AFC Teams
Baltimore – There seems to be no doubt that Chris Redman will be the starter at QB over veteran Jeff Blake. That said, the Raven’s WRs don’t scare anybody, and Redman should only be drafted as a back-up in deep leagues.
Cincinnati – Journeyman QB, Gus Frerotte, has won the starting QB job over the awful John Kitna and the disappointing first-round bust, Akili Smith. Frerotte has shown the ability to come up with some huge games, but has never been consistent. Might be worth drafting as a back-up.
Cleveland – Jamel White has played well in preseason and may even be the starter on opening day. That said, rookie William Green should still get the bulk of the carries for the Browns but don’t overrate him as many fantasy owners have done early on. Other backs are still going to steal some carries and I would not take Green any higher than the 5th round.
Denver – Once again the Broncos cannot decide on a No. 1 RB. Portis? Gary? Anderson? Portis has the most upside but has had a huge problem with fumbles and nothing will get you benched faster than turnovers. Gary is coming off serious injuries and Anderson is getting another shot at HB after being tabbed as the starting fullback. Bottom line: Do not draft any Bronco RBs early on. Certainly no sooner than round five or six.
Houston – The starting RB job is up in the air between Johnathan Wells and James Allen. Who cares! Neither one has any fantasy value.
Jacksonville – Jimmy Smith continues to holdout and Darnay Scott is hurt. That leaves the Jags starting WRs as Bobby Shaw and Patrick Johnson…Ugghhh!!!!! Take a chance on Smith, but avoid any other Jaguar WRs.
Kansas City – It’s a good thing the Chiefs went and got the durable Johnnie Morton because the rest of their WR group is a mess. Sylvester Morris looks like he will miss his 2nd straight season, Larry Parker, Marvin Minnis, and Eddie Kennison are all nursing injuries. Kennison should be the No. 2 guy, but Morton is the only Chiefs WR worth drafting.
Oakland – Charlie Garner should be the feature back over the injury-plagued Tyrone Wheatley, but the Raiders spread the ball around to so many backs, especially in the red zone, that Garner is worth only a later round pick.
