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 Needs Not Wants
Posted by BeastOrBust on Monday, Jul 13 2009  -  about 3 years ago
::  Back to Featured Columns  ::  Needs Not Wants Archive
2009 AFC Projections
Fantasy Projections are a Beast of their own.  Unlike in a redraft league, Dynasty format projections are used to help assess the strength of your existing Dynasty roster and evaluate potential offseason trade proposals. Projections, paired with trusting your gut can be a valuable preseason roster building tool.  We do not have a crystal ball, but what we do have is valuable insight into developing trends within the Dynasty realm.  In our latest Needs Not Wants article, we have put together in-depth team summaries complete with projections at each offensive skill position.  If you have an upcoming Dynasty Draft, use these projections in conjunction with our Dynasty Rankings and you will be well on your way to Dynasty Dominance. 

Please check back regularly as we will continue to update our projections as training camp and preseason position battles play out.

NFC Projections




 
  Buffalo Bills

QB - Trent Edwards: 2,900-3,300 yards - 21-24 TD - 15-18 INT - 2 rushing TD
RB - Marshawn Lynch: 900 rush yards - 7 TD - 30 receptions - 200 yards - 0 TD
RB - Fred Jackson: 400-600 rush yards - 4 TD - 40 recpetions - 300 yards - 1 TD
RB - Dominic Rhodes: 300 rush yards - 2 TD - 40 receptions - 300 yards 1 TD 
WR - Terrell Owens: 70 receptions - 1,100 yards - 8 TD
WR - Lee Evans: 70 receptions - 1,000 yards - 8 TD
WR - Josh Reed: 40 receptions - 500 yards - 1 TD
WR - Roscoe Parrish: 25 receptions - 200 yards - 2 TD
WR - Steve Johnson: 30 receptions - 300 yards - 2 TD
TE - Derek Schouman: 15 receptions - 100 yards
TE - Shawn Nelson: 15 receptions - 150 yards - 1 TD

The Bills have the potential to be a fantasy hotbed in 2009. TO is going to get all of the national attention, but there are other options that could put Buffalo on the fantasy map. Trent Edwards is a player to pay close attention to in 2009, a very important year for his development.  They plan to run the hurry up offense in an effort to protect him behind a young and inexperienced O-Line.  Edwards is a smart QB who should be able to run the hurry up, but he's no Jim Kelly so don't get too excited over offseason sleeper status.  Marshawn Lynch is suspended for weeks 1-3, so there is a nice opportunity for Fred Jackson to step in and rack up some stats.  Dominic Rhodes could surprise some in 2009 as well - he did have 45 receptions in 2008.  The WR competition is going to be interesting.  We know TO will play well, and expect the occasional big game outburst from Lee Evans.  Steve Johnson is an intriguing sleeper for 2010, so monitor his progress in 2009 where he will battle for limited reps in the #3 WR spot. 

 
Miami Dolphins

QB - Chad Pennington: 2,500 - 2,800 yards - 18 TD - 12 INT
QB/WR - Pat White: 700 passing yards - 3 TD - 400 rush yards - 3 TD - 12 receptions - 150 yards - 1 TD
QB - Chad Henne: 2010 Developmental Project
RB - Ronnie Brown: 1,100 rush yards - 8 TD - 40 receptions - 400 rec. yards - 2 TD
RB - Ricky Williams: 500 rush yards - 3 TD - 20 receptions - 200 rec. yards - 1 TD
WR - Ted Ginn Jr.: 65 receptions - 1,000 yards - 7 TD
WR - Greg Camarillo: 40 receptions - 600 yards - 3 TD
WR - Davone Bess: 65 receptions - 750 yards - 4 TD
WR - Patrick Turner: 20 receptions - 200 yards - 1 TD
TE - Anthony Fasano: 30 receptions - 400 yards - 3 TD

The Dolphins are looking like a mix of up and coming talent and solid veteran play.  Their drastic improvement in 2008 should continue into 2009.  Chad Pennington's health is always an issue, he has never played two consecutive full 16-game seasons.  Chad Henne is patiently waiting for his opportunity, but another full season of learning behind a smart veteran in Pennington would be hugely beneficial.  Ronnie Brown is a full year removed from ACL injury, and numbers similar to 08' can be expected.  No big WR names on the roster, and they will be relying heavily on Ted Ginn Jr. to step up.  He's a deep threat who's productivity will be closely tied to the performance of the other WR's on the roster - we have his upside projected, so temper your expectations some should no other receivers on the roster step up and help him out.  See Davone Bess.  He has some sleeper value as well and is having a great camp.  Pat White has intriguing upside in dynasty formats, but his touches will be inconsistent week to week, making him bench material in 2009.

 
New England Patriots

QB - Tom Brady: 3,700-4,000 yards - 28 -30 TD's
RB - Fred Taylor: 700 rush yards - 6 TD's - 15 receptions - 130 yards
RB - Laurence Maroney: 400 rush yards - 5 TD's - 25 receptions - 200 yards - 1 TD
RB - Kevin Faulk: 400 rush yards - 3 TD's - 25 receptions - 300 yards - 2 TD's
RB - Sammy Morris: 400 rush yards - 6 TD's - 10 receptions - 100 yards
WR - Randy Moss: 80 receptions - 1,300 yards - 14-16 TD
WR - Wes Welker: 90 receptions - 1,000 yards - 6 TD
WR - Joey Galloway: 40 receptions - 650 yards - 3 TD
TE - Ben Watson: 20 receptions - 200 yards - 2 TD

In the most anticipated comeback of any player in the NFL (let alone Fantasy Football), Tom Brady will return with a huge chip on his shoulder.  How his knee holds up is obviously yet to be seen, but with Matt Cassel shipped out of town, the fantasy fate of this team lies in the hands of Tom Terrific.  The RB position is crowded, weak and aging, with only Laurence Maroney representing any long term upside albeit very limited.  The WR's are also aging, but still hugely talented and productive. Randy Moss is in for a big year and Wes Welker is a PPR beast. Dynasty owners will want to keep a watchful eye on Brandon Tate, as he could find himself in Joey Galloway's WR3 role in 2010.  Speaking of Galloway Grey Beard, reports are he hasn't lost a step, and if there is a place where he would have any fantasy relevance, it's in Foxborough, MA.

 
New York Jets

QB - Mark Sanchez: 2,200 passing yards - 14 TD's - 12 INT
QB - Kellen Clemens: Not fantasy relevant, even if he does manage to start a couple games.
RB - Thomas Jones: 900 rush yards - 5 TD's - 20 receptions - 200 yards
RB - Shonn Greene: 500 rush yards - 5 TD - 10 receptions - 100 yards
RB - Leon Washington: 600 rush yards - 4 TD - 40 receptions - 500 reception yards - 3 TD
WR - Jerricho Cotchery: 65 receptions - 800 yards - 5 TD
WR - Chansi Stuckey: 40 receptions - 400 yards - 2 TD
WR - David Clowney: 30 receptions - 500 yards - 2 TD
WR - Brad Smith: 15 receptions - 150 yards
TE - Dustin Keller: 60 receptions - 500 yards - 3 TD

It's yet to be seen who will win the QB battle which should extend well into training camp.  It's safe to assume Sanchez will get his chance, but there is still some, although very little value to Kellen Clemens if you've got some room on your roster.  Rex Ryan will definitely implement a conservative - mistake free offense for either Clemens or Sanchez to work in, so don't expect huge fantasy numbers from the QB position.  Thomas Jones is unhappy and the 31 year old is being shopped around by the Jets. Leon Washington and Shonn Greene could have an opportunity to share this backfield if Jones is moved. If not, it's a 3 headed mess with each player likely eating into the others numbers on a weekly basis.  Ryan has hinted at giving Washington about 300 touches in 2009.  This would kill Jones's value, not to mention Washington's durability - classic diminishing returns.  This team is built around defense and a hard-nosed rushing attack, not good news for the WR's.

 
Houston Texans

QB - Matt Schaub: 3,800 - 4,100 passing yards - 30 TD - 13-15 INT
RB - Steve Slaton: 1,100 - 1,400 rushing yards - 8 TD - 50 receptions - 400 reception yards - 2 TD
RB -  Chris Brown: 300 yards - 2 TD
RB - Ryan Moats: 300 yards
RB - Arian Foster: 400-600 yards - 2 TD
WR - Andre Johnson: 105 receptions - 1,300 yards - 12-14 TD
WR - Kevin Walter: 70 receptions - 800 yards - 8 TD
WR - Andre Davis: 30 receptions - 350 yards - 2 TD
TE - Owen Daniels: 80 receptions - 900 yards - 5 TD
TE - James Casey: 25 receptions - 250 yards - 2 TD

Houston has some of the top offensive talent in the league.  What were waiting for is a full 16 game season to see the true upside of Schaub.  Top 7 QB IF he can play the full schedule.  Trouble is, he cannot be rostered as your only #1 QB due to his durability issues.  Draft or Trade accordingly.  As always, Andre Johnson will be hugely productive, but it has been a while since he's missed any time due to injury (he played all 16 games in 2008), so be leary of the injury bug.  Should he get through another full season without injury, it is safe to remove his injury prone label.  There's no reason to think Steve Slaton won't be as productive as 2008 - he has gained weight and has adapted nicely to the one-cut Houston rushing scheme, and Owen Daniels continues to be a reliable target.  Daniels wants to be paid Top-3 TE money, but until we see Top-5 TD totals, we say try to find the endzone a few more times. WR Kevin Walter is underappreciated as just about any fantasy option in the NFL, expect him to serve as a solid WR3 / Flex option in 2009.  James Casey is an athletic freak, lets see if it converts to the NFL gridiron.

 
Indianapolis Colts

QB - Peyton Manning: 4,100 passing yards - 32 TD - 12 INT
RB - Joseph Addai: 800 rushing yards - 6 TD - 30 receptions - 250 rec. yards - 1 TD
RB - Donald Brown: 500-800 yards - 4 TD - 30 receptions - 400 rec. yards - 2 TD
WR - Reggie Wayne: 85 receptions - 1,200 yards - 12 TD
WR - Anthony Gonzalez: 75 receptions - 1000 yards - 7 TD
WR - Pierre Garcon: 40 receptions - 450 yards - 2 TD
WR - Austin Collie: 15 receptions - 200 yards - 1 TD
TE - Dallas Clark: 65 receptions - 750 yards - 10 TD

Don't be afraid of the coaching changes in Indy.  This is still a well-oiled offensive machine that will be run by Peyton Manning from on the field.  Expect to see Joseph Addai slowly nudged aside as the season goes on, but somewhat of a bounceback season can be expected.  Reggie Wayne is getting older, but should still see plenty of targets and reliable production.  We are really excited to see Anthony Gonzalez in a bigger role and 2009 will provide a clearer picture on his ultimate potential - can he eventually become the #1?  Pierre Garcon is an intriguing young talent to keep an eye on, he's currently battling rookie Austin Collie for the #3 WR role.  WR3's don't typically produce at all on a team with a stud TE like Dallas Clark, but this offense will remain very pass oriented.

 
Jacksonville Jaguars

QB - David Garrard: 3,200 - 3,500 passing yards - 20 TD - 10 INT
RB - Maurice Jones Drew: 1,200 rush yards - 12 TD - 50 rec. - 500 rec. yards - 5 TD
RB - Rashad Jennings: 500 rush yards - 6 TD - 20 rec. - 150 yards - 1 TD
RB - Greg Jones - 300 rush yards - 2 TD - 10 receptions - 100 yards - 0 TD
WR - Torry Holt: 50 receptions - 700 yards - 5 TD
WR - Mike Walker: 60 receptions - 750 yards - 6 TD
WR - Mike Thomas: 30 receptions - 300 yards - 1 TD
WR - Tiquan Underwood: 20 receptions - 250 yards - 1 TD
WR - Jarrett Dillard: 15 receptions - 100 yards - 0 TD
TE - Marcedes Lewis: 40 receptions - 250 - 500 yards - 3 TD
TE - Zach Miller: 15 receptions - 200 yards - 1 TD

Maurice Jones-Drew and a whole lot of question marks. Expect David Garrard to be the same as he always is.  Conservative, not too many mistakes, a big run here and there, decent TD numbers - he'll be forced to throw plenty in 2009 often playing from behind.  Other than the playing from behind part, this is exactly how Jack Del Rio wants it, although a coaching change could be on the horizon in 2010 if the Jags don't step in up this season.  MJD has bell-cow RB duties ahead of him, but they are smart enough not to run the TD machine into the ground.  Rashad Jennings is a sneaky talent we are excited about, and his size is a perfect compliment to Pocket Hercules.  Torry Holt will give another year of production and a veteran for Garrard to throw to, but don't expect big numbers.  We are mostly excited about Mike Walker, but until we see him healthy during the season, our projections have to remain somewhat conservative.  The Jags picked up three wideouts in the draft that have a chance to make an impact. Mike Thomas has had a good offseason and has already solidified himself as the teams slot receiver.

 
Tennessee Titans

QB - Kerry Collins: 2,400 passing yards - 12-14 TD - 8 INT
QB - Vince Young: waiting for his chance in 2010
RB - Chris Johnson: 1,200 rushing yards - 10 rush TD - 60 receptions - 450 yards - 4 TD
RB - Lendale White: 650 rushing yards - 8 TD
RB - Javon Ringer: 2010 Prospect
WR - Justin Gage: 60 recpetions - 800 yards - 4 TD
WR - Nate Washington: 50 receptions - 650 yards - 2 TD
WR - Kenny Britt: 30 receptions - 400 yards - 3 TD
TE - Bo Scaife: 40 receptions - 450 yards - 3 TD
TE - Jared Cook: 30 receptions - 350 yards - 5 TD


The QB situation in Tennessee is not good.  Kerry Collins is still a viable real life option, but there's no big fantasy numbers coming from this aging vet.  Chris Johnson is the teams highlight, and his workload is going to increase.  This is great news for fantasy owners, but he's not a real big guy, so durability concerns start to loom.  Lendale White still has value, but only around the goal line.  With some weight loss, he could be in line for a few more carries, and a recent report has Johnson catching a lot more passes out of the backfiel.  However monitor their early season carries.    If White is losing lots of carries to Johnson, White becomes an unreliable starter - unlike in 2008 where he scored a TD nearly every week. Lendale is a free agent at the end of the season and rookie Javon Ringer could step in as CJ's backup - an interesting 2010 prospect. The WR's are pretty mediocre, but someones got to step up and Gage should post career numbers.  Kenny Britt is the future of this WR corps, but he has been unimpressive this offseason.

 
Baltimore Ravens

QB - Joe Flacco: 3,100 passing yards - 17 TD - 14 INT
QB - Troy Smith:  Wildcat Option Packages
RB - Ray Rice: 900 rushing yards - 8 TD - 35 receptions - 300 yards - 4 TD
RB - Willis McGahee: 650 rushing yards - 4 TD - 15 receptions - 150 yards - 1 TD
RB - LeRon McClain: 700 rushing yards - 6 TD - 15 receptions - 100 yards
WR - Derrick Mason: 60 receptions - 800 yards - 5 TD
WR - Mark Clayton: 40 receptions - 500 yards - 6 TD
WR - Demetrius Williams: 40 receptions - 500 yards - 3 TD
WR - Marcus Smith: 35 receptions - 450 yards - 3 TD
TE - Todd Heap: 20 receptions - 250 yards - 2 TD
TE - LJ Smith: 40 receptions - 350 yards - 2 TD

Will the development of strong-armed Joey Flacco lead the Ravens to change up their gameplan in 2009? Not likely. This is a control the clock team led by their defense and a tendency to pound the rock. The Wide Receiver position in Baltimore is a big problem.  This is also bad news for Flacco.  It would be in the best interest of the Ravens to pick up a free agent this preseason, most specifically Matt Jones.  They have also reported interest in Brandon Marshall.  Flacco's fantasy season rests in the acquistion of a legit WR talent.  The run game may suffer as well, but their backfield is loaded and as always they will be committed to the run.  Ray Rice should bust out some serious numbers this year, and could easily surpass our projection if he can carry the load. McClain could steal goal line carries and McGahee is still hanging around like that 22 year old dude in a high school parking lot, revving his engine.

 
Cincinnati Bengals

QB - Carson Palmer: 3,700 - 3,900 yards - 25-28 TD - 14-16 INT
RB - Cedric Benson: 850 rushing yards - 6 TD - 30 receptions - 250 yards - 1 TD
RB - Brian Leonard: 500 rushing yards - 4 TD - 30 receptions - 300 yards - 1 TD
RB - Bernard Scott: 500 rushing yards - 2 TD - 20 receptions - 300 yards
WR - Chad Ocho Cinco: 75 receptions - 900 yards - 6 TD
WR - Laveranues Coles: 65 receptions - 800 yards - 4 TD
WR - Chris Henry: 60 receptions - 900 yards - 6-8 TD
WR - Andre Caldwell: 25 recpetions - 300 yards - 2 TD
TE - Ben Utecht: 25 receptions - 250 yards - 1 TD
TE - Chase Coffman: 40 receptions - 500 yards - 4 TD

Carson Palmer says his arm is 100% healthy, which has fantasy owners fired up.  Should he return to Top-5 talent in 2009, every skill player will benefit.  Other than Palmer, there is no outstanding talent on this roster, however collectively, this team is rumored to have the potential to post some legitimate numbers in 2009.  We still don't believe in Cedric Benson, and 3rd year FB/RB Brian Leonard brings an average skill set.  Bernard Scott is probably the most intriguing of the talents, but he's got a lot of proving to do before we make any real long term projections.  We expect Chris Henry to finally surpass Chad Ocho Cinco as the teams top WR, especially in the red zone.  Chase Coffman could surprise many as he could become a reliable release valve for Palmer.  Lavernius Coles has some sneaky-really cheap PPR value in 2009.

 
Cleveland Browns

QB - Brady Quinn: 2,700 passing yards - 18 TD - 13 INT
QB - Derek Anderson - Waiting for an injury or a trade
RB - Jamal Lewis: 800 rushing yards - 6 TD - 20 receptions - 150 yards - 2 TD
RB - Jerome Harrison: 700 rushing yards - 3 TD - 40 receptions - 400 yards - 4 TD
RB - James Davis: 500 rushing yards - 2 TD - 20 receptions - 100 yards - 1 TD
WR - Braylon Edwards: 75 receptions - 1,100 yards - 10 TD
WR - Brian Robiskie: 35 receptions - 500 yards - 3 TD
WR - Muhamed Massaquoi - 50 receptions - 700 yards - 3 TD
WR - Mike Furrey: 20 receptions - 250 yards - 1 TD
TE - Robert Royal: 30 receptions - 200 yards - 2 TD

Not many leaks from Browns camp this preseason.  We still don't know who the starter will be at QB, but we expect Quinn will emerge.  Jamal Lewis is aging and a decline in production is nearly guaranteed.  Rookie RB James Davis has plenty of opportunity and it's reported veteran RB Jerome Harrison could fall into a Leon Washington role Mangini utilized in NYJ.  Plenty of WR talent on the roster, but Braylon Edwards showed up to camp overweight and failed his physical.  He's starting training camp on the active PUP list and we have major questions regarding his commitment.  There's plenty of opportunity for Brian Robiskie to step in, but he's a rookie, so it's an uphill battle.  So far Mohammed Massaquoi has been outplaying him in camp and is currently the teams flanker.  This team should struggle in 2009. 

 
Pittsburgh Steelers

QB - Ben Roethelesbeger: 3,300 passing yards - 24 TD - 12 INT
RB - Willie Parker: 600 -800 rushing yards - 4 TD - 10 receptions - 100 yards
RB - Rashard Mendenhall: 600 - 800 rushing yards - 7 TD - 30 receptions - 300 yards - 1 TD
RB - Mewelde Moore: 500 rushing yards - 4 TD - 25 receptions - 200 yards - 1 TD
WR - Hines Ward: 50 receptions - 600 yards - 4 TD
WR - Santonio Holmes: 80 receptions - 1,100 yards - 10 TD
WR - Limas Sweed: 50 receptions - 600 yards - 5 TD
TE - Heath Miller: 60 receptions - 600 yards - 5 TD

This team is loaded, and we expect that we haven't seen the offensive potential from this squad.  The defense, as always, will be one of the tops in the league, despite their aging talent.  They are still committed to the run, and have 3 legitimate backs and 2009 will be the year Mendenhall surplants Parker as the teams top RB.  Mewelde Moore should continue the success he found in 2008, but his upside is limited.  Santonio Holmes should become the teams top WR this year, with Hines Ward getting older.  Under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are not as committed to running the ball on the goal line as they were with Bill Cower.  Expect Limas Sweed and his height to burst on the scene in 2009, capped off by a handful of end zone fade route TD's.

 
Kansas City Chiefs

QB - Matt Cassel: 3,100-3,400 passing yards - 22 -25 TD - 16 INT
QB - Tyler Thigpen - Backup material
RB - Larry Johnson: 1,200 rushing yards - 12 TD - 20 receptions - 150 yards - 1 TD
RB - Jamaal Charles: 500 rushing yards - 3 TD - 40 receptions - 400 yards - 3 TD
RB - Kolby Smith: 250 rushing yards - 1 TD
WR - Dwayne Bowe: 100 receptions - 1,100-1,400 yards - 12 TD
WR - Amani Toomer: 30 receptions - 450 yards - 3 TD
WR - Mark Bradley - 40 receptions - 500 yards - 2 TD
WR - Bobby Engram - 50 receptions - 600 yards - 4 TD
TE - Brad Cottam: 10 receptions - 100 yards - 2 TD

This offense has the makings to be a high powered offense, but we expect some conservative play in the first year under a new coaching regime.  Question marks surround Matt Cassell's projections, but we expect good things.  Dwayne Bowe will be the primary beneficiary, and a huge season is to be expected.  He will however draw lots of double teams, so by the end of 2009, we'll know if he is one of the leagues Top-5 WR's.  Larry Johnson is committed, and when committed he can be beastly.  A big year can be expected from him.  He is getting older though, so his longevity is short.  Jamaal Charles is also an intriuging player but his fumble issues have to clear up if he is ever to become a reliable starter.  He doesn't have the build to be an every down back, but has big play potential that so far has taken advantage of his touches.  Amani Toomers days of a fantasy contributor are over, but his presence wil definitely help Cassels development.  

 
Denver Broncos

QB - Kyle Orton: 3,500 -3,800 passing yards - 22 - 26 TD - 14 INT
QB - Chris Simms: Backup QB
RB - Knowshon Moreno: 1,000 rushing yards - 10 TD - 40 receptions - 500 yards - 1 TD
RB - Correll Buckhalter: 300 rushing yards - 1 TD - 10 receptions - 150 yards - 2 TD
RB - Lamont Jordan - 250 rushing yards - 3 TD - 15 receptions - 200 yards - 0 TD
WR - Brandon Marshall: 90 receptions - 1,200 yards - 10-12 TD
WR - Eddie Royal: 85 receptions - 1,000 yards - 5-7 TD
WR - Jabar Gaffney - 35 receptions - 400 yards, 1 TD
TE - Daniel Graham: 25 receptions - 250 yards - 1 TD
TE - Tony Schleffer: 40 receptions - 350 yards - 3 TD

Much of the success of Kyle Orton will be tied to how he handles the weight of the Bronco fans.  There are plenty of disgruntled fans in Denver and if the Broncos don't win some games in 2009, both McDaniels and Orton will be pushed out of town.  We expect some decent fantasy numbers coming out of Denver under the new face of the Broncos.  Orton fits the system nicely, and with beastly weapons in Marshall, Royal and Moreno in a pass happy offense, his owners should be excited. Marshall's off-field antics, hip surgery and possible suspension are dragging down his dynasty stock. He is a free agent at the end of the season, so expect him to be on his best behavior (which may not be saying much). A lot has been said about Royal being "Wes Welker" West, but his upside is actually a bit higher.

 
Oakland Raiders

QB - Jamarcus Russell: 2,800 - 3,000 passing yards - 15-18 TD - 13 INT
QB - Jeff Garcia: Veteran backup
RB - Darren McFadden: 700 rushing yards - 8 TD - 50 receptions - 650 yards - 2 TD
RB - Michael Bush: 900 rushing yards - 5 TD - 20 receptions - 100 yards - 0 TD
RB - Justin Fargas: 500 rushing yards - 3 TD - 10 receptions - 50 yards
WR - Darrius Heyward Bey: 35 receptions - 500 yards - 2 TD
WR - Chaz Schilens: 60 receptions - 800 yards - 4 TD
WR - Johnnie Lee Higgins: 40 receptions - 600 yards - 3 TD
WR - Louis Murphy: 35 receptions - 400 yards - 2 TD
TE - Zach Miller: 60 receptions - 750 yards - 4 TD

Training camp is going to tell us a lot.  Al Davis has plenty of money invested in Russell, so we expect he will be the starter, although recent news out of camp indicates he is having trouble catching the football.  They remain a run-first team and McFadden and Bush will likely rise to the top as the teams top backs.  McFaddens versatility will be something to see in 2009.  We really like Bush to emerge as a legit fantasy talent as well.  DHB is currently slotted as the WR1, but he could lose time to 2nd year redzone threat Chaz Schilens and 3rd year speedster Johhnie Lee Higgings.  Louis Murphy has impressed so far as well, and although has little value now, he's solidifying himself a position for 2010. TE Zach Miller could very well lead the team in receiving for a second straight year. There is potential here, but outside of McFadden, we are likely at least a year away from every week value.

 
San Diego Chargers

QB - Philip Rivers: 4,000 - 4,200 passing yards - 30 TD - 15 INT
RB - Ladainian Tomlinson: 1,000 rushing yards - 7-9 TD - 40 receptions - 500 yards - 2 TD
RB - Darren Sproles: 500 rushing yards - 3 TD - 35 receptions - 300 yards - 2 TD
RB - Gartrell Johnson III - 100 rushing yards 2 TD - 5 receptions - 50 yards
WR - Vincent Jackson: 80 receptions - 1,100 yards - 8-10 TD
WR - Chris Chambers: 50 receptions - 650 yards - 2 TD
WR - Malcolm Floyd: 40 receptions - 500 yards - 6 TD
TE - Antonio Gates: 70 receptions - 850 yards - 8-10 TD

Same old preseason story in San Diego.  On paper they are one of the top teams in the league, but fail to produce in crunch time.  We absolutely love Rivers as a Dynasty QB and he could actually build upon his 2008 breakout. The big fantasy story is going to be Ladainian Tomlinson and while we fully expect him to produce, he is going to start declining at age of 30.  Sproles has value but his ceiling is limited and he will be over-valued because of his playoff performance last season. Rookie Gartrell Johnson will be battling for for RB3 duties to begin the season, but he could have sneaky dynasty value given Sproles' contract situation and LT2's age situation. The WR's are decent, and Jackson becomes a more reliable target with each passing season. Antonio Gates should remain a Top 3 TE option, but make sure you monitor his health very closely.

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