It is rare indeed that the unprepared franchise owner enters the new season with just his favorite beverage, smoking preference, and a pencil to cross off the players that are being selected during the live draft, and then at seasons end walks away with trophy in hand. No, this is exactly the owner or franchisee that is typically humbled and found posting "Ifs and Buts" on the leagues message board they participate in blaming their team woes on injuries or a down season by their number one draft selection. This type of owner depends on nothing more than a bad memory and generic cheat sheet that isn't even designed for the scoring format their league rests under.
The full impact and end results of a football season relies on many variables and taking the time to study the current players, coaches, injuries, and player movement is just a small part of being a champion in even the simplest of leagues in today's fantasy world. Over the course of the season FSRU will provide you with player news, customized support tools, and projected statistics for you to evaluate and analyze helping you make the best possible decisions for your fantasy franchise. It is still up to you to put in the work, the effort, and a bit of your own analytical formula to make your season the best it can be, and most importantly the only faithful way to fully enjoy your season.
I have the privilege of adding my two cents to the FSRU Football Site this year with my pre-season cheat sheet. In this fearless fantasy forecast you will find what I believe is the best player-value-guide you can or will find anywhere on the Internet, and snuggles tight with the current FSRU scoring format. These analytically selected cheat sheet players' give you your best chance to be competitive week in and week out, and possibly yellow brick the road to your league championship.
I hope you will take this time to sign up for a fantastic adventure of fantasy football at Fantasy Sports R Us by joining an available league today. May all your decisions be winners, and your 2003-04 season end as enjoyable as it starts.
Great Luck, Tony Finn
Quarterbacks
1) D McNabb-Phi-Although there are more proficient arms in the league no other quarterbacks potential fits the FSRU scoring format better than Donovan's does. McNabb's 2002 regular season ended prematurely after an ankle injury against Arizona in week 11. Tough, courageous and the epitome of a football warrior best describes this quarterback. Another huge season for McNabb is on tap this year giving you a reliable scoring machine throughout the season.
2) J Garcia-SF-Under new management Garcia will flourish this season. Expect Erickson and the new coaching staff in San Francisco to better utilize Garcia's mobility and not limit him to the disciplined three and five step drops of the Mariucci's West Coast offense. Expect to see 4500 plus yards, 30 touchdowns, and a possible MVP trophy with this guy's name on it at season's end.
3) D Culpepper-Min-After showing he was capable of handling the pressure of the national bashing he received from every major network in the galaxy in the first half of last season, Daunte responded with a banner second half helping the Vikings win the final three games of the season by averaging 30 points a contest. Talent and intangibles galore.
4) P Manning-Ind-Manning has four straight 4,000-yard seasons and is as durable a signal caller as you will find. Peyton has started in all 80 games of his five-year career. He is missing the mobility that would rate him as the top quarterback in this FSRU scoring format.
5) M Vick-Atl-A talent beyond belief and human highlight film for every sporting network on the face of the earth. Many publications are actually rating this kid as the top selection in many fantasy drafts this season, but rarely are third year quarterbacks in the league ready for such an undertaking. There are still too many question marks about Vick to rest your championship hopes on him, and the talent around him is far below the teams and quarterbacks above him on this list. The Falcons have a murderous schedule this year and if your league holds its so called "Super Bowl" championship on week 16 of the leagues schedule this year Vick and company get the pleasure of traveling to Tampa Bay, a team that has humbled Vick during his young but magical career.
6) A Brooks-NO-Tied for the NFC lead with 27 TD passes last season while throwing for over 3,500 yards. Arguably the best receiving corps in the league and Brooks plays for team that has very little defense forcing them to play an up-tempo and potentially high octane scheme in most games. Solid first-teamer for your franchise.
7) K Warner-StL-Possibly the best value of the draft this year. When healthy the Rams are potentially the highest scoring team on the planet. St Louis has drafted well this year and will go back to speed, speed, and more speed with rookie additions to compliment Holt and Bruce as Warner's main weapons. With a huge upgrade this off-season on the offensive line the Rams are primed and ready to return to the ranks of Super Bowl contenders and this puts Warner in line for a year that could repeat numbers reflective of those he posted in '99-'01. The Rams schedule is advantageous this year for high scoring affairs and Warner is a solid choice to lead your team.
8) B Farve-GB-Farve has 173 consecutive career starts in the league and has 11 straight 3,000-yard seasons. Consistent and durable, and playing in the worst division in football. Could once again put up MVP numbers this season.
9) R Gannon-Oak-I have a very difficult time rating him this low, but how long can he continue to amass numbers with dinosaurs for receivers? Gannon is no spring chicken himself and despite all of these negatives he must be considered a franchise quarterback due to his numbers last season (4,689 yards, 26 TD's). The combination in years of experience of Gannon, Rice, and Brown could provide you with a lifetime of social security checks, so beware of what could be the fall of last years AFC Empire.
10) T Brady-NE-All Brady did last year was lead the NFL in touchdown passes (28) while throwing for over 3,700 yards. He had what many considered a down season from the Pats "Super Season" of '01, but his numbers have been consistent through his young career. Look for yet another consistent season from Brady if they can muster up a running game.
11) D Bledsoe-Buf-Bledsoe will have to break in another new receiver this season while losing Peerless Price to Atlanta. Bledsoe is on my warning list due to the loss of Price while the Bills did little to fill the all important need of a solid number two receiver in an offensive scheme that requires such a component. Josh Reed could fill that role but he has to improve drastically in his routes and his toughness. Bledsoe still merits the role of a number one fantasy quarterback in this scoring format.
12) T Green-KC-This is another of the sleeping giants for this fantasy season. He could easily finish as the top scoring fantasy quarterback in league, as the Chiefs will look to average 50 points a game this year. Vermeil and Green are convinced that no matter what team lines up in front of them they can score at will, and they might very well be right. Green is healthy for the first time since he took pre-season snaps for the World Champion Rams in '99 and I fully expect him to have the best season of his career.
13) C Pennington-NYJ-A guy who can throw and has mobility will always have value in a scoring format like FSRU's. The absence of Laeranues Coles decreases Chad's value some but still rates him a lucky 13 on this list.
14) T Maddox-Pitt-No longer are the days of running the football a priority in Steel-country. With Hines and Burress running downfield routes for Maddox and the dual threat of Amos Zereoue coming out of the backfield, the Steelers are a threat to win it all this year. They could very well end up with the best overall record in the league this year with both schedule and division showing them tremendous favor.
15) P Ramsey-You cannot ignore the fact that Field-General Von Spurrier is in his second year, and that Ramsey has all the tools to be a stud in the National Football league. If Spurrier is more patient this year and adjusts to league defenses better than he did last year the Redskins are going to put Ramsey and Spurrier front and center this season. Dangerous threat to be a fantasy stud this season, and a solid backup for your number one signal-caller.
16) S McNair-Tenn
17) B Johnson-TB
18) M Hasselbeck-Sea
19) J Harrington-Det
20) J Plummer-Den
21) K Collins-NYG
22) J Blake-Ari
23) J Kitna-Cin
24) K Stewart-Chi
25) D Brees-SD
26) J Fiedler-Mia
27) M Brunell-Jac
28) T Couch-Cle
29) C Redman-Bal
30) D Carr-Hou
Runningbacks
1) P Holmes-KC-By all reports he will not only be ready to go full speed by September, but by training camp in July as well. There is a solid chance that the Chiefs will try and highlight Priest less this season and use four and five receiver threats in many first and second down situations giving Holmes a chance to make it through the rugged 16 games regular season schedule healthy and sound. Either way he is still the number one option in every situation the Chiefs confront, and the is capable of leading the team in receptions as well as compiling over 1,600 yards on the ground. The number one option in the Red-zone as well for possibly the highest scoring team in the league makes him the best available fantasy weapon on the market. Don't be shy, or take offense at the scorn you might receive for making this guy your main man, he is more than capable to carry the load.
2) M Faulk-StL-His dual potentiality makes him a stud in this scoring format and still can be the most dangerous double dipping scoring threat in the league. He could very easily be swap with Priest in rankings on this list and might I say these two running backs are head and shoulders above the rest of the league in the scoring format that FSRU provides. The one point for receptions makes these two fantasy musts if you have one of the top two selections in your league draft.
3) L Tomlinson-SD-Tomlinson followed up his stellar rookie season and was 100 percent full stud in his first year of Marty Ball as well rushing for 1,635 yards along with almost 500 receiving yards. His touchdown total could climb this year with the addition of a red zone receiving threat like David Boston. Don't pass on this guy for anyone but the top two players on this list.
4) R Williams-Mia-Ricky has found a home in the Norv Turner offense and his ball-control offense while punishing teams with the ground game gets Ricky a ton of fourth quarter fantasy points. The fact that Ricky is not involved in the passing scheme in Miami ranks him behind the top three on this list. Williams is the belt holder in the rushing title division of the NFL and will do his best to keep that crown this year. Expect another big ground gaining season from Williams this year.
5) S Alexander-Sea-Alexander had a very inconsistent year last season but still managed to post 1635 all-purpose yards. Shaun had 1,175 yards rushing with 16 rushing touchdowns, and was productive through the air with 460 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. The dual threat that Alexander creates makes his value high in this leagues scoring-format.
6) D McAllister-NO-The Saints are going to be an offensive force for several reasons this year. First, they have gained some field-experience that is immeasurable, they are going to be forced to score due to their inefficiencies on the stop-side of the leather, and they are loaded with talent offensively. McAllister rushed for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns by ground last season and added 47 receptions for 352 yards by air. These kinds of numbers make him quite a catch in this league.
7) C Portis-Den-Many publications and experts are quite high on this kid. In fact you can actually find him ranked as high as the number two RB in the league overall in some publications. Rookie impacts are fantastic measures by which to have high hopes for a player and his career, but cannot stand alone for the simple fact the test sample is just to small, and NFL defenses have a history of making adjustments for skilled players. Portis rushed for over 1,500 yards and amassed 15 touchdowns by ground, and two touchdowns by air. Portis has the potential to be a top five running back in the league, but until I get more durability samples from this small runningback, and he can show me he is capable of playing a full 16 game season for more than one season he will remain out of the top five in the rankings. Portis does fit this scoring format well if Plummer and he can find solid timing on the dumps and underneath curls that Denver uses so effectively.
8) F Taylor-Jac-Taylor is another running back that fits this scoring system because of his ability to both run and catch the football. If Taylor has finally found the secret to staying healthy (Fred played in all 16 games for the Jag's last season for the first time in his five-year career) then he could become a fantastic running back for this type of scoring system. Taylor has blinding speed making long runs from scrimmage a threat each and every time he touches the ball. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, and without Stacey Mack he should get more goal line carries that will increase his touchdown total. He is a risk due to his past injury problems but his upside this year has some solid advantages.
9) C Garner-Oak-Garner led all Runningbacks in receptions last year and very well could do it again this year with the aging wide-outs that the Raiders carry on their roster. Charlie had almost as many yards through the air (941) as he did on the ground (962), making his value in this league potentially higher than the number nine position he is rated on this list. He could easily find himself as a 1,000-1,000 man this year with the bulk of the Raiders offensive production. It would be a huge plus if he could improve on his small number of seven touchdowns last season and that is a very high likelihood as Gannon is less likely to run in this late stage of his career. Garner is a solid selection for you fantasy roster.
10) A Green-GB-Green led the Packers in rushing (1,240 yards) and second on the team in receptions (57, 393 yards) and will once again be looked on this season as the workhorse out of the Green Bay backfield. He needs to score more touchdowns than he did last year, seven by ground and two by air.
11) E James-Ind-This could be the year that James shows he can still be the Runningback he was in the late '90's. James rushed for 989 yards and scored only three touchdowns last season. Historically Runningbacks coming off the a damaged ACL struggle in their initial year back from the injury and then show increased production their second year off from such the aches and pains of the surgery. James is the only scoring option outside of Harrison on this Colts team and 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns is not out of the question for him this season.
12) T Barber-NYG-Led the NFC with 1,984 all-purpose yards and almost 600 of those were through the air. With Barber in the prime of his career and looking to add to a what was a huge '02 season you might want to put this kind of potential a bit higher in your Runningback ratings. With Fassells still planning on calling the plays this year you might find Barbers rushing totals decrease a bit and find that Shockey and Toomer get the first look-sees in the red-zone this season. Still, a more than solid running back teetering on what could be a number one RB status for this fantasy season.
13) T Henry-Buf-Henry was the most successful Runningback in Buffalo since Thurman Thomas rushed for 1,487 yards in '92. Henry will get the brunt of the carries this season for the Bills and it will be interesting this to see if Willis McGahee can find playing time later this season. Although I have serious doubts that the Bills will want McGahee will play this season, if for some peculiar reason he did find playing time it would put a damper on Henry's fantasy value as he would surely start to share some offensive carries with the talented McGahee. I am very leery of what the Bills plans are for this duo of Runningbacks and I don't recommend a high selection of Henry in keeper leagues.
14) E George-Tenn-George rebounded last season from a sub-par '01 to fashion 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns by ground. Reports out of Nashville on Eddy's health are solid on this rushing warrior. George's production increased last year when the majority of the starting Titan's got healthy. Look for even better numbers than George recorded last year and a big year for Tennessee.
15) C Martin-NYJ-Martin seems to be wearing down a bit after being the workhorse for the Jets the past five seasons. Lamont Jordan is sure to get some extra carries this year in the Jets scheme, but when it comes to red-zone opportunities you can count on Martin to be the man.
16) J Stewart-Det
17) J Lewis-Bal
18) C Dillon-Cin
19) D Staley-Phi
20) M Bennett-Min
21) W Dunn-Atl
22) A Zereoue-Pit
23) W Green-Cle
24) A Smith-NE
25) M Williams-Min
26) S Davis-Car
27) K Barlow-SF
28) G Hearst-SF
29) S Mack-Hou
30) E Smith-Ari
31) T Hambrick-Dal
32) M Shipp-Ariz
33) T Jones-TB
34) M Alstott-TB
35) L Betts-Was
36) J White-Cle
37) T Canidate-Was
38) Z Crockett-Oak
39) A Thomas-Chi
40) TJ Duckett-Atl
41) R Anderson-Dal
42) M Anderson-Den
43) C Buckhalter-Phi
44) L Gordon-StL
45) K Faulk-NE
46) J Mungro-Ind
47) O Gary-Buf
48) K Watson-Was
49) D Levens-NYG
50) L Jordan-NYJ
Receivers
1) M Harrison-Ind-All Harrison did was set a single-season receiving mark with 143 receptions last year. All that led to was a league leading 1,722 yards and 11 touchdowns. Only Jerry Rice has had a better four-year run in the league with yardage and receptions than Harrison. From '93-'96 Rice was the best receiver in the game, and now that crown has been passed over to Harrison. In a scoring format that rewards each reception with a point, there is no other receiver within striking distance of Marvin and his value in this scoring format is outstanding. Bonified first-round selection in this scoring format.
2) E Moulds-Buf-Thanks to Bledsoe Moulds goes to the head of the class, or at least almost. With almost a 33 percent increase in receptions (67 to 100), and yardage (904 to 1,287). Moulds is going into his second year with Bledsoe and this should create improvement in their timing and numbers. With Price gone to Atlanta many experts want you to believe that Moulds will suffer from the Price departure. This just won't be the case as Moulds took all the double teams last year anyway and the exit of Price does little damage if any to Moulds potential this season. Bledsoe will just force a few more looks towards Moulds this year increasing his numbers even more. Look for another huge year for the Bledsoe-Moulds combination.
3) T Owens-SF-There is very little separation between Moulds and Owens in this scoring format and both should increase their totals over last season. Owens had 100 catches last year for 1,300 yards and might even surpass Moulds as the number-two receiver this year with the new look Erickson offense in San Fran. TO's overbearing nature and his ability to find controversy sends my conservative side hiding him in the third slot on this receiver list.
4) R Moss-Min-Led the NFC in receptions (106) and receiving yards (1,347) while scoring seven touchdowns. For Minnesota to improve this year they have got to get more production out of the number two and three receivers or teams will just continue to ignore those options in the Vikings offense resulting in the same ugly turnovers that Culpepper was responsible for early last season. Moss has had at least 1,200 yards in each of his first five seasons and can be counted on for about the same this season as well.
5) H Ward-Even with the early season turmoil in Steelers camp last season Ward still ended up ranking second in the league with 112 receptions and 12 TD catches. Ward's 1,329 yards would be a welcomed accomplishment again this season. This Steelers team should dominate their division this season and very well could put up record offensive numbers in their new look air attack under T Maddox. Hines can take a spot on my roster any day.
6) J Horn-NO-Horn has averaged almost 90 catches and 1,300 yards in his Saints career and there is no reason to believe that will change this year.
7) T Holt-StL-Holt has separated himself from Bruce as the number one option in the Rams passing scheme and the lack of concentration that was reported in Holt's routes and drops last year were merely a result of all the quarterback changes within the Martz quarterback carousel. With a healthy Warner this season there is not reason that Holt can't have over 100 receptions and 1300 yards to go along with 10 plus touchdowns. I would rate Holt higher if it were not for his lack of end zone receptions.
8) L Coles-Was-Someone has to be the beneficiary of all the passes that are going to be thrown in the Spurrier system this season, and Coles appears to be that receiver. This FSRU scoring system truly rewards the receivers on the top of this list as they are all capable of breaking off long receptions with each and every catch, and Coles is included in this group.
9) D Boston-SD-The fact that defenses are facing LT and the San Diego running game makes Boston dangerous. Boston is coming off season ending knee surgery and is an early selection risk, but his upside is tremendous if he is 100 percent this year. Boston overpowers most corners in the league and San Diego's success will depend on him having a big year.
10) A Toomer-NYG-Toomer just seems to get better and better each and every season. In '02 Toomer's numbers showed his potential as a standout number-one receiver in this league, and his 82 catches for 1,343 yards would be a nice addition to any fantasy franchise.
11) D Mason-Ten-Mason looks to be the man now in Tennessee. His role in the return game has diminished and he can now concentrate on improving his '02 numbers of 79 catches for 1,012 yards.
12) P Price-Atl-The only real receiving threat in the Atlanta offense should get him the majority of the looks from Vick this season, but can he handle the constant double-teams and the inconsistencies that Vick will present this year in the passing game? Price isn't likely to repeat his numbers from a year ago (94, 1,252 yards), but 70 catches for 1000 plus yards are still nice numbers to put on your active roster.
13) M Booker-Chi-Is not hard to imagine Booker matching his outstanding numbers of a year ago (97 catches for 1,183 yards), with Kordell under center and no real running game in Chicago the Bears look to be in for an even longer season than they had last year. Booker will still be the go to guy this season and he should have value as a number-two receiver.
14) D Stallworth-NO-The Saints are once again going to be scoring points in the 'Big Easy' and Stallworth presents a deep threat on the other side of the double-teams that Horn will be creating. It would not be a surprise to see Stallworth double his reception total from a year ago (42 catches) and his receiving yards (594 yards) in his second year in the league, especially if he can stay healthy. The fact he had 8 touchdown passes last year tells me he has a nose for the end zone and that is a huge upside for a fantasy receiver.
15) I Bruce-StL-Bruce is still one of the best receivers in the game. He might not blaze the speed he once had, but most receivers in the league would still like to be able to have what he still possesses. Expect 80 catches and 1,000 yards once again in a big season for the Rams.
16) C Johnson-Cin
17) R Smith-Den
18) J Smith-Jac
19) K Robinson-Sea
20) P Burress-Pit
21) D Driver-GB
22) J Rice-Oak
23) C Conway-NYJ
24) T Brown-NE
25) R Gardner-Was
26) T Pinkston-Phi
27) C Chambers-Mia
28) K Johnson-TB
29) M Muhammad-Car
30) J Thrash-Phi
31) T Taylor-Bal
32) J Porter-Oak
33) J Galloway-Dal
34) K Johnson-Cle
35) J Reed-Buf
36) A Lelie-Den
37) W Chrebet-NYJ
38) Q Morgan-Cle
39) C Rodgers-Det
40) P Warrick-Cin
41) D Jackson-Sea
42) E Kennison-KC
43) J Morton-KC
44) T Brown-Oak
45) T Streets-SF
46) D White-Chi
47) R Wayne-Ind
48) K McCardell-TB
49) C Bradford-Hou
50) M Boerigter-KC
Tight Ends
1) T Heap-Bal-Heap is the best Tight End in the game, bar none, and that is saying a lot with both Gonzalez and Shockey in the league. Heap ranked second last season with 68 receptions and 836 yards while managing 6 touchdowns. Look for even better numbers this year as he just quietly continues to dominate both linebackers and corners in this league.
2) J Shockey-NYG-Last year this rookie led all tight ends in receptions with 74 while compiling 894 yards and two touchdowns. Giants opposing defenses will be giving Shockey the treatment (no pun intended) this season and his rookie numbers will more than likely only increase in the area of touchdowns, which still makes him a fantastic weapon to have on your squad.
3) T Gonzalez-KC-The Vermeil offense has never put an emphasis on the tight end and it hasn't changed in Dick's first two years in KC. Even though Tony is a powerful weapon offensively the Chiefs are loaded with Holmes and four to five receivers that are a threat every time Green goes back to pass. Gonzalez will have to be content to share the booty.
4) Bubba Franks-GB-Franks tied for the NFL lead in touchdown catches last year with seven. Look for more of the same this season.
5) M Pollard-Ind-Pollard should put up similar numbers to last season. Marcus came home with 43 catches, 478 yards receiving, and six touchdowns.
6) E Conwell-NO-Conwell is just yet another piece of the high scoring Saints offense and he should benefit switching from the Rams scheme which doesn't include the tight ends much in the passing game. Look for Conwell to get 40 plus catches, 500 yards and 5-7 touchdowns this season.
7) R McMichael-Mia-Randy didn't come close to matching fellow rookie J Shockey last season but Miami had other weapons and didn't require him to be a focal point in the offense. Look for McMichael to improve on his 39 receptions and 485 yards from last year making him a valuable asset in your league.
8) S Sharpe-Den-What can you say about the all-time leader among tight ends with over 750 receptions and closing in on 10,000 yards. He just keeps coming back year after year, maybe we should ask what kind of batteries he uses.
9) D Jolley-Oak-Jolley had 32 catches and 409 yards as a rookie last season. With Garner catching 91 balls out of the backfield last year and looking like the best offensive option this year as well, you shouldn't expect to much of an increase in production and similar numbers for Jolley this season seems to fit.
10) A Crumpler-Atl-Vick should use Crumpler more in the Atlanta offensive scheme if they plan to play .500 ball this year. Vick and Crumpler might be a year away from being a potent combination. If Atlanta has any hopes of being a playoff team this season they will have to make Crumpler more of a main stay in the offensive focus, I am completely convinced of this. But, I am not high Mike's ability to throw the touch pass to the big tight end at this stage in his career and think last years numbers of 36 catches and 455 yards are what seem likely once again this season.
11) A Becht-NYJ-Becht scored five touchdowns last season and with more emphasis on the tight end this year in NY, you should see an improvement on Becht's 28 catches and 243 yards from scrimmage.
12) K Brady-Jac-Brady will get his catches and be a threat in the red-zone this season without the threat of goal-line runningback Stacey Mack. A definite first unit tight end for one of the teams in your league.
13) F Wycheck-Tenn-McNair still loves the fact that this guy is wearing a Titan helmet and will throw it to him in times of need this season. If Wycheck can stay healthy he is a possible number one tight end in deeper fantasy leagues.
14) C Lewis-Phi-Consistently one of the better tight ends in the league year in and year out.
15) S Alexander-SD-Alexander had the third-most receiving yards from scrimmage for the Chargers last season with 510 yards and 45 catches. His one touchdown and the fact that Boston is a big receiver with more speed retards his fantasy value this season.
16) M Ricks-Det
17) F Jones-Ari
18) C Fauria-NE
19) K Mangum-Car
20) K Dilger-TB
21) M Campbell-Buf
22) J Davis-Chi
23) B Miller-Hou
24) B Chamberlain-Min
25) J Stevens-Sea
26) D Graham-NE
27) C Cleeland-StL
28) J Riemersma-Pit
29) E Johnson-SF
30) I Mili-Sea
Kickers
1) M Gramatica-TB-Gramitica is accurate and more capable of the long kick than anyone in the league, especially under pressure.
2) S Janikowski-Oak-Jan plays in a division that has little defense, and he has the leg and the mind of a mule.
3) M Vanderjagt-Vanderjagt's teammates are not happy with his off-season comments last January, but you have to appreciate the fact this guy is as competitive as they come, and one hell of a kicker too. He can play for me anytime.
4) J Wilkins-StL-Doesn't kick as far as he used too, but is as accurate as the IRS. Wilkins kicks in a dome and plays for potentially the highest scoring offensive in the NFC.
5) J Elam-Den-Still reliable with a strong leg.
6) D Akers-Phil-Made 30-34 FG's last season and ranked second in scoring with 133 points.
7) J Reed-Pit-Even in the turmoilous confines of Pittsburgh and their reputation for disliking their kickers, Reed stands out as potentially a guy who could lead the league in scoring this year, even while kicking outdoors in Pittsburgh. Don't doubt this kids ability or mindset.
8) O Mare-Mia-The Dolphins settle more than any team in the NFL. I have seen two-year-old babies be more daring than Coach W and the special teams of Miami when it comes to fourth and short or drop kicking through the posts. Mare will once again get a lot of opportunities to kick for three points this season.
9) J Carney-NO-Carney is a kicker that plays indoors and resides within a high scoring offense. A positive plus a positive equals a solid draft selection.
10) R Longwell-GB-Longwell's downside is the weather in Green Bay during your fantasy football playoffs. Ryan still has a wonderful leg and worthy of a spot on someone's roster.
11) A Vinatieri-NE-Been a league leader with his foot for years.
12) J Nedney-Tenn-Seemingly been on the threshold of greatness the last couple of years. Grab him late if you still need a kicker.
13) J Feely-This year's selection for a one-year-wonder in the kicking department. Look for a down year this season coming off a 138-point season. Feely is still worth a spot on your roster but don't waste anything earlier than a 12 round pick for this guy.
14) J Chandler-SF-This Niner team is going to score big this year and Chandler will be right in the middle of it.
15) Morton Anderson-KC-Yep, still alive,,,,,,,and kickin'. Chiefs will put some points on the board this year, and Morton still has years of leg left in him.
A word on Tony Finn Tony Finn is a national freelance sports columnist that has covered the NFL Football scene for over 20 years. Tony excels at bringing special insights and exclusive material on fantasy football and its players with accuracy and passion. Tony has written for over 30 national publications in his years as a sports columnist and has enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with impassioned fantasy owners along with winning several regional and national fantasy football titles himself, including the National Fantasy Football title from Wess Sports in 1997. Whether it's covering from the sideline, attending pre-game football conferences with selected insiders, visiting practices, or interviewing players from around the sporting world, Tony will be somewhere getting and giving the best of all the fantasy news.
