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Rooney League Team by Team analysis

by Snowblind
Panama Pilagers from the Rooney League
July 4th 2000

Ok, here it is!!! My team by team analysis. I really hope that you all find this enjoyable. I think every team will be able to compete and that this will be a very close and competitive season. Remember that these are just my opinions, so don't take them too seriously. I'm just flattered you all are still listening to me.

HERE WE GO:

Molino FFL

QB's
Aikman, J. George, Kitna, J. Miller - I like Kitna enough to see this team being competitive with him as the starter. He certainly came out strong last year, but will need to remain more consistent throughout the season if Molino is going to go all the way. Aikman is a Great backup and could actually have his best fantasy season ever. If Kitna Struggles, Aikman should be good enough to stop the bleeding. George and Miller are two talented QB's but despite their ability, probably won't see much action barring injury
Grade: B

RB's
Centers, J. Johnson, A. Smith, Chris Warren - Top two backs are clearly Johnson and Smith. Warren will see some carries, but his production in those carries is questionable. Not much of a factor unless Emmitt gets hurt. Centers might catch a few passes out of the backfield, but has minimal fantasy value. Johnson and Smith will have to step up their play and remain healthy for Molino to make a Championship run.
Grade: C+

WR's
D. Alexander, Cris Carter, Dawkins, Freeman, Holt, Pritchard, Wilkins, Walls - Probably the strength of this team is it's receiving corps. Carter, Freeman and Holt, are 3 solid starters. Even though TE's aren't required in the league, Walls is as good as many WR's and can fill in. Dawkins has talent, but it will remain to see how valuable he is since he is currently a FA. Alexander could surprise, he was injured early in the season last year, and should be healthy now. If Chiefs rookie Sylvester Morris can develop quickly and give the Chiefs more options in the passing game Alexander could come back to respectability after a very subpar '99 (only 2 rec TD's). Pritchard could see some action now that Dawkins is gone, but if this were my team, he and Wilkins would be two of the five players I drop after week 4.
Grade: A-

PK's
Del Greco is aging, but still solid. Janikawski could be great, if he get's his head screwed on straight and stays out of jail.
Grade: C

DEF
Packers and Panthers - Siefert is a defensive oriented coach, and the Panthers could make great strides this season. Not there yet though. Packers are a decent overall defense, but are going through many changes. Trying to get more playmaking ability by getting smaller and faster. Turmoil = questions.
Grade: B

Outlook: I see this team as having some questionmarks, but I believe they will be competitive. If the RB's can emerge as #1's on their respective teams (I'm talking about Johnson and Smith now). This team should be able to have a solid 2 RB set for most weeks and should make the playoffs. If the RB's step up AND Kitna remains consistent, they could even make a Championship run.

Overall Grade: B

Class Dismissed

QB's
McNair, B. Johnson, D. Flutie, T. Green - I really like McNair this season. Could have had a career year if it wasn't for a back injury that kept him out 6 weeks last season. Should easily make the top 10 QB's if he remains healthy. Brad Johnson is another QB that has had a few injury problems in the past, but remained healthy for the most part last year. If he can stay healthy again, the hardest part for Class Dismissed might be deciding which one to start. Flutie and Green seem to be reaches IMO, but it shouldn't matter much with McNair and Johnson.
Grade: A+

RB's
G. Hill, T. Jones, C. Keaton, M. Pittman, E. Smith, J. Stewart - The core of Emmitt Smith, James Stewart, and Thomas Jones should give this team a 3 RB line-up in most weeks. Keaton MIGHT emerge in CIN if Dillon continues to hold out. Getting Pittman as a back-up to Jones is a good idea, but I don't think he'll actually see much action. Hill has never gotten the chance he deserves.
Grade: A-

WR's
Tim Brown, A. Hastings, Q. Ismail, J. Reed, J. Rice, P. Warrick - The over rated, and aging, clutter this group. Brown should have a solid season (he always seems to), but father time is clearly starting to creep into the picture. Hastings is going to Chi, where there are already 3 or 4 better WR's. Q. Ismail caught 6 TD's last season, but 3 of those were in one game, so consistency is a BIG concern to me. Jake Reed has always been a favorite of mine, but he'll probably wind up being the #3 in NO behind Keith Poole and Joe Horn. Jerry Rice, despite his greatness throughout his career, is pretty much already considered the #3 in SF. Warrick could be great on any other team, but the Bengals seem to be in a state of turmoil, and have been for a long time. Their winning percentage in the 90's was the lowest for ANY team in ANY decade. Still, having said that...Warrick might actually wind up scoring the most out of this group.
Grade: D+

PK's
Jason Hanson is solid and kicks in a dome. Vinatieri has the potential to put up several FG's in any given week because the Patriots seem to lack consistency in the red zone IMO.
Grade: A

DEF
Buffalo has always seemed to had a good defense in terms of preventing the other team from scoring, but they aren't real "flashy" and don't make a lot of big plays, which is where most DEFensive points come from in fantasy football. The loss of Bruce Smith will hurt some because, despite his age, he was still a sack producer. Broncos could be a dominating defense this year. The secondary is a mess but Eric Brown and rookie Kenoy Kennedy might wind up being the starting safeties, which would help a LOT in my opinion. John Mobley returns from injury this season and Al Wilson has a year of NFL experience under his belt now. I would LOVE this defense if they weren't in the same division as my beloved Chiefs.
Grade: B

Outlook: Despite my opinion that the WR corps is relatively weak, I think this team has poised itself very nicely. A run deep into the playoff is likely, and if he can somehow manage to get 2-3 solid WR's on the field every week, then there's a shot at the Unification title.

Overall Grade: A-

Hoosier Tornados

QB's
Culpepper, Fiedler, Garcia, Huard - I'm one of the people who hated Jeff Garcia at first, but he really proved something to me at the end of last season. I think he's the best QB of the group, but his relative youth makes him a questionable QB. I also think Culpepper will be better than most of the skeptics, but of course, he WILL struggle. The Minnesota offense is set up to give the QB every opportunity for fantasy points though and I like a struggling Culpepper better than a couple of other more established starters. The combination of Huard and Fiedler gives the Tornadoes a monopoly on the MIA passing attack, but this is a team that's still looking to establish itself as a run oriented team, and now that Dan Marino has retired, there aren't any excuses. Youth abounds in this group, but so do the questions.
Grade: C+

RB's
C. Enis, B. Hanspard, R. Williams - I really think Ricky Williams will come back this year to have a good season. He was asked to play injured almost the entire season last year and it really hurt his production. With an upgraded passing attack that will keep Williams from seeing 12 men in the box like he did last year (yes I know there are only 11 players, but I was going for emphasis), Williams should be able to start showing some of the talent that the Saints sacrificed for. Curtis Enis is in that same category. He should finally be healthy and be able to show some of his talent. Hanspard is undersized and won't see the field much at all with the return of Jamal Anderson. The recent signing of Ron Rivers also says alot to me. 2 good backs, but NO depth here. An injury could be devastating to this team. Two injuries, would be fatal.
Grade: B- (for lack of depth)

WR's
K. Bailey, Chiaverini, Dwight, T. Edwards, B. Engram, Gadsden, McCaffrey, J. Porter, M. Robinson, M. Westbrook - I like the combination in this corps. There are several young and talented WR's for long term value, and some established stars for the here and now. But this team sacrificed depth at other positions to obtain this, and I'm not 100% sure that was wise, since we are going to have to drop 4 players after week 4. I like the long term value of Troy Edward and Jerry Porter, Bailey might wind up being pretty good, but he seems to be more of a long term proposition. Robinson, Westbrook, and McCaffrey give this team 3 top WR's to play most weeks with Engram, Gadsden, and Edwards being able to rotate in. Dwight and Chiaverini might be 2 guys I drop after week 4.
Grade: A

PK's
Hollis - a good kicker on a good team, but no depth means that soon or later he'll have to make a move to cover Hollis' bye week. May not seem like a big deal...but it would have been better to take one less WR, then to have to waste a FA dollar to pick up a kicker. Of course that's just my opinion.
Grade: B

DEF
Ravens are a big play defense, with LOADS of talent, especially in the front 7. Redskins spent a lot of money, and drafted to upgrade this side of the ball, we'll have to wait and see if all the new faces can play together though. PS. Darrell Green is METAHUMAN.
Grade A+

Outlook: Overall I like this team, but the RB's MUST, and I mean absolutely MUST stay healthy for this team to go the distance. Garcia or Culpepper had better step up as well, if they want to make the playoffs and do any serious damage.

Overall Grade: B-

Titan Traders

QB's
B. Griese, R. Johnson, V. Testaverde - I have severe reservations about Vinny T. It's not his ability to simply come back from injury, but it also has to do with the ability to come back and perform at his '98 level after such a long layoff. Especially considering that he hadn't previously shown that much production. Brian Griese has shown enough ability to keep people from questioning his status at #1, but he is still young, and on a team with a returning TD, who I think is out to prove something. This is also a run oriented team. Rob Johnson is still relatively unproven, but has shown some ability. Flutie is still waiting in the wings, but I think Johnson will have to completely bomb, to be replaced.
Grade: C

RB's
J. Anderson, J. Bettis, M. Cloud, R. Harris, G. Hearst, J. Lewis, S. Mack, F. Taylor - If we weren't limited to starting only 3 RB's the titans would be set. But as it is, there is going to be some wasted talent every week. Taylor is a stud, if he can remain healthy, but he'd better stay that way. Getting back-ups is usually a nice idea if you have the ability to do it, but if Taylor get's injured, I don't think having Mack will make a difference. Jamal Lewis has a chance to be the top rookie RB (YES, even over Dayne) as long as he is healthy. BAL has terriffic offensive potential. Anderson is coming off the knee injury, but considering he's probably this team's #3 RB, it's worth the risk. Bettis has competition and I've never been that high on him, but on a team this deep, there's no worries. Raymont Harris has a chance to get some production, despite a year out of football, considering the turmoil that is in the patriots backfield. I don't know why they draft such small RB's like Faulk and Redmond if they are going to complain about their durability. Cloud, Hearst, and Mack should be cut after week 4. This team will still be solid at RB.
Grade: A+

WR's
C. Bradford, Troy Brown, P. Jeffers, K. Johnson, O. J. McDuffie - Jeffers will be solid, but he won't be anywhere near the stud he was in the last 5 or so games last season. He'll probably spread that production out over the entire season, instead of extrapolating that into 16 games. Kevin Johnson is ok, but on a poor team and has been told not to get too comfortable because HC Chris Palmer likes the teams two rookie WR's too. McDuffie is small, and over rated. He might have been Marino's fav. target the last several years, but in case you didn't notice...Marino retired. Bradford has the ability to make the "circus" catches, but still remains too inconsistent to slide out of the #3 slot in GB. Troy Brown is just another WR in NE. Sure Bledsoe throws for a ton of yards, and someone has to catch them, but he does a pretty good job of spreading it around. This group is merely serviceable.
Grade: C

PK's
Kris Brown, um.....who? PIT's offense has potential though....potential to be REALLY bad. Steve Christie has been fairly consistent over the years, but he's not really a top scorer.
Grade: C

DEF
Chicago still has a way to go before they catch up with the offense Titans could be this years top defense; especially if Kearse continues to improve.
Grade: A

Outlook: Seems like Steve sacrificed in other positions to make darn sure that he had a strong running game. Congratulations Steve...you did it. Playoffs are questionable unless the WR's REALLY step up, and one of the QB's comes through.

Overall Grade: C+

European 99ers

QB's
C. Batch, P. Manning - Manning might be the best QB in the Game, Batch is very solid, although injured. Hope he can come back soon because Manning has an early bye week.
Grade: A+ (for talent)

RB's
S. Alexander, S. Davis, P. Holmes, C. Martin, N. Means, A. Murrell, M. Williams - Stephen Davis, and Curtis Martin provide some punch, but Davis is threatening to hold out, and Martin hasn't scored many TD's the past several years. Wear is also a factor for Martin. The rest of the group is merely back-ups and hopefulls. I do like the drafting of Adrian Murrell, considering Davis' contract dispute. As an SEC fan I can say that Shaun Alexander is overrated. He is a solid all around back, but he's nowhere near the back that a lot of people are projecting him to be.
Grade: C

WR's
J. Horn, S. Jefferson, S. Morris, J. Pathon, T. Simmons, R. Smith, A. Toomer - Joe Horn and Amani Toomer are the best shot's at quality starters in this group, but there are no real stars here yet (although I like Horn's chances of becoming one this year). Jefferson could be solid if ATL uses him right. KC needs Morris to develop quickly and if he does he could put up some decent numbers. Rod Smith has virtually disappeared the last couple of years, and has a few legal troubles. Simmons will get a chance in NE. Pathon has size, and some ability, but seems to be an underachiever.
Grade: C-

PK's
Paul Edinger should help Chicago's Kicking game which was terrible last year. Conway is poised to score points with WAS's offense
Grade: B

DEF
Eagles are unknown and underrated Lions give up a lot of big plays, but also make some. Porcher is the anchor to a good DL.
Grade: B+

Outlook: Seems to be some talent at every position, but a LOT of question marks in the RB corps, and a WR corps without a real star leaves me thinking that this team's playoff chances are slim.

Overall Grade: C

The Lewinsky Swallows

QB's
K. Warner, K. Stewart, K. Graham - Warner is the real deal, but he's due to come down to earth a little from last year. Stewart and Graham gives the Swallows a monopoly on PIT QB's, but it doesn't really matter since they both suck.
Grade: B

RB's
T. Davis, C. Dillon, K. Faulk, L. Hoard, R. Holcombe, E. Rhett - Terrell Davis is coming off injury, but I like him to come back strong. Rhett will probably surprise, even behind a weak (but still improved) Cleveland OL. Dillon is loaded with talent, but his desire to be loaded with cash too could see him hold out the first 10 games. Hoard has a nose for the goaline, but is currently a FA. Faulk and Holcombe have some value, but it is minimal.
Grade: B-

WR's
P. Burress, W. Chrebet, K. Dyson, A. Hakim, T. Mathis, T. Owens, R. Dudley - Dyson, Mathis, and Owens are #1's on their respective teams and should provide a serviceable core. Hakim should come on this year and Dudley is a good fantasy option even at the TE position. Burress has superior size and talent, but I doubt the ability of PIT QB's to get him the ball. Chrebet is in the running for any "heart" award, but isn't a great fantasy player.
Grade: B+

PK's
Gary Anderson was very inconsistent last year, and father time is working against him. I've heard rumors that he might be replaced. Todd Peterson could be one of the most underrated. Now if only the 'Hawks can be consistent.
Grade: B+

DEF
Buccaneers - Great defense in real life, but don't really generate the kind of fantasy points you might think. Steelers - free agent losses continue to mount, year in and year out. Says a lot to me, when they lost to Cleveland last year.
Grade: B-

Outlook: The WR's are the strength of this team. With Warner at QB, and a healthy TD this team should manage to make the playoffs.

Overall Grade: B

Media Blitz

QB's
C. Chandler, K. Collins, B. Favre - Favre has struggled with his interceptions the last couple of years, but unless his throwing arm is broken, or he simply can't stand up, you know he'll probably be in there for all 16 games because he's a competitor. Chandler should benefit from the arrival of Shawn Jefferson to compliment Terrence Mathis, and the return of Jamal Anderson (if he's healthy). Collins started to re establish his NFL presence late last season when he became the first Giants QB to throw for 300 yds in a game since Phil Simms. He did it twice in limited starts last season.
Grade: A+

RB's
M. Alstott, T. Biakabatuka, D. Chapman, R. Dayne, R. Droughns, S. Hicks, R. Konrad, R. Smith - Alstott is the Feature back in TB, despite being listed at FB, and everybody knows it. I think Biakabatuka is poised to have a breakout season. Dayne could be the best rookie back and bring the Giants the rushing attack they've been searching for. Hicks could be in a battle with Murrell if the Skins don't sign Stephen Davis. Droughns and Konrad will struggle to produce many fantasy points. Robert Smith is the main back in MIN obviously, but he's in the same category as Dunn and Kaufman. Good for some yardage, but TERRIBLE for TD's. I don't think Chapman has much fantasy value, even if Robert Smith does miss 6-7 games, like he always seems to do. Simply because the Vike's don't utilize their RB's like they probably should.
Grade: A-

WR's
L. Coles, C. Conway, C. Johnson, K. Johnson, C. Pickens, A. Rison, F. Sanders - Keyshawn will be ok. An MVP type of player in the real NFL, but he's still not quite in the upper eschelon in terms of Fantasy production. Pickens has talent, but his attitude needs a real check. REAL question is WHERE will he play? Sanders and Johnson are decent receivers on really poor teams. Rison might not even make the Chiefs roster this year, and if he does, he'll probably be the #5 WR. Coles has a good chance to do well in NJ because of the lack of depth. A good preseason could make him the team #1 WR, barring a FA pickup. I've always though Curtis Conway was underrated, but he's simply an again veteran going into a TERRIBLE offensive situation. After Keyshawn, this group will struggle to produce much IMHO.
Grade: C-

PK's
Elam isn't a top kicker, but he's got a good leg and should be fine. As I eluded to with the Tornado's though, it would have been better to go ahead and draft another kicker instead of having to waste FA dollars on a pickup later when Elam's bye week come around. Especially considering that by that point our rosters will be down to 16 and you'll have to drop someone to add that extra kicker. It might wind up being someone that you would rather keep.
Grade: C

DEF
Jax has a good defense, but the Bracken's situation could hurt a LOT, since he's their main pass rusher. Again, No back up team means that sooner or later this team will have to make an extra move, just to compensate for the bye week.
Grade: C

Outlook: Despite having to make a couple of extra moves, this team should make the playoffs. If a couple of his WR's step up and start producing some points then a Unifaction title could even be in the cards.

Overall Grade: B+

Wisconsin Z - Force

QB's
T. Couch, A. Smith, C. McNown - All 3 of these QB's have the physical tools to be a stud QB's, but I'm not sure it will happen this year. They should all 3 be good enough that this team can play match-ups and wind up being just fine. McNown might have the best chance of being the #1 for the majority of the year. I say that because he seems to be in the best offensive system and his team is on the rise.
Grade: B+

RB's
T. Candidate, J. Fazande, N. Kaufman, D. Levens, J. Montgomery, T. Wheatley - I really think Tyrone Wheatley emerged last year in OAK. He has earned, and will probably get a chance to be, an every down back. Even if he doesn't, he WILL BE the goaline back. Grabbing Kaufman just in case wasn't a terrible idea, although I don't think he'll be much more than a change of pace this year. I've always thought that Levens was overrated, and often drafted too high. He is solid though and is probably the best of the group. Fazande might be listed as the starter in SD, but this is a poor offensive team and they used 7 RB's last year. Even as the #1, I think they'll be more of a RBBC team. A good prospect though. Montgomery and Candidate are cannon fodder.
Grade: B-

WR's
D. Boston, I. Bruce, E. G. Green, I. Hilliard, H. Moore, R. Moore, R. Moss, S. Sharpe - Bruce is a STUD if he can just stay healthy. H. Moore could be the comeback player of the year. I like Shannon Sharpe in Billick's offense. He probably feels like he's got something to prove, so he could wind up being as good as any WR. Green has talent, but will need to stay healthy and continue to improve to keep pressure off of Marvin Harrison. Hilliard would be a very solid WR if only he caught more TDs. I like his chances to do that with Collins at QB this year. Rob Moore and David Boston are excellent WR's, but they will need Jake Plummer to turn his act around to be much good. Not really a reach though, they just might not catch many TD's. I know a lot of people still think Randy Moss is a stud WR. I think he has loads of talent, but he get's disinterested too easily. With the likelyhood that Culpepper will struggle some, especially early in the season. This could be a bust year for Moss. I still like this group overall though.
Grade: A-

PK's
Longwell doesn't actually kick the longball that well. But he'll probably be good enough. Again a team with no back -up.
Grade: C-

DEF
Dallas' defense could surprise this year. I actually think the loss of Deion might help this team. I think this is a good young DL. Secondary might struggle a bit though. Raiders have always had talent, the loss of Defensive Coordinator Willie Shaw will probably hurt this team more than people think though.
Grade: B-

Outlook: A lot of good talent here, but in almost every position the Z-force might have to rely on somebody to "step- up" their play. Enough talent to get to the playoffs I think though.

Overall Grade: B

D. S. Dolphins

QB's
M. Brunell, T. Dilfer, J. Harbaugh, J. Plummer - I'm sorry, but I don't like this group much at all. I considered last season Jake Plummer and Mark Brunell's "make or break" year. They both turned in below expected performances. Plummer is still young enough to take a chance on, but Brunell is getting to the point in his career where I think we can stop expecting him to improve much. Harbaugh is really starting to age, and he's on a terrible offensive team. I've been a Dilfer supporter in the past, but he's a back-up now and I don't expect Banks to struggle enough for Dilfer to see the field.
Grade: D

RB's
C. Garner, E. George, S. Irvin, J. Linton, T. Prentice - Garner is a good all around back, but I still think he's a bit undersized. If he can remain healthy, he'll be solid though. His numbers will probably go down from last year simply because the 49ers have more confidence in Garcia this season and should let him throw a little more. Eddie George is a blue chipper. Last year I was a bit frustrated with him because of inconsistency, but he made improvements there. If he continues to remain consistent, he should have no problem finishing in the top 5 RB's. Irvin, Linton, and Prentice are all going to see very limited action in my opinion though, which means that this group seems to lack much depth. Prentice has some value as a keeper, because we've yet to see him play, and he may yet get his chance.
Grade: B-

WR's
E. Kennison, K. McCardell, E. Moulds, J. Soward, Y. Thigpen, T. Gonzalez - Moulds and Gonzales are easily this groups top 2. McCardell's days are numbered in Jax, but at least Soward is there in case his time comes THIS season. Thigpen has always been overrated IMO and I STILL don't like him this year. Kennison hasn't shown much since being traded from the Rams. I don't think he'll do it this year either. There are too many other good WR's in Chicago.
Grade: C

PK's
John Carney is probably going to kick more FG's then PAT's so this isn't neccesarily a bad pick. Mare doesn't seem to have a great leg for distance, but he's pretty good for accuracy. Miami's offense is uncertain though.
Grade: B

DEF
Maimi's defense is decent, but overrated for fantasy value. Finished 18 in this league last year and I don't see any reason for a major improvement. Seattle is an up and down team fantasy wise. One of the top DEF's 2 yrs ago before Holmgren came. Then he got them to stop taking so many risks and play more together. They drop to 11th last year. They'll probably stay around that level again.
Grade: C+

Outlook: It's only my opinion but there seems to be too many weaknesses to get too optimistic for playoff chances. Even if Plummer turns things around and becomes a fantasy stud, this team still has some issues at WR, and RB. Should be competitive throughout the year, but there are a lot stronger teams in this league.

Overall Grade: C-

Panama Pilagers I debated whether or not to even evaluate my team, but I though I would to make it complete.

QB's
T. Banks, S. Beuerlein, J. Blake - Beuelein should come back down to earth this year. I think last year was a bit of an abberation. I know he's had several offseason surgeries, but they were mostly caused from the same thing. I'm probably one of the few that don't think his health will be much of an issue. I don't think the Panthers will be forced into throwing as much though, and he will simply have a drop off in production. Still probably in the top 15 QB's. Blake is coming into a team where for the first time perhaps in his career, he is the undisputed #1. I'm really excited about his chances to improve this team. Combine his ability to rush the ball occasionally with his ability to throw the deep ball and I think you have a formula for fantasy success. Banks will be going into an offensive system where he flourished at the end of '99. 17 TD against only 8 INT's in (i think) 8 starts last season. I don't think he'll double those numbers, but he should reach 22-24 TD's fairly easily. This is an offense set up to score points in Baltimore (both fantasy points and actual).
Grade: A-

RB's
M. Basnight, D. Bennett, M. Faulk, F. Moreau, B. Sanders - Faulk is obviously my workhorse, and then after that, there is significant question marks. My best chances are if Dillon continues his holdout and Basnight gets the nod at #1 in CIN. Even if that happens, he might only be an average fantasy producer. Moreau is the first back with size that the Chiefs have actually drafted in several seasons. I've heard good things about him so far, and I have high hopes, but that's all they are....HOPES. Clearly my weakest area.
Grade: C- (if it weren't for Faulk this would probably be a D- or F)

WR's
G. Crowell, J. Green, R. Ismail, J. Morton, M. Muhammad, K. Poole, B. Schroeder, D. Scott - Maybe my deepest group. I'm quite happy with my WR's. Despite my feeling that Beuerlein will drop off I still feel like Muhammad will have a good season. Batch's injury is some cause for concern, but it's my understanding that he'll be ready for the season. Crowell should get plenty of chances and Morton should be serviceable for some yards if not many TD's. Darnay Scott should actually benefit from having Peter Warrick on the team. If Akili Smith does well, then Scott could put up some solid #'s. Ismail, Poole, and Schroeder should be good enough to rotate in. Jacquez Green might benefit from Keyshawn Johnson's arrival. But he might not either. He's in my "wait and see" category. I feel like I have a bunch of really good WR's, but noone who really sticks out as a bona fide star.
Grade: B+

PK's
Jeff Wilkins - as I said when I drafted him...everyone expects Warner and the Rams to come back to earth a little. That should mean a few less PAT's and a few more FG's I think. That means he should actually get more fantasy points. I wish his accuracy was a little better, but kicking in a dome helps. Doug Brien - Another dome kicker on an improving team. Has a strong leg and seems to kick a few 50+ yarders every season. I feel like he could be a starting PK for some teams, but as a back up, he should be more than fine.
Grade: A

DEF
Chiefs are always good in the Turnover differential. They were BY FAR the best team in the 90's. Since a lot of our Def. points come from TO's I think this is a pretty solid choice. NO Sainst - Always have had a decent defense. They have smallish CB's though, But hopefully two big safeties can make a couple of plays. A lot will depend on Joe Johnson's ability to come back healthy. He's their best pass rusher. Not a great Defense, but solid enough to back -up
Grade: B

Outlook: I will need a couple of WR's to step up to make the playoffs since it seems pretty obvious that I will need to start a 1RB, 4WR set in most weeks. Unless Barry comes back, or Basnight gets the call (i.e. Unless something drastic happens) my weaknesses in my RB corps might keep me from doing any serious damage.

Overall Grade: B

Four Horsemen

QB's
D. Bledsoe, Elvis Grbac, S. King - Bledsoe is a yardage monster, but needs to be much more consistent in his TD production. Grbac is better than most people think. S. King is young, undersized, and on a run - first team. Not a terrible back up though.
Grade: B

RB's
K. Anders, F. Beasley, W. Dunn, R. Huntley, R. Watters - Despite the drafting of Shaun Alexander (who is overrated IMO) R. Watters is still the feature back in SEA. 1600 combined yards last season, even after a slow start, tells me that he's not quite done yet. Huntley and Dunn provide some depth. If Kimble Anders comes back fully healthy, he could wind up being the starter in KC. Beasley is an interesting pick, but he is listed at FB and I'm not sure he has much fantasy value. This is another team that might start a 1RB, 4WR line-up on a weekly basis.
Grade: C+

WR's
R. Anthony, J. Galloway, D. Mayes, P. Price, J. Smith, B. Franks, F. Wycheck - Derrick Mayes, Peerless Price, and Jimmy Smith should all be fine. Joey Galloway might be in for a bit of a struggle unless he can get on the same page as Aikman. Aikman is a QB that want you to be in the exact place you are supposed to be. Galloway is new to the team and has traditionally relied more on his speed than his route running. I have reservations about his ability to fit in with Dallas, but he should be solid enough for this group. R. Anthony was overrated in college, and has been ever since. I know a lot of people like Franks, but I don't think he's going to be valuable enough to carry in a league like ours, that doesn't require a TE. At least not THIS season. Wycheck is good for about 600 yds and a couple of TD's every year. Would be much more valueable if he caught more TD's, but he doesn't.
Grade: B+

PK's
Gramatica - Should be better now with a year of NFL experience. Vanderjagt - My #1 rated kicker.
Grade: A+

DEF
Colts - Strange pick here. Finished 26th in fantasy points last season. Rob Morris will help as the new MLB. But it should tell you something about the defense when almost all the draft picks are spent on defensive players. NE Patriots - They've got talent on that side of the ball, and I like Bill Belichick to turn this team around.
Grade: B

Outlook: Should be a competitive team. The WR's will have to stay healthy for this team to make a serious charge, since they don't have enough depth at WR or RB to fill any voids that an injury might create. Good possibility for the playoff though if they avoid any major injuries.

Overall Grade: B-

Boston Swarm

QB's
R. Gannon, D. McNabb, M. Moreno - Gannon proved the naysayers wrong last season, and I personally think he's perfect for the Raider offense. McNabb showed some ability last year, but will have to become more accurate before he becomes a quality QB. Moreno was a wasted pick IMO.
Grade: C+

RB's
S. Bryson, R. Chancey, O. Gary, A. Green, E. James, J.R. Redmond, D. Staley - Edgerrin James and Duce Staley are a POTENT 1-2 punch. But after that, there are a lot of real reaches on this team. If Redmond can get healthy he might be the one back with fantasy potential. Olandis Gary will see a few carries, but unless Terrell gets hurt, he won't see the field significantly. Denver WILL NOT trade Gary this season, they need him too much as insurance.
Grade: B+

WR's
T. Glenn, M. Harrison, T. Martin, D. Northcutt, T. Taylor - almost a perfect combination of young talent and proven stars. Glenn needs to stay healthy. Martin probably has one or two more good years left in him, but he is getting up in age for football years. Taylor has a chance to be the top rookie WR (yes, even over Warrick).
Grade: A-

PK's
Stover is on a good team, but he's never been a great kicker. Should get opportunities though. Stoyanovich - age is starting to show, and he's not allowed to kickoff anymore. Still good accuracy for FG's and should not be a liability.
Grade: B

DEF
Chargers - Solid defense that is the reason that they were 8-8 last year, but not much in the fantasy scoring department. 22nd in THIS league last year. Rams - 2nd in this league last year, but they did loose a couple of players (most notable was S Billy Jenkins). Should be top 5 though.
Grade: B+

Outlook: Looks good for the playoffs, but Gannon MUST remain healthy and productive. I don't see McNabb taking this team to the playoffs, at least not this year.

Overall Grade: B