Fantasy Football Preview

Tier 1

1. Peyton Manning(Colts) bye week: 6 age: 31

-The consensus top choice at QB, Manning once again was nothing lacking brilliant in 2006 throwing 31 touchdown passes while logging 4,397 passing yards. Still in his prime and a lock to play 16 games, Eli's big brother is the surest of bet in terms of the QB position. Whether you want to function as guy to draft a QB in round 1 while everybody else snags a RB may be the only decision you will have to make in terms of this machine. Nothing lacking a high pick will suffice in the event that you desire to grab him.

2. Carson Palmer(Bengals) bye week: 5 age: 27

-2006 was a season of redemption for Carson Palmer for the reason that he put all doubts to rest regarding how he would fare in his return from reconstructive knee surgery. All he did was go out and throw for 28 td's alongside 4035 passing yards. Blessed with a howitzer for an arm, Palmer is poised to possibly overtake Peyton Manning this season as the best fantasy QB in football. With Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh as his two main weapons, Palmer could possibly challenge the 40 TD mark. Advice: wait on Manning and grab this guy in round 2 in case you are among those who take a QB early.

Tier 2

3. Drew Brees(Saints) bye week: 4 age: 28

-Don't allow dislocated elbow Brees suffered in the Pro Bowl impact how you treat this crafty veteran entering the season. All reports indicate Drew is right on schedule to be fully ready to go from day 1 of training camp and which means another season of big numbers from the Saints' leader. Don't expect Brees to put up another 4,500 yard season but something such as 4,000 with 25 TD's sounds about right. Surrounded by outstanding weapons in RB's Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, alongside last year's sensation WR Marques Colston, Brees will prove to be a smart buy for individuals who wait a few rounds to take their QB. A third round pick is the latest however he will last.

4. Tom Brady(Patriots) bye week: 10 age: 30

-New England's favorite son disappointed fantasy owners this past year who handled Brady's inconsistent performances over summer and winter. Despite throwing for a solid 24 TD's, Brady's passing yardage was down considerably from the year before. However one must only consider the weapons earned by the front office to note that Tom is poised for a large year. Alongside prized recruit Randy Moss, NE signed long-range bomber Donte Stallworth, possession receiver Wes Welker, and solid reserve Kelly Washington. All this adds up to possibly a 30 TD season alongside Brady's second 4,000 yard season in three years. Also like Manning, you never have to be worried about whether Brady will suit up as he owns the fourth longest streak of consecutive starts. Third to fourth round draft choice.

5. Marc Bulger(Rams) bye week 9 age: 30

-At press time there have been rumblings that Bulger may be considering holding out in the hopes of landing a big contract. However don't allow this deter you from drafting this incredibly solid performer. Despite devoid of the best arm, Bulger excels with what he has that is incredible accuracy, solid field smarts, and the capability to go with the hot reads. In his second year in coach Scott Linehan's system, Bulger should exceed the Pro Bowl numbers he amassed last season. EASILY were a betting man, I say Bulger leads the NFL in passing yardage. Grab him in round 3 with 5 being the most recent if you're lucky.

6. Donovan McNabb(Eagles) bye week: 5 age: 30
-No QB in fantasy football will cause more consternation when it comes to drafting him compared to the Eagles' leader. On his way to an MVP-type season this past year, McNabb suffered a season-ending knee injury which now brings him to 19 missed games over the last two years. The tools are still there such as the nimble feet and cannon arm. However Philly didn't draft Kevin Kolb since they wanted him to check pretty on the sidelines. There's some doubt concerning whether Donovan could possibly be the player he used to be. I say he can be and the motivation to prove his nay-sayers wrong will result in a comeback season for McNabb. A potential championship pick simply because you may be able to snag him as late because the seventh round because of the questions surrounding his status.

Tier 3
7. Matt Hasselbeck(Seahawks) bye week: 8 age: 31

-poised to join the top five fantasy QB's entering last season, instead Matt Hasselbeck struggled over summer and winter with injuries and inconsistency. With only 18 TD's and 2,442 yards to show for it, Hasselbeck was only a disappointment for his owners. Despite this past year however, I really believe Hasselbeck will rebound and post his usual 22-25 TD's along with 3.500 yards. Having RB Shaun Alexander healthy is huge along with a better offensive line before him. Snag him in the fifth round roughly.

8. Philip Rivers(Chargers) bye week: 7 age: 25

-After needing to sit and wait two years while predecessor Drew Brees garnered back-to-back Pro Bowl bids, last year Philip Rivers showed everyone he was worth the wait. Joining Brees in Honolulu, Rivers displayed great poise and decision-making in his first year at the helm of the league's top club. Now with a year under his belt, search for Rivers to exceed the 24 TD's he amassed last season. Draft confidently in round 5-6.

9. Matt Leinart(Cardinals) bye week 8 age 24

-you could be surprised by how high I have him ranked however when you consider the whole picture, this second year wonder will probably ascend to the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks this year. Coming from an NFL-caliber offense where he did nothing but win at USC, Leinart steps right into a potentially explosive offense with Pro Bowl caliber receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, along with RB Edgerrin James in what could become the most efficient passing games in the league. Though he does not have a cannon for an arm, Leinart is arguably one of the intelligent QB's in the league who has great accuracy. Choose a big step of progress in his second year under center. You could be in a position to nab him as late as round 9.

10. Vince Young(Titans) bye week: 4 age: 24

-after taking the league by storm as a rookie last season, this second-year wonder is poised to accomplish even better things for Tennessee. Combining great quickness along with a strong arm, Young proved his naysayer's wrong by sparking the Titans to a respectable season under his guidance. One negative may be the fact that the Tennessee front office failed to find offensive help because of their franchise QB and actually weakened the offense by letting WR Drew Bennett leave as a free of charge agent. Expect some growing pains for this still raw Titans team which could negatively impact Young's numbers. But when you look at rushing yardage from a QB along with his passing ability, Young has surpassed the troubled Mike Vick in this ranking. Draft him in round 6-8.

Tier 4
11. Tony Romo(Cowboys) bye week: 8 age: 27

-With Drew Bledsoe struggling early last season, coach Bill Parcells made the move many expected when he inserted pre-season's perennial star Tony Romo. Once handed the job, Romo proceeded to put on a Pro Bowl season with 23 TD's and 3,600 yards in 10 starts. Search for Romo to put up similar numbers given that he has the advantage of knowing he will be starting from day one. When I mean similar, After all around 23 TD's for your season rather than 10 games. Some regression to the mean is expected with him this season. Draftable in round 7-9.

12. Eli Manning(Giants) bye week 9 age: 26

-Peyton's little brother continued to operate a vehicle fantasy owner's nuts because of his inconsistency but 24 TD's isn't bad at all. The problem with Eli is the insufficient accuracy and the breakdown in his mechanics when things begin to go wrong. With time to throw and little pressure in his face, Eli would rival his brother as fantasy football's top QB. Nevertheless the G-Men's O-line is weak and Manning will once more have to deal with opposing players in his face so more struggles are sure to follow him around the majority of the year. If you draft him expect one week of 300 yards with 4 TD's along with another of 180 yards and 4 INT's.

13. Jake Delhomme(Panthers) bye week: 7 age: 32

-Delhomme struggled over summer and winter last season due to injuries and poor protection. An injured thumb was the main culprit as Jake was only able to muster 17 Td's. Expect a rebound this year though as favorite target Steve Smith is fully healthy himself this season and the truth that Delhomme will be extra focused due to the presence of newly signed David Carr. If he struggles however, don't be surprised if Carr gets the call rather quickly. Risky pick here but good upside to gamble on.

14. Jay Cutler(Broncos) bye week: 6 age: 24

-one of the NFL's rising stars at the positioning, Cutler got his feet wet towards the end of last season as he showed great poise in throwing 9 TD's against 5 INT's. With Jake Plummer now in retirement, the job is the cannon-armed second year man's to himself. Already people are whispering that he may be the second coming of John Elway and with the nice speed, great arm combo, that are we to argue? Fantasies aside, Cutler is really a rising gem and could be considered a top 7 guy by the finish of the year. If you're going to reach for one player on offense this year, this guy is the one. Highly recommended sleeper.

The Rest (Should Be Drafted as Backups in 12 Team Leagues)

15. Brett Favre(Packers) bye week: 7 age: 37

-still has some juice left in that arm of his and despite his age, Favre could still put up a lot more than decent numbers this year. With star WR Donald Driver there to catch his bullets, Lambeau's favorite son should be a good however, not great option. Is most effective as a bye week starter or injury replacement. Two things you could always depend on with Favre: he'll start (he never misses a casino game) and he will throw interceptions. Take prediksipas.com with the bad.

16. Michael Vick(Falcons) bye week: 8 age: 27

-at press time, Vick was being indicted on felony charges of financing your dog fighting ring. Because of this development, Vick is dropped all the way down to this mediocre ranking. Stands a good chance of being suspended, with the possibility of being put into jail. Don't count on him for this season. Pass.

17. Jon Kitna(Lions) bye week: 6 age: 34

-was on many sleeper lists heading into last season and despite the over-the-top hype, Kitna's season was not terrible. He passed for over 4,000 yards and 21 TD's which alone will be terrific. However when you factor in the 22 INT's he threw, the light dims on the shine of his season. With tremendous weapons at his disposal in WR's Roy Williams and rookie Calvin Johnson, Kitna could have his big games. However his turnover-prone ways will be lurking to hurt your team at every corner. Ride him while he is hot but dump him when the inevitable slump hits.