FSRU Fantasy Sports

NFL 2004 Analysis Studs, Sleepers and Predictions

Written by

Danny Maldonado

NFC East

New York Giants

The Giants showed that they were not afraid to APull the Gun,@ and make some trade day magic happen. The Giants got the franchise Quarterback they have been looking for since the departure of Phil Simms. Eli Manning is the man to guide this franchise into the new century. Though they signed QB Kurt Warner as well, the starting job is Eli=s too lose. Eli Manning is a guy you can invest a draft pick on but not before you have already selected a proven QB first. I feel this will be a very strong bounce back season for WR Amani Toomer. Toomer is the strong deep threat that Manning will look for often down the field. Scoop him up in Round 3 to 5. I am sure Eli is quite excited to have a superstar security blanket in TE Jeremy Shockey. Shockey will be looking for the ball to make himself a 1,000 yard receiving threat. He is coming off of major foot surgery and those types of injuries on big guys can prove detrimental to ones on-field production, so keep that in mind if you feel like drafting a TE early.

Tiki Barber has been one of the better all-around backs but his Achilles heel continues to be fumbles. Solid production in 2003 with 1,216 yards on the ground and 461 yards in catches. Tiki would only find himself in the end zone three times and that is not acceptable. Neither is six lost fumbles for two seasons in a row. New Head Coach Tom Coughlin will not put up with that so keep an eye out on former Heisman winner Ron Dayne. He could never get out of Fossil=s doghouse but with the new staff in place he will get a serious look at full time running back duties. With a rookie to start at QB, this will be a rebuilding year for the G-Men as Coach Coughlin tries to whip these players into NFL shape.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are coming off a very surprising 2003. Coach Bill Parcells showed once again that he is one of the best coaches of all time. Getting everything out of nothing, he was able to make this team over-achieve with a below average QB in Quincy Carter and a sub-par RB in Troy Hambrick. Now bring in former Michigan QB Drew Hensen and veteran QB Vinny Testaverde, and you now have a deep battle for that starting position. Many NFL fans and analysts were shocked that Parcells had the top rated Running back in the draft fall right into his lap and proceeded to pass on him. He decided to go with the younger brother of Thomas Jones in Notre Dame=s Julius Jones. Ironically Jones comes in at (5-9-215) almost the exact size Emmit Smith was at when he came into the league. Parcells obviously likes what he sees in this kid and that means he is going to get a majority of the touches. He is most certainly worth a 2^nd or 3^rd round pick in your drafts. Though I feel rookies in high rounds can be risky, he is at a position where they can and do contribute immediately.

At the WR position the Cowboys have a nice package to offer in Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, and Antonio Bryant. Johnson is respected as one of the best possession receivers in the league, he is no real deep threat. But, I do however believe he will be a security outlet for whoever their starting Quarterback will be. I see Johnson being a major contributor in the Red Zone. I would take him in the middle round areas, 5^th to 8^th. Terry Glenn still has the speed to get open deep and also a guy that could be lurking in the later rounds of 10 to 15. The Cowboys are in a very tough division and we will see if they can repeat last year=s performance, which I doubt they will. This division will be tough for them to win and I feel they will be fighting for a wild-card to get in this season. (Update) The Cowboys signed RB Eddie George and he now competes for the starting RB spot. I still like Julius Jones to start. George can be a Agoal line package@ back as well as a change of pace back

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are coming off of three consecutive NFC Championship game appearances. The problem is just that. Three appearances and all of which were losses. Trying to get over the hump the Eagles acquired one of the top two receivers in the league. Terrell Owens might just be what the doctor ordered. Owens is a very safe top 10 pick in your fantasy drafts. I believe 1,400 yards and 15 TD=s are well within his grasp with McNabb throwing to him. But, the man who will go before him will be All-Pro Quarterback Donovan McNabb. He should continue to put up nice numbers as a duel threat QB.

Andy Reid is one the very best coaching minds in the NFL and he realizes that guys like Todd Pinkston and Freddie Mitchell don=t scare anyone. Owens is a legitimate #1 WR and McNabb will be throwing often to him. With the departure of Duce Staley to the Steelers, the starting RB spot belongs to Brian Westbrook. With a very healthy average of 5.2 yards a carry and 13 touchdowns scored. He is a top running back that most likely won=t make it to the 5^th round. He is a smart choice early and might just be a 1^st round type back that will be available in the 3^rd or 4^th round. The defense took a huge hit in losing both starting CB=s in Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent. So the plan to attack Philly will be through the air. This season will prove to be the Eagles biggest test as there is more balance in the dreaded NFC East in 2004.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has made every attempt to buy a championship since his arrival in the NFL. He has had to learn the hard way that buying the most expensive players or coach doesn=t guarantee you will win. That however all changes as he was able to beg Joe Gibbs to come back to the NFL after 11 years. With 3 Super Bowl titles in D.C., Coach Gibbs knows what it takes to win football games. His first brilliant move was getting an established Quarterback with a gun. He found what he was looking for in Mark Brunell. Look for Brunell to be the 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He still has a great arm and mobile enough to still buy some time for his receivers to get open. Brunell will be a steal for you in the mid 5^th to 7^th round of your draft.

No sooner than that pick up Coach Gibbs makes a rare blockbuster trade in sending one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Champ Baily to the Broncos, in exchange for one of the best running backs in the league in Clinton Portis. Portis posted sick numbers last year as he rushed for 1,508 yards and 14 Touchdowns. He also is only the third player in NFL history to rush for at least 1,500 yards in each of his first two seasons. Portis is a top five pick and if he falls to you after that consider yourself the most blessed owner in all of fantasy sports. With the former Hurricane, the state of Florida continues to represent itself well with the #1 go to man via the air in former Florida State stand out WR Laveranues Coles. Last season he recorded 1,204 yards receiving along with 6 Touchdowns. Those numbers will sky rocket with a sassy QB like Mark Brunell running the show. A for sure 2^nd to 4^th round pick in your drafts. Rod Gardner did not put up spectacular numbers last season but is still a very solid #2 WR and will see his numbers increase in 2004. The Redskins are on the right track and I feel will be the surprise of this division. Most writers say the Eagles and Cowboys will fight for this division, but I strongly disagree. The Skins will win this division in 2004. AAll Hail the Redskins!@

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

The 2003 season has been dismissed in the minds of Falcons fans and players. Losing Superstar Quarterback Michael Vick for most of the season is the reason why. A new coaching staff is in place lead by Jim Mora. His goal is to implement a revised West-Coast offense that will allow Vick to flourish in and outside the pocket. Mike Vick is going to be gone in the top 10 of your drafts. So if you are picking high in the 1^st round, this is a real no-brainer. Vick=s WR corps is strong and should have two receivers with at least 1,000 yards. Peerless Price is very elusive and fast as lightning. He is the #1 WR and will be taken in the first two rounds. The new #2 WR is former Bears wide-out Dez White. A speedy guy who seems to have trouble catching the easy passes. A guy though I really think will push White will be the Falcons late 1st round pick in Ohio State=s Michael Jenkins. The Falcons traded up to get this guy so you know they see something that they really want for Vick. This kid has superb size at (6'4", 220) he brings big play ability along with veteran Brian Finneran (6'5"-210), this will be one of the best WR corps in the NFL.

The Falcons most certainly will compete and win this division if Vick stays healthy. Though that will not be easy as from top to bottom the NFC South is the most balanced as every team in it is so evenly matched. The running back position has a bit of intrigue too. Warrick Dunn is a proven commodity and is so sure-handed and elusive. He is coming off a torn ligament injury to his left foot so the door is opened for the power back from Michigan State T.J. Duckett. Though Dunn is the guy to draft first, you will have to select Duckett at some point as insurance in case his body can=t hold up to the NFL punishment. Duckett has been a solid goal line back as well. With 779 yards rushing and 11 TD=s scored, Duckett is a producer and will push Dunn in Training Camp and in Exhibition play in 2004. This is a team to watch for in the 2004 NFL season, and always keeping your eyes affixed on those digital and plasma screens on NFL Sundays. Vick is truly a gifted athlete who has redefined the Quarterback position as we know it. Michael is a lethal combination of cunning and escapablity, contoured with a laser sharp spiral throw that continues to amaze players, coaches, and fans alike. Vick is a AWarrior Poet,@ and a new breed of athlete who is demonstrating to us all what the future of the Quarterback position will be defined as in the Pro=s. Welcome to the 21^st Century of the National Football League.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs come into the 2004 NFL season with some new faces on both sides of the ball. So long to Keshawn Johnson and Warren Sapp. Coach Gruden has looked to interject some new faces to give this team a more competitive team than 7-9 team that showed up to defend its title. QB Brad Johnson is now 36 and his best years are behind him. The clock is ticking and young QB Chris Simms should take the reigns soon. The offense on this team is nothing to write home to mother about. Their best weapon is WR Keenan McCardell. Last season he put up very solid numbers of 1,174 yards receiving and 8 TD=s. They feel the addition of Joey Galloway will add a deep threat to their offensive attack. Galloway is coming off of four underachieving seasons with the Cowboys and has been hampered with various injuries throughout.

The guy they feel is going to step in and fill the void of Keshawn Johnson will be their 1^st round pick out of LSU, star WR Michael Clayton. He is a good blocker and should see time at once in 3^rd down packages. Running back is another big question mark. The Bucs lost Thomas Jones to the Bears and Pittman has trouble beating up on women and staying out of jail. So this leaves former Raider Charlie Garner. He is now 32 years old and coming off of knee surgery. The Bucs have questions everywhere and will be fighting for the rights to not be last in their division. They should just start Chris Simms and allow him to mature, instead of throwing old band aids on the team to try and float above a .500 record.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers put together a rather extraordinary run to the Super Bowl last year. Proving once again that if you have a very strong defense and an above average running back, you can contend for a Championship. Last season produced a new gun slinger to be reckoned within in the NFL, and his name is Jake Delhomme. This kid came from no where to take over the Panthers and showed he can win big games in the 4^th quarter. He is a QB you will most likely be able to pick rather late for a starter but he won=t fall to far. He is a guy you could get with a 7^th to 10^th round selection but don=t be surprised if he goes earlier than that. He has a very nice receiving corps and can get the ball deep. One of the NFL=s top backs is on this franchise in veteran Stephan Davis. Davis had a career year in 2003 with 1,444 yards rushing and 8 TD=s. He is a first round back who will go in the top 15 of most drafts. He has a very capable back up and 3^rd down guy in DeSaun Foster.

Again, always wise to draft the #2 man when you have the starting stud running back, these guys get hurt with all the pounding they take, so have some depth on your reserves for insurance. The WR=s are solid in Carolina lead by the magnificent Steve Smith. With 1,110 yards receiving along with 7 Touchdowns, he is the #1 target in the air. A guy who will go in the first four rounds of most drafts. Mushin Muhammad had a superb playoff performance but is such a strong blocking wide-out that he seems to be more involved in the run game than the passing. You can pick him up really late but Smith is the major receiving threat. The Panthers are focused to get back to the Super Bowl. The NFC South will be very tight so whichever team is most healthy by the end of the year will win this division.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints is a franchise that has all the talent to excel but have underachieved these past few seasons under Coach Jim Hasslett. But the blame can=t be made on the coach. He is one of the more under-rated coaches in the league. He needs his guys to stay healthy and produce on a consistent basis. Coming off of his most productive year, Quarterback Aaron Brooks feels he is ready to take this team to the Super Bowl. Brooks had a league low eight interceptions in 2003. With 3,546 yards passing and 24 TD=s, Brooks is an upper echelon passer in the NFL. He will go high in all drafts and is your #1 QB for your team. If he is still on the board in the late 1^st to late 2^nd rounds of your draft, you must draft him as a priority. One of my favorite backs in the league is located in this fine city. Deuce McAllister has propelled himself in the top five talks of best running backs in the National Football League. Coming off his 2^nd consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, McAllister posted stellar numbers up for his fantasy owners in 2003. Deuce rushed for 1,641 yards and 8 Touchdowns scored. He realistically can be a 2,000 yard back this season if his O-line can stay healthy and intact.

WR Joe Horn is a late first round caliber wide-out. He has proven to is teammates that even being badly hurt, he will do what is necessary to get in the end zone and get a victory. That kind of dedication goes a long way. In 2003 Horn had only 973 yards receiving but did get in the end zone 10 times. He will be healthy this season and will eclipse 1,200 yards in production. The Saints have one of the fastest guys in the league at the other flanker spot in Donte Stallworth. He was impressive in his rookie year but last season was hurt most of the season on and off with hamstring problems. I do feel however that he is going to have a very strong year and is worth an investment in the 6^th to 9^th round of your draft. I do like this Saints football team and believe they will be competing for the division title with the Falcons and Panthers. If they can stay healthy as a unit, this team could be in the NFC Championship game in 2004.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Da Bears are back in the mind set of the 80's. Chicago has brought in a new coaching staff that looks to implement those nostalgic ideals of tough defense and running attack. Former Defensive Coordinator of the Rams Lovie Smith, is in the Windy City to get the Bears back on the winning track. He has placed former >85 Bears Championship players in coaching positions as Richard Dent is in charge of D-Line duties while Ron Rivera is the new Defensive Coordinator. Coach Smith however knows that to compete in the NFL you must be able to put points up on the board on a consistent basis. Chicago was wise to draft QB Rex Grossman last season and keeping him away from being the air apparent to Bret Favre in Green Bay. Coincidently, Grossman reminds many coaches of a Favre in his arm strength and ability to create off the run when plays break down. A smart offensive mind had to be brought in to mold Grossman, so that he may mature into a top caliber Quarterback. So the Bears brought in the former QB=s Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in Terry Sheas. Sheas is the Bears new Offensive Coordinator. He has implemented the Chiefs offensive system which Grossman has found to be extremely stimulating. Rex Grossman will be around in later rounds of the draft this year so you can pick him after your first 9 or 10 picks. Next season however he will be in the first five rounds of most drafts. He is a future superstar and do not be surprised to see this kid as a reserve in the 2004 Pro Bowl. I do believe he has those type of intangibles to be the next young superstar QB in the National Football League.

The running game has also been tweaked as the bears brought in RB Thomas Jones. They have still retained Anthony Thomas, but they want to have more variety in style and technique of running the ball. Jones looks to have the inside track because of his great hands and elusiveness. Thomas will be the change of pace back and see action on goal line packages. Jones is a guy to be drafted in the 2^nd to 4^th round area. They want him to be the Priest Holmes in this Chief style offense so that will mean some career numbers for Thomas Jones. The WR corps is the best the Bears have had in many years. Marty Booker will benefit tremendously from having a real QB to throw him the ball in Grossman. Booker will be back in the Pro Bowl and will be a steal for you in the mid rounds. No one thinks of a pass attack offense and the Bears, so you will benefit from everyone else=s oversight. David Terell will start at the other WR spot and looks to show his pick in the 1^st round was not a bust for Chicago. It=s probable that the Bears could have two 1,000 yard receivers in 2004. This is a Bears team that will put points up this year. Finally!

Green Bay Packers

The Packers are coming off a successful 2003 campaign. Though they should have been in the NFC Title game, they have a strong foundation in their quest to get back to the Super Bowl. Brett Favre is still one of the best QB=s in the NFL. His timeless grit, and football prowess, has secured his inevitable place in the NFL Hall of Fame. That aside, it is time for Favre to make his last push to getting a second ring. Last season Favre fell as low as the 5^th round in many fantasy drafts I witnessed. Crazy to think that was possible. Favre led the NFL with a remarkable 30 Touchdown passes. Finishing the season with 3,361 yards passing and 32 total TD=s. This man continues to refine with age, like a 1973 Rothschild Cabernet. He benefits from having one of the best running backs in the league behind him in Ahman Green. Green is one of the league=s best all-around backs. In 2003 Green was 2^nd in the NFL in rushing with 1,883 yards and 15 Touchdowns. A top five pick in any draft he is a franchise-protected player for years to come. The Packers also contain one of the brightest young receiving corps in the league. Former Seminole Javon Walker really elevated himself in the eyes of Favre and his teammates as a go to guy down the field. Donald Driver is the veteran of the group and team leader in yards. Though his TD=s were substantially down from last year, he looks to rebound and get into the Pro Bowl. Both wide-outs will be off the board by round eight or so. So as of now, I would have to lean toward Walker as my first option but Driver would not be too far behind.

Former Hurricane Bubba Franks has been a Pro Bowl TE and Favre=s go to guy in the red zone. Over his first three seasons Franks has scored 20 TD=s. Which is remarkable, especially with the strong running game the Packers possess. The Packer=s defense has really been underestimated by many including some Packers fans in Wisconsin. The Packers were the only team in the league to rank in the top five in red zone offense (2^nd) and red zone defense (5^th). As well for being disciplined, the Packers also were the NFC=s least penalized team in the 2003 season. The Packers again will be in contention for the Super Bowl and I would be shocked if they were not in the NFC Championship game this year. They say the window is closing on Favre but he like the NFL is timeless, and he alone can keep that window open for as long as he continues to be blessed by the football gods. Longevity can be pictured with the face of Cal Ripkin Jr., John Elway, Michael Jordan, and Bret Favre. Favre plays the game like I did when I was a kid, with toughness, intelligence, and true grit. While elevating the level of play that surrounds you. Bret always has fun playing the sport we all loved to play and now watch.

Detroit Lions

Coach Steve Mariucci has rebuilt this team in a younger and more energetic cast. The Lions had the best draft in 2004 and are on the right path. Coming into his all-important 3^rd season, QB Joey Harrington must take this franchise to the next level. The Lions have finally surrounded Harrington with some talent to aid in his development. The Lions have not had a legitimate threat at running back since the retirement of Barry Sanders. The Lions traded up in the draft to acquire Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones. He is one of my sleepers to draft this year early. At a svelte (6"0'-225), this kid will make his name known on NFL Sundays. During his Senior year, Jones averaged 5.9 yards a carry and posted final numbers of 1,419 yards rushing and 18 Touchdowns scored. His consistency was proven as he had eight games of at least 100 yards rushing.

In the past I have given you sleeper rookies who will make an immediate impact on your roster, and be a protected player for you for years to come. Clinton Portis, Tyrone Calico, and Onterrio Smith were a few names I mentioned and they have all delivered or shown great promise. In 2004 I give you RB Kevin Jones (Lions), QB Rex Grossman (Bears), WR Roy Williams (Lions), RB Tatum Bell (Broncos), WR Lee Evans (Bills), WR Michael Jenkins (Falcons), TE Kellen Winslow (Browns), TE Ben Troupe (Titans), WR P.K. Sam (Patriots), and WR Reggie Williams (Jags). The Lions got themselves another WR to complement Charles Rogers in University of Texas stand out Roy Williams. He has great size and speed, and Joey Harrington is going to love throwing often to this kid. I believe he will be the #1 WR and Rogers will be #2. Williams has the physique to take the NFL punishment and could be this year=s Anquan Boldin. Though many of the important skilled position players are new on the Lions, they are going to surprise people. This team may not make the playoffs this year, but they will be able to put up serious points on the board and therefore develop solid fantasy players that will excel for you on your roster and might just stay there to be protected in 2005.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings ended the 2003 season with a soul depleting loss to the Cardinals which cost them a ticket to the playoffs. This team started 6-0 and yet faltered, disappointing Vikings fans once again. Will the Vikings be able to recover from such a devastating loss and use that experience too mature and focus their efforts in making 2004 a Super Bowl season? That is the big question in the state of Minnesota. WR Randy Moss is coming off a career season in 2003. Moss had 1,632 yards receiving along with 17 TD=s scored. Phenomenal fantasy numbers and is an obvious top five pick. If your looking for a solid veteran player that you should find after drafting your first five players or so, I have a name for you to remember come draft day. A guy that literally carried the Baltimore Ravens passing attack in the 2003 season and very familiar with the division playing the majority of his career in Chicago. The new #2 WR Marcus Robinson. This is the best receiver the Vikings have placed next to Moss in the starting lineup since Cris Carter. A career year will happen for Marcus Robinson if he can stay healthy for an entire season.

QB Daunte Culpepper is also quite content in having another big target to throw to. Culpepper improved in 2003 and found himself in the Pro Bowl. Culpepper passed for 3,479 yards and 25 Touchdowns. Extremely solid production for a starting fantasy Quarterback. Behind Culpepper however looms an interesting competition for backfield time. Though Michael Bennett has blazing speed, he has also had a long history of weak lower limbs. Even back to his college days of running all over Camp Randell while at Wisconsin, Bennett has been running on astro-turf for many years. His recurring foot, ankle, and hamstring injuries can be attributed to that. He should and will be drafted within the first two rounds but RB Onterrio Smith has a lot of talent and will get touches in goal line situations. If you draft Bennett you better get this kid in the late part of your draft as a very solid insurance policy on the often injury prone Bennett. Just as strong as the Vikings offense will be their defense. The Vikings will have one of the top statistical defenses in the NFL this season if health is not a factor of course. This defense will make a lot of turnovers especially in the dome, and that means big fantasy points for you. The Vikings and Packers will be in the playoffs and possibly could meet deep in the post season. Focus this off-season will be on the NFC East and South, but do not discount the old (Norris) division, as the Lions and Bears are greatly improved and I see the old ABlack and Blue Division,@reborn. Being one of more passing yards than any of their fans can remember in generations. Young guns abound in Detroit and Chicago, as well as sassy veterans in Minneapolis and Green Bay, should prove to be a very exciting 2004 season for the awesome fans of this great Mid-West division.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have a franchise Quarterback after many years under Mike Holmgren=s tutelage. He is a top five QB in the NFL. The Seahawks are most certainly headed in the right direction. Seattle will bring the 6^th ranked offense in the league into this season. It all starts with QB Matt Hasselbeck. In 2003 Hasselbeck put up very solid fantasy numbers for his owners. He threw for 3,841 yards and 26 Touchdowns. Hasselbeck was found in late 4^th to 7^th rounds in 2003, but in 2004 he will not last past round two. At 28 years old and now a Pro Bowl QB, he is now just beginning to reach his prime. In the great North West you will also find one of the best tailbacks in the league. Sean Alexander has consistently been one of the top five running backs in the NFL over the past four seasons. In 2003 Alexander rushed for 1,435 yards and 14 Touchdowns. He has an uncanny ability to get in the end zone when the Seahawks break the 20-yard line marker.

The WR corps is lead by Darrell Jackson. He has been a receiver with deceptive speed and excellent hands. Next would be the underachieving Koren Robinson. He has the perfect size but has continually had mental lapses in concentration and sharp route running. Bobby Ingram is one of the top three possession receivers in the NFL. Wide receiver Alex Banister will make a major push in camp to break into the top three WR sets. Tight end Jeremy Stevens has been a bust, and the only reason he is still on the team is because the Seahawks invested a 1^st round draft pick on him so they want to save face. TE Itula Mili has proven to be a very reliable outlet for Hasselbeck and should have a career year in 2004. He has a knack for getting open in goal line situations. Seattle has a very tough schedule and will have to show that last season=s playoff season was no fluke. Hasselbeck likes the pressure and feels he can bring Seattle to the promised land. The Seahawks are still trying to make their first Super Bowl appearance and Coach Holmgren believes he has the pieces in place to make that a reality.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals come into 2004 with new leadership. Coach Dennis Green takes over for one of the most pathetically ran sports franchises on the planet. Dennis Green is one of the great football minds in coaching and has always had a great eye for talent come draft time. A proven motivator and winner. Guiding his new attack in the NFC West Division will be young and unproven Quarterback Josh McCown. Coach Green says he does not need a free agent QB because this kid has the goods. I=m not too sure about that. To be honest, I don=t even think he is the best QB on the roster. I thought Coach Green got a steal in the 2004 NFL Draft when in the 7^th round former Michigan QB John Navarre fell right into his lap. I will give Coach Green the benefit of the doubt on McCown but why in God=s name would he announce his starting running back would not be Marcel Shipp even before actual competition of training camp starts? He would rather have a running back with 14 years of tread on his tires to 3 years on Shipp. I think this is just a motivating maneuver to fire up Marcel Shipp. Dennis Green is too smart of a guy to make this stupid of a decision without some type of logical reason. I would still draft Shipp before Smith because Smith has no break away ability any more and by week 4 to 6, Shipp should have his job back, if that long.

The offense is greatly improved and lead by former Florida State stand out Anquan Boldin. In 2003 Boldin set rookie records with 1,377 yards receiving and 8 TD=s scored. Coach Green is implementing his 3-Wide set and Boldin is set to be his Moss, while 1^st round draft pick Larry Fitzgerald will be his Carter. Fitzgerald is a guy worth investing a mid round draft pick on. Rookie receivers don=t commonly have spectacular years like Boldin, but, Coach Green is going to be throwing the football a lot which means fantasy owners will benefit. Filling out the starting third WR spot will be Bryant Johnson. All three receivers will have no more than two years experience so growing pains are most certainly to be expected. The Cardinals will be fun to watch this year but their schedule is difficult, 7 wins is a realistic 1^st step.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams are coming off a shocking home playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers. Coach Mike Martz has been a brilliant Offensive Coordinator but a floundering Head Coach. Watching all NFL games on the NFL Sunday Ticket, I get a chance to watch and record games played. What I find when reviewing game films is remarkable. Coach Martz has made so many horrible coaching calls I am surprised he is still employed in St. Louis. This guy is one of the worst Sunday game day coaches I have seen in quite some time. This team is not quite the elite team to be feared in the NFC. However, the Rams offense is still potent at home and the numbers are supported by Pro Bowl WR Torry Holt. He was one of the biggest fantasy scorers in 2003 and looks to improve on those numbers. Holt last season caught 1,696 yards worth of balls and 12 Touchdowns. A 1^st round pick unquestionably. WR Isaac Bruce has tapered off from his earlier numbers as he is now more of a possession guy who still runs extremely precise routes.

Quarterback Marc Bulger passed for 3,845 yards and 22 TD=s were stellar. Unfortunately, the 22 interceptions he threw offset a lot of his positive highlights. Bulger must reduce those picks and mental mistakes on reads and adjustments, especially now with no Kurt Warner lurking in the shadows. There will be no reason for Bulger not to throw for 4,000 yards with 30 TD=s. He must be focused.

Otherwise, Martz might look for someone else. Nice pick up grabbing Michigan State=s QB Jeff Smoker in the 6^th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. I think this kid is going to be competing for playing time in the not so distant future. RB Marshall Faulk has been a fantasy football icon for many years now. But, with time and persistent injuries, Faulk is on the down side of his career. Not even Martz could screw up the draft pick of Oregon St. tailback Steven Jackson. After Bill Parcells passed on him, he fell right to the Rams and just that quickly the air apparent to Marshall Faulk was anointed. Faulk is still the guy to draft, but his body is showing wear and tear of a career of punishment. Jackson is someone to give strong consideration in the later rounds of the draft. I might even draft him a bit higher than many owners would think to just as a very safe investment of a future protected back for the next decade. The Rams should not have trouble being a playoff team again, so to get back into the Super Bowl the defense must play better and the key offensive players must stay healthy.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are in a rebuilding mode even if they won=t admit that publicly. This team is expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. A new QB and a slew of receivers no one has ever heard of. The QB to accept the reins as the new leader is Tim Rattay. He is the man that helped forced the hand of the franchise to give the boot to Jeff Garcia. I never really thought much of Dennis Erickson as an NFL coach, and he will be lucky to make it two more seasons as their Head Coach. Rattay will get drafted, but it shouldn=t be by you. I do not believe he can take the hits and believe me with that make shift line, he is going to get hit often. He has no mobility and that will not help either. The starting Quarterback of this team should be Ken Dorsey. He was a winner in High School and at the University of Miami.

The only real fantasy player on this roster worth drafting in the first four rounds is former Pitt Panther RB Kevan Barlow. The 2004 season will be a career year for Barlow. In 2003 Barlow started four games but was still able to produce a team-high 1,024 yards rushing, averaging 5.1 yards a carry, and scored 6 Touchdowns. So you do the math, with 16 starts instead of 4, and your looking at a high 1^st round Avalue@ back in the late 1^st round to mid 2^nd round or so. Rookie WR Rashan Woods looks to be the #1 target for the Niners. Brandon Lloyd and Cedric Wilson round out the WR corps. It=s not much to offer. General Manger Terry Donahue is completely unrealistic to think his team is a playoff contender in the 2004 season. This team is going to be learning just how to play with each other for the most part and he is setting himself up for being berated by local sports writers and sports radio. Be honest, AWe are rebuilding and reloading with young players@. That is honest, and so is 5 wins and a 4^th place in the NFC West...

AFC East

New York Jets

The Jets are coming into the 2004 season with a fresh outlook. They are disregarding the lost season of 2003. The loss of one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league Chad Pennington, proved to be detrimental to the team=s mental focus throughout the remainder of the year. Back up QB Vinny Testaverde was pathetic and showed he should have retired three years ago. General Manager Terry Bradshaw felt that some changes were also needed on the team. Six of the starters from last year are gone, four players on defense. Including veteran linebackers Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones. The success of the Jets relies on the continued growth of QB Chad Pennington. He is a cerebral passer who can make precise throws right on the money. He might fall a bit in some fantasy drafts since he missed most of the season last year, so his numbers won=t be as eye catching on those cheat sheets. Just keep in mind he is a 1^st round caliber player and he has a couple of very nice weapons to throw to as well.

Former University of Miami star Santana Moss had his coming out party in 2003. He finished the season with 1,105 yards and 10 TD=s. The Jets made a very wise move in acquiring a solid #2 WR in Justin McCareins for their 2^nd round pick. He was really making a name for himself as a go to guy for Steve McNair. He is going to be a solid receiver to target draft day. Both these guys can easily put up 1,000 yard receiving seasons and that is the plan in New York. Running back Curtis Martin has rushed for at least 1,000 yards the past nine seasons in a row. Truly amazing considering the Jets line was decimated in the early part of the season, and he was nursing ankle sprains as well. I feel with the stronger WR corps now existing on the team will benefit the run. Martin won=t have to worry as much about 8 and 9 in the box to contain him. I like Martin and he should be available in the 2^nd to 4th round of your draft. Though the defense lost one of the top linebackers in Mo Lewis, they are going to have an immediate impact rookie in former Hurricane Jonathan Vilma. So look for the Jets to compete in the AFC East and a Wild Card playoff appearance is within grasp in 2004, and once you=re in the post season in this league, anything can happen.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are the Champions again and they want to be called a dynasty. To do that you have to win at least 3 Super Bowls, so they will still be hungry for another title. Coach Bill Belichick has proven he is one of the best coaches in the NFL. He will not allow this team to be complacent in defending their title. Quarterback Tom Brady as been very consistent since he was announced as the starting QB. In 2003 Brady posted solid numbers of 3,360 yards passing and 23 TD=s.

The Patriots upgraded their rushing attack by acquiring the services of Corey Dillon. The rich just get richer sometimes, amazing isn=t it? Dillon will be expected to be one of the elite backs in the league again, and with a very solid O-line, expect to see him attain that success he had a few years ago as a Bengal. WR Troy Brown is aging but still is reliable. The new go to guy for Brady is Deion Branch. Keep an eye out though on a young receiver from Florida St. His name is P.K. Sam, and he might secure the 3^rd WR spot and soon the #2 spot. TE Daniel Graham showed flashes last season but dropped too many balls. Brady loves throwing to his Tight Ends in the red zone so Graham is worth taking. Christian Fauria will be the back up, but Brady does like and trust Fauria=s hands as well.

Miami Dolphins

The pressure has been on Coach Dave Wannstedt to get this team in the Super Bowl. His team however has not been able to get into the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Coach Wannstedt was rewarded with a contract extension however, but he was removed from General Manager duties and was regulated to just the normal powers allowed to Head Coaches. He amassed a coaching record of 41-23 over the past four seasons in Miami. The new GM for the Dolphins, Rick Spielman, made his presence felt quickly as he traded the Dolphins 2^nd round draft choice to the Eagles for their back-up QB A.J. Feeley. QB Jay Fiedler was also re-signed and an open battle for the starting job has begun. Wannstedt believes in Fiedler and so do his teammates. Feeley must have a tremendous preseason showing to win the job I feel. Fiedler is very mobile and an intelligent Quarterback.

There are weapons for the passing game in Miami and it starts with the former Wisconsin Badger Chris Chambers. Chambers is now entering his fourth season as a Pro, and he wants to be considered as one of the NFL=s top receivers. I love Chambers and would look for him in the 3^rd to 5^th round area of your draft. He has always been focused on being there with no other wide-out who was a legitimate threat. But, now they do. The Dolphins were able to swindle David Boston from the Chargers for a conditional 2005 6^th round draft choice and cornerback Jamar Fletcher. A factor to why I feel David Boston will improve statistically is because there is a familiar face on the staff. Boston=s last great year was in 2001 with the Cardinals. He accumulated 1,590 yards in receiving. His WR=s Coach then was Jerry Sullivan. He is now the Dolphins WR=s Coach and he plans on having both receivers breaking the 1,000 yard mark. The backfield contains one of the top five backs in the NFL. Ricky Williams is a punishing runner with break away ability. He had 1,372 yards rushing and 9 TD=s. Not as stellar as his 2002 performance, but he still is a very productive fantasy back. I feel TE Randy McMichael could be a Pro Bowl caliber player, but he needs to be a little more crisp in his route running. With Boston and Chambers going up the field, McMichael will benefit and see more passes in his direction. He reminds me a lot of a young Keith Jackson and could be a steal for you in the early mid rounds of your draft. The Dolphins still have one of the top defenses in the league and 2004 is the time to make the next step. (Update) Ricky Williams retires, if he stays retired, RB Travis Minor would be the starter. Dolphins also would open trade talks with the Packers for Najeh Davenport, the Bears for Anthony Thomas and the Colts for Edgerrin James.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are coming off a very poor showing in 2003. Drew Bledsoe had his worst statistical year. Eric Moulds tore his groin and still tried to play through the pain, and with the loss of Peerless Price, Josh Reed underachieved as a #2 wide receiver. So the Bills try a fresh approach in 2004. They bring in a new coach in Mike Mularkey and he will revamp this offense in his image. Drew Bledsoe will fall in this year=s draft because of his poor season last year. So be smart and draft him. Where he would have been a sure 1^st round pick, he could possibly drop into the 3^rd or 4^th round this year. He will be well coached this year with one of the most brilliant football minds, Coach Sam Wyche. Coach Wyche has developed many Quarterbacks in the NFL and he will help keep Bledsoe in a positive mind-set. WR Eric Moulds will be healthy this year and is an elite wide-out in this league. He had the focus of defenses last year with the loss of Peerless Price, and with that severe groin injury, could not put up fantasy numbers we have got accustomed to.

The addition of WR Lee Evans via the draft, will pay huge dividends. I have Lee Evans rated as one of my top sleepers to draft. That does not mean draft him in round ten as a project. It means you draft him in the first six rounds or so. He will make an immediate impact and the Bills offense will be top five again like it was two seasons ago. RB Travis Henry returns as the starter. Henry ran for 1,356 yards and 10 TD=s. The 1^st round investment pick of last year Willis McGahee, has been extremely impressive in training camps. The Bills want to attack NFL defenses with both backs together in the same backfield. This team has Super Bowl potential. It=s time to fulfill their destiny.

AFC South

Tennessee Titans

The Titans come into the 2004 season with aspirations to bring a Super Bowl Championship to Tennessee. The 2003 NFL Co-MVP Steve McNair, leads this well balanced offense into the 2004 season. Steve McNair is a very solid fantasy Quarterback. In the 2003 season McNair passed for 3,215 yards and 24 Touchdowns. McNair has a crop of talented receivers. In veteran receiver Derek Mason, he has been McNair=s trusted target on the field. Last season he finished with 1,303 yards and 8 Touchdowns. The Titans traded WR Justin McCareins to the Jets for a draft pick. They did this for a good reason. Last year I wrote about a certain young rookie from Middle Tennessee State, who was going to be a big star in this league. I did the same 2 years ago instructing you to draft RB Clinton Portis in his rookie year. WR Tyrone Calico will be the #2 WR and will be McNair=s deep threat weapon. I believe after his first year getting a little more seasoned as a pro receiver, Calico will be to McNair what Javon Walker has become to Bret Favre. I also feel that the Titans have the best rookie tight end in the National Football League. Former Florida Gator Ben Troupe (6"4'-260) is quite agile and a very sure handed target.

With the retirement of Frank Wycheck, Steve McNair needs a security blanket in the clutch and Ben Troupe is it. There will be a new look in the Titans backfield as Eddie George is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys. 2^nd year tailback out of Colorado Chris Brown will be the starter. He showed great promise last season and will be around in the late 1^st to late 2^nd round area of your draft. He should have a very nice season but keep in mind the Titans signed power back Antowain Smith, and will use him in goal line situations, which means less TD=s for Brown. The Titans have a tough schedule and need to keep McNair as heathy as possible. They will be a playoff team and if they can secure home field advantage this year, the Titans have a very strong chance to get back to the Super Bowl and this time win it.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had a great season in 2004. A 12-4 record and Division Champs. With a tough loss in the AFC Championship game, the Colts know they are very close to a Super Bowl. The success of the Colts can be attributed to NFL Co-MVP Peyton Manning. A career year in 2003 Manning threw for 4,267 yards and 29 TD=s. A top five pick in most drafts. Fellow Pro Bowler Marvin Harrison is also one of the top fantasy performers. Harrison had numbers of 1,272 yards receiving along with 10 Touchdowns scored. Running back Edgerrin James played with injuries and missed some games, but was still able to put a solid season together of 1,259 yards rushing and 11 TD=s.

Kicker Mike Vanderjagt was the best in the league last season. He didn=t miss a field goal or an extra point. The Colts are well coached by Tony Dungy, and he is molding the defense into a cohesive unit. There will be some new faces on the defense this year, and the Colts realize that a potent offense isn=t enough to win a Super Bowl. You must have balance. Just as you do in the passing and rushing game, you must be able to put pressure on opposing Quarterbacks, as well as excellent tackling, and solid cover skills. The Colts are a favorite and will be a force to be reckoned with in.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The popular pick as the team to watch out for is the Jaguars. Second year Head Coach Jack Del Rio has whipped these players into the type of team he wants. With a young Quarterback in Byron Leftwich, the Jags believe they are close to a playoff contender. Leftwich has a hell of an arm to go with that quick release. In 2003 Bryan Leftwich passed for 2,819 yards and 14 TD=s. Not bad at all for a rookie QB who did not even play the first couple of games. He is a superstar on the brink and worth your consideration in the first five rounds of your draft.

The Jags have a strong home-grown backfield that is lead by a Gator and Seminole. Running back Fred Taylor is coming off another very productive year. Taylor rushed for 1,572 yards but only scored 6 Touchdowns. The Jags seemed to see that as a need, so then proceeded to draft one of the best secrets in the draft, Florida State power back Greg Jones. At (6"1'-245) he is a bruiser and will have no problem ramming the ball in the end zone from five yards in. He will also give the Jags some insurance in case Taylor gets injured. WR Jimmy Smith has had a very solid career and as he is now 35 years old, he wants to get that elusive championship ring. The Jags drafted WR Reggie Williams in the first round and will be the starter alongside of Smith. Williams will get throws his way which means he has a very good opportunity to be an impact rookie in the 2004 NFL season. The Jags schedule is not favorable. Minus the competitive divisional schedule, the Jags will play the Bills, Broncos, Chiefs, Steelers, Raiders, Vikings, Bears, and the Packers. A 7-9 finish would be most likely the best finish I could see for the Jags. Next season will be the year they can really compete for the playoff birth.

Houston Texans

The Texans are coming off their sophomore season as an NFL franchise. They most certainly improved and are no pushovers, they will fight hard in every game. Coach Dom Capers has built this team from the ground up and should be proud of his players. Lead by young Quarterback David Carr, the Texans were able to protect him much better than they did in his rookie season. In 2002 Carr was sacked 76 times. In 2003 the O-Line allowed 36 sacks. A significant improvement, but it still needs to be a much lower sack total. The more they can keep Carr upright, the better chance they will have scoring points, which you need to do often just to compete in the AFC South much less against the rest of the league. The defense of the Texans is improved and will need to make bigger plays to set up the offense with better field position.

The Texans are lead by QB David Carr whom in 2004 threw for 2,013 yards and 9 TD=s. The real surprise for the Texans was in rookie RB Domanick Davis. He was the NFL Rookie of the Year with 1,031 yards and 8 TD=s. The WR corps is lead by Andre Johnson. He lead all receivers with 976 yards and 4 TD=s. He should easily pass 1,000 yards in 2004. Corey Bradford is the other starter and showed flashes but he needs to work on breaking off routes cleanly to get open. He only caught 24 balls in 16 games and that is horrible for a #2 wide-out. Carr=s security blanket is the dependable TE Billy Miller. The Texans are still in the building faze of their franchise. They are not a playoff team yet. A positive season this year is to show improvement as they did in their first 2 seasons. They won four games in 2002 and five games in 2004. Six or seven wins are great, and would continue to show they are steadily improving and giving Houston a competitive football team.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are a team to be dealt with in the 2004 season. Head Coach Marvin Lewis sure showed all the nay sayers who mocked him for picking the worst franchise to start his Head Coaching debut. Lewis is a genius and will have the Bengals in the playoffs in 2004. Leading the Bengals will be one of the strongest arms in the league. Quarterback Carson Palmer has been handed the reigns and I predict he will be a 2004 Pro Bowl participant. Palmer will go in the first three rounds of most fantasy drafts but I strongly suggest you take him in the first. In keeper leagues Palmer will be your QB for many years to come. His primary target will be the nimble and fast-flying wide receiver Chad Johnson. In 2004 Johnson caught for 1,355 yards and 10 TD=s. Johnson has elevated himself to Pro Bowl status and with Palmer at the helm, I believe he will pass last year=s production in yardage and touchdowns. Peter Warrick on the other side will see his numbers improve as well but Johnson is the #1 option via the air.

The rushing game belongs to Rudi Johnson. He rushed for 957 yards and 9 touchdowns. He will certainly eclipse that mark and be a 1,200 yard back. I like the draft pick of Michigan RB Chris Perry. It gives the Bengals some depth and a back who can contribute on 3^rd downs. The Bengals will be a fun team to watch on Sundays and look for them to be a Wild Card in the playoffs in 2004.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are coming off a poor performance in 2003. QB Tommy Maddux self-destructed during a woeful 2003. The Steelers are not taking any chances and want to secure that position for the future and possibly the present, as they drafted with their 1^st round pick QB Ben Roethlisberger. It looks like Coach Cowher is going to start Maddox and let Roethlisberger learn from the sidelines. The coaching staff is looking to emphasize the ground game as the focal point of the Steelers offense. Amos Zereoue was released. The only free agent acquisition was former Eagles running back Duce Staley. He and incumbent Jerome Bettis will battle for the starting position in pre-season. Jerome Bettis is in good shape and is motivated to be the man once again.

The wide receivers consist of the steady Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress. Hines Ward is the consistent wide-out who is also one of the best blocking receivers in the NFL. Ward in 2003caught for 1,163 yards and 10 TD=s. Making his third consecutive Pro Bowl. Burress did not break 900 yards in receiving and is in the last year of his contract. The buzz in Pittsburgh is that the Steelers are looking for Antwaan Randle El to move up to the #2 spot and let Burress go via free agency. Coach Dick LeBeau returns back to Pittsburgh in charge of the defense, and he wants to make this defense as tenacious as it was in the mid nineties. The Steelers are not in a strong division and I feel the best Quarterback they have on the roster is Ben Roethlisberger. He is a huge kid with a massive throwing arm. I think he gives them their best chance for success but teams are so paranoid that a rookie QB is going to cry and falter against NFL defenses, they will most likely baby sit him by wasting a year of seasoning, and have him get blisters holding a clip board.

Cleveland Browns

The pressure is on Coach Butch Davis to get this franchise back to respectability and the playoffs. Out goes the erratic Tim Couch and in comes the mobile veteran QB Jeff Garcia. Garcia brings steadiness and savvy to the position and is a solid #2 QB to reserve on your bench. The WR position isn=t deep. The projected starters look to be Quincy Morgan and Andre Davis. Both have made big plays but both also have been inconstant catching easy balls. So as far as drafting the #1 receiving threat for Garcia, I do believe that guy will be the former Hurricane stand out, TE Kellen Winslow. Garcia loves a big target and this rookie is well rounded. Winslow is a smooth route runner with an unearthly ability to make spectacular Aafter the catch@ runs for big yardage. He=s an enigmatic personality, and might just spice things up a bit on the Browns sidelines during the 2004 season. The backfield job looks to be in favor of Lee Suggs. He did not play until the last game of the season where he ran for 186 yards and 2 TD=s. William Green has many off the field problems and the Browns would be better offer trading him, but because of his very questionable character, I don=t think there would be takers. Suggs has great potential and if his shoulder is fully healed, he will be a steal in your fantasy football draft. This team is improved and 7 to 8 wins is realistic in 2004.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a team with some questions to answer. The NFL leading rusher with more than 2,000 yards is facing Federal felony drug distribution charges and could be lost for part or all of the year in court. Which leaves running backs Musa Smith and Chester Taylor as the replacements. The offense is lead by 2^nd year Quarterback Kyle Boller. Unfortunately, Boller has no real weapons to throw to and if there is no Jamal Lewis in the backfield, NFL defenses will blitz the hell out of him, and force him to make bad decisions with the ball. The WR corps is no real threat. The Ravens have Travis Taylor and that=s about it. The leading receiver for the Ravens in 2003 doesn=t even play wide receiver. Tight end Todd Heap was the leader on the team in yardage. He received for 693 yards and 3 TD=s. Besides Lewis and Heap, the only position I would consider drafting is the Ravens defensive unit. This team can be competitive in this weak division, but if they have to play the season without Jamal Lewis, the playoffs are quite unlikely for this franchise.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are a team that will be in the AFC Championship as long as they can stay relatively injury free as they were able to do last year. The weakness of the team last year was the defense. The Chiefs pretty much have retained the same players from last year=s roster. The significant change was the person in charge of it. Former Chiefs Head Coach Gunther Cunningham, is the new defensive coordinator. Coach Dick Vermeil is counting on Cunningham to re-program the defensive mind set and have the defense elevate their level of focus and intensity. However, offensively the Chiefs have an extremely potent offensive arsenal to call upon. Lead by superstar running back Priest Holmes. Holmes is a fantasy football owner=s dream. Leading the NFL in touchdowns scored with 27, also a new NFL record. Holmes as well accumulated 2,110 yards of total offense. A man with Agenius ankles,@ Holmes is a top 3 player on any draft board.

There were only two QB=s in the NFL that threw for more than 4,000 yards. The Colts Peyton Manning and the Chiefs Trent Green. In 2004 Green passed for 4,039 yards and 24 TD=s. Very nice fantasy numbers which all but guarantees he will not drop past the 3^rd round. The receivers for the Chiefs are adequate in Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton. Both of whom will be available after the first five rounds or so. The two players who actually lead the Chiefs in receiving were Priest Holmes and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. He is the prototype of what an NFL tight end should be. Strong, elusive, cunning, and intelligent. The Chiefs did draft a receiver in the draft, a very fast (4.3) speed blazer in Oregon=s Samie Parker. He will see time in 4-wide packages and might just sneak up to the #3 guy. Donte Hall has been used there but his forte is being on special teams, as he is a return icon. The Chiefs will have a much more difficult schedule this year. The Chiefs can realistically be an 11 win team if they fire on all cylinders as they did in 2003 and the defense can play just a little better than last year. The Chiefs will be fighting for home field advantage once again in the American Football Conference.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos come into the 2004 NFL season with high expectations. Quarterback Jake Plummer is heading into his 2^nd year within the Broncos offensive system. Plummer when healthy went 9-3 as the starting QB for Denver. He is a decent Quarterback but the receiving corps he has to work with is questionable. WR Rod Smith is getting older and has lost more than a step. He had 845 yards receiving and 3 TD=s. Horrible numbers for a #1 WR and #2 Ashley Lelie has been a huge disappointment and might find himself in a different uniform in 2005. Ed McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe retired, which doesn=t help either. They traded one of the elite backs in the NFL in Clinton Portis, to get the best corner in the league. But, who touches a football more often in a game to make a play? A corner or a tailback? Obvious? Not to Coach Shanahan.

He feels that any back he puts behind his line will be sufficient. The favorite to start at running back is Quentin Griffin but one of my sleepers to draft this year is going to be the man. Out of Oklahoma State, RB Tatum Bell. Bell is a svelte (5"11'-210) and a very impressive (4.39) speed. He will be the man for the Broncos and a rookie player you need to draft fairly early. Don=t feel nervous to draft him in the 1^st or 2^nd round, but you will thank me later for the advice. The Broncos better start Bell, he is ready. The Broncos are playing a very tough schedule and the AFC West goes through Kansas City. The Broncos are looking at 9-7 and that might be enough for a wild card in 2004.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have some new faces at key positions, as Al Davis tries to retool his team and dethrone the Chiefs as Division Champs. The defense was the first priority and they severely upgraded the defensive line by signing big Ted Washington and the incomparable Warren Sapp. The O-Line gets an immediate upgrade as the best lineman in the draft will start in Robert Gallery. New Head Coach Norv Turner is looking to open up the pass offense and get the Raiders back in the playoffs. The offense starts at quarterback, as the 38-year-old Rich Gannon will battle for the starting job with new Raider Kerry Collins. Kerry Collins has the much stronger arm and the wise decision would be to go with him. Coach Turner needs a big arm to stretch the field and go deep.

The running back position is also up for grabs. Tyrone Wheatley and Justin Fargas will fight it out for that job. Wheatly is the early favorite. Zack Crockett returns as the goal line back. The WR corps begins with Jerry Porter. He was injured with a groin injury last year, but when healthy he produces. Jerry Rice lead the Raiders in receiving but is showing signs of his 42-year-old body catching up with him. This being his final year though, I think Norv Turner is going to be calling his number often and get his numbers up for his last hurrah. As much as Coach Turner says he is throwing the ball, Rice and Porter should have 1,000 yards each but we will see how that unfolds. The Raiders feel that their only competition in the West will be the Chiefs. This is Turner=s first year with the Raiders and it might take some time for his new offense to take hold. What should carry the Raiders in the early part of the season will be their new and improved defense.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers played so poorly last year that they can only get better and that plan starts with a new franchise quarterback. NC State=s Philip Rivers will guide the Chargers in 2004. If Coach Schottenheimer goes with Drew Brees, a bust, he will truly show all of us that the game has past him buy. They had an opportunity to dump him and his 4-16 record as a starting quarterback to the Falcons for a second round pick. Dumb move! They are rebuilding and that extra second round pick would help fill holes like getting a wide receiver. Coach! Many experts believe he is the most ready to start in the NFL of all the young quarterbacks who came out in 2004. He is worth drafting but only after you have selected a proven starting quarterback first. Rivers will reap the benefits of not being over blitzed because one of the top three backs in the NFL is right behind him. RB LaDainian Tomlinson is an upper echelon fantasy back. In 2003 Tomlinson rushed for 1,645 yards and 13 TD=s scored.

What is unfortunate for Rivers is that the Chargers have nothing at wide receiver. Names like Reche Caldwell, Kassim Osgood, and Eric Parker. Who? Tim Dwight and veteran Kevin Dyson would be my guess to start the season. I think young tight end Antonio Gates will be a favorite target for Philip Rivers. Maybe rookie Ryan Krause (6"3'-235) can make some noise in the pre season and get a spot as a starter. His size is most certainly an advantage. Young quarterbacks love big targets. The Chargers will do better than last season=s 4-12 record if they heed my advice and start Philip Rivers. This team is not going to the playoffs but with a head-smart QB like Philip Rivers, six or seven wins would be a huge step in the right direction.

NFL Predictions July 28, 2004

NFL Rookie of The Year

1^st Place RB Kevin Jones...Lions

2^nd Place RB Tatum Bell.....Broncos

3^rd Place WR Lee Evans......Bills

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

1^st Place MLB Brian Urlacher...Bears

2^nd Place MLB Ray Lewis.............Ravens

3^rd Place DE Kenechi Udeze.....Vikings-(Rookie)

NFL Most Valuable Player

1^st Place QB Michael Vick

2^nd Place QB Carson Palmer

3^rd Place QB Daunte Culpepper

NFL Rushing Title

1^st Place Ahman Green...............Packers

2^nd Place Deuce McAllister........Saints

3^rd Place LaDainian Tomlinson...Chargers

NFL Coach of The Year

1^st Place Marvin Lewis........Bengals

2^nd Place Lovie Smith..........Bears

3^rdPlace Joe Gibbs.............Redskins

NFL Comeback Player of The Year

QB Mark Brunell...Redskins

NFL 2004 Playoffs July 28^th posted

AFC

1. Kansas City Chiefs 4. Indianapolis Colts

2. Buffalo Bills 5. New England Patriots

3. Tennessee Titans 6. Cincinnati Bengals

Sleeper Team (Miami Dolphins)........(New York Jets)

NFC

1. Minnesota Vikings 4. Washington Redskins

2. Green Bay Packers 5. Seattle Seahawks