AFC South fantasy football capsule
By Phillip Backert
Edited by Cory J. Bonini
Positional battles
- Free-agent addition Chris Brown and third-round draft pick Steve Slaton are expected to battle for the No. 2 running back job.
Potential breakout performers
- Quarterback Matt Schaub is healthy after missing five games last season for the Texans. Wide receiver Andre Johnson is also healthy, and the duo would like to become the premier quarterback-receiver tandem in the NFL. Schaub must prove he can stay healthy and find the consistency needed to become a top fantasy quarterback. Schaub showed glimpses in 2007, enough to make him a No. 2 fantasy quarterback with a lot of upside.
Potential disappointing players
- In two of the last three seasons, running back Ahman Green has rushed for less than 300 yards. Green is healthy heading into this season, and the Texans improved their offensive line during the offseason. Will Green be able to play in all 16 games? Green is 31 years old and entering his 11th season; he has not played in all 16 games since 2003.
Injury update
- The trio of Schaub, Green and Johnson all look to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2007 season. The top offensive weapon's for the Texans only played together twice last season. Fantasy owners should be excited for what could be if both Schaub and Johnson stay healthy all season long.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is entering his second season with the Colts. Last season, Gonzalez finished third on the team in receiving yards, but with Marvin Harrison (knee) reportedly healthy again, Gonzalez will become the Colts third receiver. Should Harrison suffer a setback, Gonzalez could improve upon last season's totals.
Potential disappointing players
- Wide receiver Reggie Wayne was one of the fantasy breakout performers in 2007. However, with Harrison returning from injury and Gonzalez poised to improve, it could be difficult for Wayne to duplicate his stats from last season.
Injury update
- Quarterback Peyton Manning (knee) is recovering from knee surgery and should be ready by Week 1.
- Harrison is still on the mend from offseason knee surgery but has begun to practice with the Colts.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- Can Williamson show the ability to catch the ball and stop dropping passes? Williamson has the talent to stretch the field and be able to get into the end zone for the Jaguars, but he has yet to put it all together for an entire season during his career. Fantasy owners should consider Williamson a No. 3 option with some upside.
Potential disappointing players
- Quarterback David Garrard played relatively mistake-free football all of last season, but fantasy owners should not expect Garrard to go another season with only throwing three interceptions. Is Garrard a one-year wonder? The Jaguars added more weapons that will allow Garrard to stretch the field and throw more touchdowns, but the tradeoff will likely be Garrard throwing for more interceptions.
- Wide receiver Reggie Williams (knee) made a living in the end zone last season. Will he be able to produce 10 touchdowns again in 2008? Even though Williams showed the ability to score touchdowns, he recorded only 38 receptions for the year. Add offseason knee surgery into the equation and Williams appears to be a risky pick.
Injury update
- Wide receiver Reggie Williams (knee) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and no timetable has been disclosed for his return.
- Porter underwent surgery to repair a torn hamstring and is expected to miss at least the entire preseason.
- Wrighster is still recovering from offseason knee surgery and is on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- Tailback LenDale White rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and played in all 16 games despite having a torn meniscus in his left knee. White is healthy and should once again receive the majority of the carries. The Titans are hoping for an improved passing game, which should allow White to see more running lanes and score more touchdowns. Fantasy owners should consider White a No. 3 option.
Potential disappointing players
- Will Vince Young become an elite quarterback? Young once again does not have a true No. 1 receiver. The addition of tight end Alge Crumpler should help Young in the red zone, but without a receiver to stretch the field, Young and the Titans will be in for another long season.
Injury update
- Wide receiver Roydell Williams (ankle) is still recovering from a broken ankle he suffered at the end of last season.
