bizarre offseason. He demanded to be traded; he seemed to be on television daily bad mouthing Bengals players, coaches and management. Then, he underwent ankle surgery in June. It's hard to know, without being in the locker room, just what kind of damage Johnson has caused, but no one would be surprised if he continued his whining and complaining into the season were the Bengals to get off to a slow start. From a fantasy perspective, though, Johnson is far too inconsistent to be worthy of a third-round pick, like his average draft placement suggests.
Injury update
The aforementioned Chad Johnson underwent arthroscopic surgery on both ankles in June and is expected to be limited during training camp but ready for the season.
After missing all of last year and most of the 2006 season due to injuries, Perry is back in the mix to spell Rudi Johnson at tailback. Perry may be worthy of a look in the deepest of leagues as a No. 6 back but is better suited for the waiver wire.
Wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (hamstring) comes to Cleveland after spending one season with the New England Patriots. He seemed to get lost in New England behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker but still managed 46 catches for 697 yards as well as three scores. While he will be the third option behind wideout Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow, Stallworth should see a lot more passes thrown his way in 2008.
Potential disappointing players
Last season, quarterback Derek Anderson was arguably the NFL's biggest surprise. He compiled 3,786 passing yards to go along with 29 touchdowns. What should be expected of him in 2008? It is hard to dismiss his overall numbers he struggled down the stretch. In the final four games, he averaged 181 yards and threw six interceptions. If Anderson gets off to a slow start he may start looking over his shoulder at last year's first-round pick quarterback Brady Quinn.
Running back Jamal Lewis was another surprising player in 2007. In his first season in Cleveland Lewis rushed for 1,303 yards, reaching the end zone nine times. He turns 29 during the season and just signed a new contract with the Browns. Sound a bit like then-Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander from two years ago? The Browns have a great offensive line, so Lewis isn't likely to fall off the fantasy map like Alexander did, but don't overvalue Lewis, either.
Injury update
Jurevicius is on the PUP list and is likely to start the season there. That means he would not be available until Week 6. Stallworth has been held out of practice early in camp with a hamstring strain. He has a history of hammy injuries, so an eye needs to be kept on that situation.
Wide receiver Santonio Holmes flashes all the signs you look for in a breakout performer. He is entering his third season, has increased his numbers from year one to year two and is in a good position to succeed. In 2007, Holmes improved from 49 to 52 catches, from 824 to 942 receiving yards and from two touchdowns to eight. As wide receiver Hines Ward ages (32), the door is wide open for Holmes to become an elite fantasy receiver. Consider him a strong No. 2 receiver or weak no. 1 with plenty of upside.
Potential disappointing players
Ward has had declining statistics during the past three seasons. In that span, he has failed to top 1,000 or have more than 80 receptions. Ward is 32 and has missed time due to injury in each of the past three seasons. With Holmes emerging and the Steelers drafting wideout Limas Sweed, Ward is not likely to get as many touches as he has in the past. Consider him a No. 3 receiver with limited upside.
Injury update
Running Willie Parker (leg) suffered a fractured right fibula last season but is at full speed entering training camp.
