Will Vince Young get on the field this season?

It's gotta be hard playing behind Kerry Collins, a journeyman quarterback who's going on 37 years old, but such is life for Vince Young. Two years removed from not only being the starting QB but also the face of the Tennessee Titans franchise, he's now stuck carrying a clipboard on the sidelines while Collins try to "manage" the Titan offense.

I guess in some ways it makes sense. With the explosiveness of Chris Johnson and power of LenDale White in the backfield, Tennessee really doesn't need a mobile QB. All they really need is a guy who can step up in the pocket and deliver an accurate ball 10-15 yds. down the field to keep the chains moving and the defense honest. At this stage in Collins career that's exactly what he is. There once was a time when Collins could air it out 40 times a game and throw for 300 yds. while carrying his team to a victory, but those days are certainly behind him. These days he's lucky if he hits 200 yds. in a game (only 4 times last season).

So is it the right decision to keep Young on bench? Is the experience of playing behind Collins going to have the same effect as Aaron Rodgers playing behind Brett Favre for a couple seasons in Green Bay? In my opinion, I think the answer is no. Young is a play maker. Whether it's with his arm or with his legs, he just knows how to make things happen. Of course he's going to make mistakes along the way, but when the game's on the line, you want your play makers in the game. When a pass play breaks down, can Collins avoid a pass rusher, shed a linebacker, and pick up 8 yds. and a first down? I don't think so.

With Tennessee's stout defense and prolific running game, Collins may make sense to some people but to me he's a liability and I think by the end of the season Young will be back in there as the starting QB. Either by injury or inability, Young will get his chance to once again be the man in Tennessee.

Fantasy Impact: In keeper leagues, I think Young is an excellent value. He may not even be a guy you pick up right away, but keep him on your 'watch list' and as mid-season approaches don't hesitate to pull the trigger. By this time next year you'll be glad you did.

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.

Preseason Rankings: Quarterback

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.

Let's start with the quarterback position which had some breakout performances last year, most notably by Matt Cassel, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers. All three guys have moved into the top 10 at the quarterback position going into this season, so it's up to them to prove that they deserve it. At the top of the list, I think Tom Brady's 100% back from his season-ending knee injury last season and should put up big numbers with Randy Moss and Wes Welker still in New England. There's some doubt in Dallas whether Tony Romo can succeed without Terrell Owens, so I think he's got something to prove. I was hesitant to put Kurt Warner higher on this list because I think his age will finally catch up to him this season. Jay Cutler barely made it on the list after a tumultuous off-season that saw him traded from Denver to Chicago. He's definitely got the skills to be a top 5 quarterback, but I just don't think Chicago has enough talent at the wide received position.

1. Tom Brady (NE)
2. Peyton Manning (IND)
3. Drew Brees (NO)
4. Tony Romo (DAL)
5. Philip Rivers (SD)
6. Matt Ryan (ATL)
7. Kurt Warner (ARI)
8. Matt Cassel (KC)
9. Aaron Rodgers (GB)
10. Jay Cutler (CHI)

Fantasy Impact: I'm of the opinion that drafting a quarterback is one of the most critical moves you can make in the draft. They're historically the top fantasy point producers, so even though many "experts" will say that the drop-off from #1-#10 isn't as great as at other positions, I would much rather have a quarterback that I can count on every game to deliver 20- 25 pts. for my team. Usually the first QB comes off the board in the late first-early second round. I would shoot for Ryan in the 5th to 6th round as a solid value pick with tons of upside.