A few thoughts from the third week of preseason games.
I don’t believe Bill Belichick one bit. I’m not saying Tom Brady is really hurt, but I don’t expect Mr. Half-Sleeve Hooded Sweatshirt to be completely forthcoming either.
New Orleans is going to be really good on offense. Drew Brees will probably be the biggest benefactor, but I’d grab a Saint somwhere if I could.
I like Brady Quinn to start in Cleveland. And Daunte Culpepper to start in Detroit. I think “Pep” gives the Lions a chance to win a game early and then give way to the rookie.
I’m not crazy about [...]

86. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati, QB
Full disclosure:  I’m a huge Bengals fan. So I might be a bit biased, but I think Carson Palmer is poised for a huge year. If he stays healthy – and that might be a problem considering he’ll start the season with an ankle sprain – he’s in great shape fantasy-wise. The Bengals have rededicated receivers Chad Ochocinco and Chris Henry as targets, along with new acquisition Laveranues Coles. Those are three pretty good receivers and Palmer is an elite QB when he’s upright. He’s a good value pick this year.
87. Steelers Defense
There’s no reason to [...]

Mr. Roto rolls out 100 facts  you need to know.
Eric Karabell shines a spotlight on JaMarcus Russell.
Michael Fabiano looks at Leon Washington and some other tidbits.

Rookie Mark Sanchez is going to start for the New York Jets. Whup -TEE – Doo. Sanchez is a pretty terrible fantasy pick this year so I wouldn’t get too excited. He’s playing in a run-first offense with three capable running backs (Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Shonn Greene) and his wide receivers are unproven outside of Jerrico Cotchery. Plus, if you factor in the defenses he’s going to face twice (New England, Miami, Buffalo) and the bad weather he’s sure to encounter, it paints a pretty bleak picture. Joe Flacco was in a fairly similar situation and finished 19th among QBs [...]

We’re chugging our way toward 100, with ESPN’s rankings followed by my analysis.
81. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh, QB
Legal matters aside, Ben should have an otherwise solid season for Pittsburgh. He has good weapons in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed and Heath Miller, and is capable of scoring a few TDs running the ball as well. Pittsburgh is still a run-first team, but Ben should finish near the top 15 (he was 17th last season) once again.
82. Darren Sproles, San Diego, RB
I’m not sure what to expect from Sproles this season. He won’t get the goal-line carries and probably won’t play [...]

Stephania Bell looks at Johan Santana’s injury.
Mr. Roto makes 10 lists for 2010.
Jason Grey looks at a couple of Rockies who might be good waiver pickups.
Andy Behrens looks at the Dodgers’ closers.

75. Jay Cutler, Chicago, QB
Cutler played pretty well in his last preseason game and has developed a pretty good rapport with tight end Greg Olsen and his old college teammate Earl Bennett (who might be a pretty good sleeper this year). I like Cutler to finish in the top 10 this year, ahead of Matt Cassel, whom ESPN put a few spots higher.
76. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh, WR
There’s a lot to like about Holmes, who finished a solid season last year with the Super Bowl MVP trophy. But Holmes still might not be the best fantasy wideout on his team, especially [...]

After a brief Brandon Marshall-style hiatus, I’m back with more ESPN Rankings and my analysis.
71. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay, WR
Someone is going to catch passes in Tampa Bay, but I don’t like the offense and I don’t like Bryant to score many touchdowns. I’d much rather have Santana Moss or Cedric Benson who are ranked a few spots lower. It’s not an indictment of Bryant as much as his quarterbacks, either Byron Leftwich (who is leading the derby right now) or Luke McCown.
72. Owen Daniels, Houston, TE
Daniels was a reliable target in fantasy football last year, finishing sixth among tight [...]