Fantasy owners are salivating. Its been a long offseason, but finally the regular season is upon us. Pre-season games whet our appetite for live action, but there is nothing like Week 1 of a new NFL season. When the Steelers host the Titans on Thursday night, another Fantasy season will be kicking off. A Dynasty owners work is never done, with rosters and lineups constantly being tweaked and changed all season long. Re-drafters and keeper league owners will also want to keep an eye on potential breakout players and continuously developing fantasy situations.



Rookie Watch
Michael Crabtree - When will he sign? His chances of making a fantasy impact in 2009 are dwindling by the day. He needs to get in uniform and start practicing with the team soon or he will be a strictly 2010 prospect.
Chris Wells - Arizona should run more in 2009.  Wells is the top RB talent on this squad and his role should increase through the season.  For now, fantasy owners will just have to accept that he's injury prone and hope he shakes the label.
Knowshon Moreno - Injury has kept him an enigma thorugh the preseason.  He'll likely bust out early in the season and do wonders for both the Denver running game and Kyle Orton's productivity.  He'll be a focal point of the Denver offense.
Donald Brown - His role will steadily increase through the season.  Addai will not be entirely unseated by season end, but we really like Brown for 2010.
James Davis - Davis's stock has risen as much as any 2009 rookie.  He as been a stud in training camp and the preseason.  Jamal Lewis isn't getting any younger, and super sleeper Jerome Harrison has been injured.  Davis has legitimate value for 2009.
Percy Harvin - He'll get looks all over the field in 2009.  He displayed his versatility in the preseason and his skills will skyrocket as he develops chemistry with Brett Favre.
Kenny Britt - He's been injured much of the preseason, but the Titans love Kenny Britt. Nate Washington's hamstring injury opens the door for Britt to start early in the season.
Brian Hartline - The Dolphins have been looking for the large body target to compliment speedster Ted Ginn Jr. in the receiving game.  Hartline looks to be that guy.  He's a rookie, so expectations should be tempered, but he has a chance at the #2 WR spot, competing with Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess.  We like his upside.
Glen Coffee - Pre-season rushing leader will be an excellent compliment to Frank Gore. He might eventually make Gore expendable if he produces during real games.
Mike Goodson - WIth Jonathan Stewart nursing another injury, Goodson took the opportunity to show his skills this summer. He has solidified a role on the team, but won't make a significant impact without an in-season injury to Deangelo Williams or Stewart.
Hakeem Nicks - Looks like he will start out behind Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon, but he has potential to catch Eli's eye later this season.
LeSean McCoy - Brian Westbrook is finally healthy. Or as healthy as he is going to get. McCoy will get some touches even with Westy at full strength, but his value goes way up when Mr. Questionable has to sit.
Jeremy Maclin - The talent is definitely there, but the opportunity might have to wait. He could emerge later this season, but dynasty owners are more concerned with what he can do in 2010 and beyond.



Preseason Movers
Jeremichael Finley - Finley has been one of the most talked about players entering the 2009 season.  He is big, fast and has reportedly made significant improvements in all facets of his skill position.  He also is on one of the most intriguing offenses in the league.   If he's available, get him now in your Dynasty league.  He is competing with plenty of talent around him for looks from Aaron Rodgers, but as always, the cream rises to the top.
Chaz Schilens - Tons of preseason hype surrounded Schilens before a broken foot derailed his progress in training camp.  He is big, relatively fast, and by far the best receiving option on the Raiders.  Jamarcus Russell's development has regressed some since losing his favorite target to injury.  There are lots of receving options on thsi roster, but the #1 should get plenty of looks.  He's woth the flier in deep leagues.  You can wait for him to prove something in shallower leagues, this is the Raiders were talking about here.
Ted Ginn Jr. - value goes through the roof if Hartline becomes a viable WR option. He is the clear WR1 in Miami, but Pennington's arm limits his deep ability.
Robert Meachum - 3rd year player that wants to emerge and there are plenty of balls to go around in New Orleans. He is really just a deep threat.
Limas Sweed - Solidified his role as the Steelers WR3. Could get looks in the red zone An injury could have him in line to start and produce in a big way.
Rashard Mendenhall - He's moving in the wrong direction unfortunately.  He failed to win the starting gig in 2009.  Not impressive, but he'll surely get his opportunities in Pittsburgh.  



Position Battles
Cleveland Browns QB situation - Brady Quinn should win this job.  Derek Anderson could be moved following the completion of this QB battle, with Brett Ratliff (familiar with Manginis system) waiting on the wings.  The Browns will be horrible in 2009, so don't expect much value (its likely all three QB's could see the field in 2009 if things go really bad), but his upside for the future is worth monitoring.  Ratliff could be worth a flier in the deepest of leagues.
Cleveland Browns RB situation - Jamal Lewis has taken a pounding during his NFL career. Rookie James Davis has impressed and will definitely get touches. How many remains to be seen, but he is the best bet in this backfield. Speedy Jerome Harrison could also play a role as a poor person's Leon Washington. He has been nursing an injury and Davis may have passed him on the depth chart.
Darren McFadden vs. Michael Bush - Run DMC is a playmaking RB with Top 15 fantasy potential if he gets over 250 touches. Michael Bush is a bruiser, but not exclusively as he does have above average speed and hands for his size. McFadden is likely to receive the most carries, but Bush could play a very big role and may even develop into the starter.
Larry Johnson vs. Jamaal Charles - Larry Johnson has been a model citizen for the new Chiefs regime and will likely get 15-20 carries each game. Charles has a lot to prove and will start by showing he can handle more touches. He will be the 3rd down back and situational rusher, with LJ the bruising pile pusher. If the season looks like a lost one, Charles could get even more work as the Chiefs prepare for 2010.



Developing Fantasy Situations
Miami QB situation - Pennington had a surprising performance in 2008, plus he played all 16 regular season games.  He has never played a full 16 game season in back to back years however, so it's safe to expect injury in 2009.  Chad Henne is developing nicely and reports are he has star potential.  Henne would benefit with another full year on the bench, but if you've had him stashed on your bench it will be exciting to see him get on the field.  Pick him up now if he is available in your Dynasty league.
Minnesota QB situation:  Minnesota has arguably (along with Philly) the deepest QB position in the league.   Favre is obviously the starter, but T. Jackson and Sage Rosenfels want their opportunity as well.  Favre is old and injury is a possibility, so this should keep the other two hungry for the whole season.  Minnesota is packed with stud offensive power, so no matter who the QB starter, the will be definitley fantasy points to be had.
Michael Vick's value? This year, not too much unless McNabb gets injured, which is certainly possible given that he has missed 16 games over the past 5 years. He is worthy of a roster spot in your dynasty based on his upside. He may be utilized in certain packages and probably will make a few draw dropping plays, but he won't be in your fantasy starting lineup just yet. Be patient here.
Cutler makes use of his weapons - It will be interesting to watch the Jay Cutler effect. Can he turn Devin Hester into a WR2? Earl Bennett into a breakout player? Greg Olsen into a stud TE? The answer to all of those questions is yes. Olsen has the best chance of developing into a beast, but Hester and Bennett will definitely be fantasy relevant.
Chad 85 rebound? Ocho has looked great in the preseason after a dismal 2008. Right now, he looks like a solid WR2 and as long as Carson Palmer stays healthy, expect another 1,000+ yard season and at least 6 TD's.  Fellow Cinn. WR Chris Henry is supposedly taking advantage of his new outlook on life and his career.  His upside is huge.  Pay close attention.



Team Analysis
The Packers look good - Defense shaping up nicely, offense looks like they are in mid-season form. Aaron Rodgers could take another step forward into an elite QB. If Jordy Nelson or James Jones develops into a solid WR3, they could surprise as situational / bye week starters. Ryan Grant is looking for a rebound year, but watch out for his back-ups. Brandon Jackson was supposed to produce as a rookie, but never ran with the job and then Grant took over and never looked back. If he gets healthy, he could battle Deshawn Wynn for touches.
Giants WR situation - More targets for Kevin Boss? Could be, especially if the wideouts don't step up. Boss will get plenty of looks in the redzone, enough to make him a solid TE2 in smaller leagues and a borderline TE1 in deep leagues. Steve Smith is the most valuable WR in PPR leagues, but Mario Manningham or Domenik Hixon could develop into Eli's favorite target. If neither does, Hakeem Nicks could earn more playing time and takeover as a starter. He has the most upside of the bunch and could solidify his 2010 breakout candidacy with a solid rookie campaign.
Pittsburgh trending toward a passing team? That would be good news for Big Ben, Limas Sweed and Santonio Holmes. If Mike Tomlin can't rely on either Rashad Mendenhall or Kind of Fast Willie Parker, Roethlisberger could be airing it out more along the lines of 2007. Don't bet on it just yet though, because the Steelers are going to try and control the clock with the run and let the defense win games.
Can the Bills O-Line protect Trent Edwards? For his sake, we hope so. He has the weapons at his disposal, so there are no more excuses. He needs to produce or the Bills will be looking for a new franchise QB this offseason. He is a worthwhile role of the dice, especially after Marshawn Lynch returns from suspension.
Can Matt Schaub stay healthy for a full 16? If he does, the Texans could have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
Denver Fiasco - Orton? He will be under the microscope all season long. Is he more than a game manager? Probably not, but he has enough talent around him in Denver to take a big step forward. Brandon Marshall? He's back from suspension. Can he stay out of trouble? That remains to be seen, but he is a good gamble for those risk takers out there. The safest guy in this offense, though, is Eddie Royal. He is going to produce regardless of the QB situation and the Marshall situation. Can Knowshon break through? He will leave the other RB's on this roster in the dust by Week 5. 
Kansas City Masterpiece? Not quite. Can Bowe survive with all the extra attention? That remains to be seen as the other receiving options leave alot to be desired. He is still a big breakout candidate and a safe bet to be at the top of the leaderboard in targets in 2009.
Short leash on Jason Campbell - He needs to produce and produce early. Him and Zorn could be on the outs very quickly if the Redskins don't put some points on the board. His WR corps probably wont help his cause.
The Bucs are Bad - Raheem Morris should be in for a long first year in Tampa Bay. Leftwich is the starter, but Morris will not hesitate to throw Josh Freeman directly into the fire if the season takes a turn for the worse - which it will. There are a few offensive talents here, but it remains to be seen who will emerge in the running game. Is Antonio Bryant the real deal? Probably not, but he should continue to produce, along with Kellen Winslow.
The Browns are bad - Eric Mangini has his hands full here. Brady Quinn should be the starter and he might be able to emerge as a QB2 by the end of the season. The problem is not necessarily the QB situation, but the talent around him. If Braylon gets his mind right, he could be back to beast production, but that is about it. James Davis is one of our favorite rookies and he could definitely surprise. He will try to carve out a long-term role with the Browns by impressing them in 2009. Watch the WR situation behind Braylon, because the Browns will be throwing a ton this season.
Marc Bulger understands the urgency to produce in 2009 - Hopefully he also understands the urgency to stay healthy. Steven Jackson will get his and Donnie Avery may take another step forward, but Bulger will need to stars to align in order to be on the fantasy radar. It is a shame that Bulger has taken so much abuse in the past few seasons, because he was poised to be an elite QB. Now, he'll have to pray that the offensive line can keep him upright long enough to throw for 3,000 yards and 18 TD's.
Bengals offense has some serious weaponry - Can Carson Palmer stay healthy? That is the key to a fruitful fantasy season in Cincinnati. Ocho is a bounceback candidate and Laveranues Coles should be serviceable, but troubled WR Chris Henry is the guy to watch. He has been a perenial fantasy sleeper since he got drafted and at only 26 years old, this could be the year he makes good on his talent. At 6'4", he may do most of his damage in the redzone and could be Carson's go-to guy by season's end. The running back situation behind Cedric Benson is cloudy at best. It is likely that no one will emerge as a true handcuff right away, but value could be had in the form of rookie Bernard Scott. Keep an eye on his usage.

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