Preseason Rankings: Rookies

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

This season's batch of rookies will have big shoes to fill after last season's group took the league by storm. Guys like Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, and Matt Ryan all stepped right on the field as rookies and were immediate game-changers. A few guys on this list have that kind of potential this year, but it may come down to seizing the opportunity when it comes. Chris 'Beanie' Wells seems to have found himself a nice situation in Arizona with the Cardinals looking to establish more of a power running game. If he can avoid the IR, he should contribute right away. Matthew Stafford also finds himself with offensive weapons around him in Detroit, so the opportunity is there for an immediate impact. With Thomas Jones due for an injury, I expect Shonn Greene to be the man in New York by the end of the season. Also looks for Hakeem Nicks build a nice rapport with Eli Manning. I like Mark Sanchez and LeSean McCoy looking down the road, but I don't think they'll be factors this season.

1. Chris 'Beanie' Wells (ARI)
2. Matthew Stafford (DET)
3. Shonn Greene (NYJ)
4. Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
5. Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
6. Donald Brown (IND)
7. Mark Sanchez (NYJ)
8. LeSean McCoy (PHI)
9. Percy Harvin (MIN)
10. James Davis (CLE)

Fantasy Impact: Rookies are always such a tough group to draft because of the unpredictability. First of all, you don't know if they're good enough to play at the next level. Second of all, they're probably on a bad team in a bad situation. Thirdly, you never know how injuries might affect the situation (i.e. Rashard Mendenhall last year). If your in a single-season league then roll the dice will mid-round picks on guys like Wells and Moreno if you want, but be prepared to live with the possible consequences. My advice for legacy or keeper leagues would be to wait until the late rounds and pick up a guy like Jeremy Maclin or Glen Coffee who may not be a starter right now, but has the potential to be a starter down the road. You never know when an injury can open up the door of opportunity.

Preseason Rankings: Wide Receiver

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

Larry Fitzgerald proved at the end of last season that he's the best wide receiver in the NFL as he almost single-handedly won the Super Bowl for Arizona. He'll have some stiff competition this season from a couple young rising stars in Calvin Johnson and Roddy White. Similar to the arrival of Matt Ryan in Atlanta, Johnson's looking to have the same type of success with Matthew Stafford in Detroit. The fact that he's been able to excel without the luxury of stability at the QB position just further illustrates how talented he really is. I'm also looking for Reggie Wayne to have a big season, now that Marvin Harrison has finally moved on. Toward the bottom of the list should be some interesting story lines. Can Roy Williams be the guy in Dallas now that Terrell Owens has moved on? Can Dwayne Bowe, now in his 3rd year, take it to the next level now that Matt Cassel will be taking the snaps in Kansas City? Should be fun to see who steps it up in 2009.

1. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
2. Calvin Johnson (DET)
3. Roddy White (ATL)
4. Randy Moss (NE)
5. Reggie Wayne (IND)
6. Andre Johnson (HOU)
7. Steve Smith (CAR)
8. Greg Jennings (GB)
9. Roy Williams (DAL)
10. Dwayne Bowe (KC)

Fantasy Impact: When it comes to putting together my fantasy football team, I'm usually pretty high on wide receivers, but this season's crop is simply awesome. There are play-makers up and down the list, with tons of value in the later rounds. I would have no problem going with back-to-back WR's in Round's 2 & 3, which would probably net you both Johnson's (Calvin and Andre). I'll take that any day.