As many of us fantasy freaks have been eliminated from the playoffs, we start to look towards the 2008 fantasy draft. Here is a list of whom I think may very well be the top 12 picks next year.


#1 Overall Pick
LaDainian Tomlinson
Running Back, San Diego Chargers

Quick scouting report:
-Has finished in the top 3 at his position in each of the last 6 years.
-Has at least 10 TDs each year and has only missed 1 game since 2001.
-Is heavily involved in the passing game.
-Is as safe of a running back as there is in fantasy.


#2 Overall Pick
Brian Westbrook
Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles

Quick scouting report:
-Misses a few games each year, but dominates the rest.
-Offense runs through him no matter who is under center.
-Is a total yardage monster.



#3 Overall Pick
Adrian Peterson
Running Back, Minnesota Vikings

Quick scouting report:
-Leads the NFL for 2007 in yards per game and yards per carry.
-Determination in the red zone is second-to-none.
-Odds are Chester Taylor will be allowed to pursue free-agency, which will only make Peterson's value go up.


#4 Overall Pick
Tom Brady
Quarterback, New England Patriots

Quick scouting report:
-Does not need to set records to be considered a top 5 fantasy player.
-As long as he has Moss to throw to, expect big games every week.
-Consistent accuracy and makes minimal mistakes.



#5 Overall Pick
Joseph Addai
Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Quick scouting report:
-Gets many chances to score in the red zone.
-Has quickly become an elite back in the NFL.
-Runs tough every down and should only get better as his conditioning improves.


#6 Overall Pick
Steven Jackson
Running Back, St. Louis Rams

Quick scouting report:
-Rams will address their needs at offensive line during the offseason, which will only help Jackson.
-Breaks long runs as consistently as anyone in football
-Has proved he can be an elite fantasy back when healthy.


#7 Overall Pick
Larry Johnson
Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs

Quick scouting report:
-Will be a value pick in the second half of first rounds nation-wide.
-Has a coach who loves to run.
-Runs hard and can punish defenses for 4 quarters.



#8 Overall Pick
Willie Parker
Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers

Quick scouting report:
-Is among the league leaders in rushing and the law of averages says he will hit paydirt much more in 2008.
-Is in a run-heavy system.
-Has the chance to take it to the house on any given play.


#9 Overall Pick
Frank Gore
Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

Quick scouting report:
-Sometimes you have to ignore the situation and take the talent.
-Plays through pain and gets better as the game/year goes on.
-Is a hard nose back who runs angry.



#10 Overall Pick
Randy Moss
Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Quick scouting report:
-Is the type of receiver who defenses can't figure out.
-Even double teams do little to slow down "the Freak".


#11 Overall Pick
Clinton Portis
Running Back, Washington Redskins

Quick scouting report:
-Perennial top 10 fantasy running back.
-Dispelled two big myths in '07: he's not durable, he's going to lose carries to Ladell Betts.
-Remains the feature back and flies under the radar despite his talent.


#12 Overall Pick
Marshawn Lynch
Running Back, Buffalo Bills

Quick scouting report:
-The Bills have a good young offense and his 1000 yard rookie campaign is only the beginning.
-Lee Evans will keep defenses honest, which will open up running lanes for the hard-working back.

Devin Hester

Hey football fanatics, I decided to post a few Halloween pics from years past. I went as myself, of course.



2006

2007

NFL De-Motivational Posters

In honor of my beloved Buffalo Bills' latest collapse, I present to you what I believe should be the official logo of the Buffalo Bills. Many thanks to my partner in crime, MC, for his excellent design skills.

Fantasy Football 101:
Setting Your Starting Lineup

Okay, so you've selected your players, analyzed your strengths, grabbed a couple free agents, pulled a trade or two and now you're ready to set your starting lineup. You glance down at your roster and try to decide which players will start and which will sit this one out. Here are a few tips on how to ensure that your team has the winning edge. Remember: knowledge is the key to victory.


The single most important piece of information when determining your lineup is to know your deadlines.

All the research and breaking news in the world won't mean much if it's too late to change your lineup. It is critical that you know when your starting lineup is frozen.

It may sound silly to state this as the most important rule, but you'd be surprised at how often it is missed. During the course of the regular season, undoubtedly, someone will forget that there's a Thursday game, or that his stud RB is off that week. By the time he realizes his mistake, it'll be too late, and he'll start someone who is on a bye or injured and sit someone who should be starting.

On Wednesday of each week, grab the schedule and glance at it for a few minutes. Make note of any Thursday or Saturday games that may be scheduled that week. Also note which teams are off that week. Compare these teams with your roster players and make your changes early. As the deadline approaches, adjust your lineup as necessary. This may seem simple, but let's just put it out there because it is essential.


This is another simple rule that is sometimes overlooked. Identify and start your studs.

If you've got the #4 RB in the league, but he is facing the #1 run defense in the league, do you bench him for someone else? No way! Not unless you're lucky enough to have three stud runners on your roster. Your stud players are the guys who will be there week in and week out for you. These guys always find a way to contribute, so write them into your lineup in permanent marker. These stud players might not chip in 200 yards and 4 touchdowns every week, but even against the stingiest defenses, these guys can have an impact. Never sit your studs unless they are injured. Period.


To win in fantasy football, you must determine which players on your roster will score the most points in any given week.

If you can correctly determine your highest scoring player at every position you'll win most of your games. It sounds simple, but it's really not. After every loss, you will probably be able to look back on your roster and see a guy who would have won the game for you, if only you had started him.

The key to putting the best team on the field is to look at the opponents of all your players. Is your backup RB playing a team with a weak run defense? If so, you might slip him in as your #2. Is your backup QB playing a team with a banged up secondary? You might want to start him this week. Is your starting kicker playing outside in the rain or snow? You might want to start your backup instead. Knowing who your players are matched up against can really help maximize your scoring each week.

I've already mentioned this, but it's worth repeating. NEVER bench your stud players because your backups have an easier opponent. It is a VERY BAD idea. Don't do it. Always start your stud players. This can't be stressed enough.


Know your intangibles: here are a few other things to consider when rounding out your lineup.

*If one of your players is on a hot streak, take a chance and move him into the starting lineup, unless you have studs filling the position. (A hot streak constitutes when a player has had at least two strong fantasy weeks in a row).

*If everything else is equal between 2 players, start the one who is not listed on the injury report. Some points are better than none.

*As the deadline for your lineup approaches, check for breaking news about injured players. Was your starter downgraded on the injury report? Was a player injured at practice earlier in the week? A last minute change in the injury status of a player can leave you with a guaranteed zero from one of your starters. Avoid this if you can. (Note that some teams make this harder than others *cough* Broncos *cough*).

Follow these simple rules, and you will find that your team will be competitive week after week. Pulling out one or two close victories during the season can boost your squad into the playoffs, and even give you the edge to hoist your league's championship trophy when all is said and done.