NFC North fantasy football capsule
By Charles Roberts
Edited by Cory J. Bonini
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- With Hester slated to see significant time at wide receiver, the guy who has a knack for making plays in the return game could emerge as a full-time threat on offense.
- Forte could surprise a lot of people if the Bears can get their offensive line to perform at a reasonable level. Fantasy owners should pay close attention to him during training camp and the preseason.
Potential disappointing players
- The Bears' running game as a whole could be a major letdown. Peterson has been a solid backup but has not seen significant action; Jones is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Forte brings the rookie variable to the group.
Injury update
- Typically a torn ACL takes up to 18 months to recover from. A little more than seven months removed from the surgery, Jones began Bears' camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- Smith is expected to be the lead back and could surprise. He has the ability to move the chains and gain tough yardage, an attribute that Bell clearly lacks. With improved offensive line play and a true commitment to the run, Smith could emerge as a fantasy force in '08.
Potential disappointing players
- Quarterback Jon Kitna capped off the 2007 season by throwing eight interceptions in his last three games, which was highlighted by five in one contest alone. Entering his 12th season, the journeyman quarterback may be on his last leg.
Injury update
- Wide receiver Shawn McDonald (knee) remains on PUP, with no definite timetable in place on his return.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- Green Bay feels strongly about quarterback Aaron Rodgers' potential, and fantasy owners should have some faith, too. With two years in the same system, three years in a West Coast offense, three years learning behind quarterback Brett Favre, a strong offensive line, a potentially robust running game and a respectable receiving corps, view Rodgers as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback with a lot of upside.
Potential disappointing players
- Running back Ryan Grant was a stud in the second half of the 2008 season, but he still has a lot to prove. Can he stay healthy for 16 games? Can he live up to last season's lofty standards? Will his contract dispute set him back?
- Wide receiver Greg Jennings made a living off quarterback Brett Favre's arm strength last year. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers' arm not being quite as strong as his predecessor's, will Jennings be a deep threat again? Jennings' ability for yards after the catch should help his cause, though.
- Tight end Donald Lee enjoyed a breakout season in 2008, but he now has to deal with a quarterback change and the added pressure of picking up where he left off.
Injury update
- From a fantasy perspective, the Packers are a very healthy team. While a few players appear to be on the path to an injury-prone label, the current health of each key offensive player is on the up and up.
Positional battles
Potential breakout performers
- With a sound running game in place and some new names added to the wide receiver corps, the pieces are in place for Tarvaris Jackson to succeed. Whether or not he can translate a situation that looks favorable on paper into a success story is what remains to be seen.
Potential disappointing players
- Chances are this is just crazy talk, but last year's rookie sensation, running back Adrian Peterson, could wind up being this year's biggest disappointment. Peterson's bruising and horizontal style of running always leaves the potential for injuries - a problem that has plagued him since college.
Injury update
- The Vikings' camp began with nothing more than a few daily bumps and bruises, as their core offensive contributors are all in good health.
