Fantasy Football '05: Last minute musings before we rock and roll

By Ladd K. Biro

Now that another preseason has mercifully ended, most of us have completed our drafts and there's little to do but sit and stare at the television, waiting for the traditional Thursday night kickoff where legendary NFL fan Mick Jagger will once again herald the beginning of the season with his traditional "Are you ready for some American football, mate?" ditty.

Huh?

Okay, it's probably a safer bet that we'll hear "Start Me Up" instead, but whatever the thick-lipped rocker dishes out, it won't be as strange as watching the first game of the year on Thursday night. It may even place a distant third behind seeing Randy Moss wearing No. 18 for the silver and black. - NFL Football -

The truth is, I don't care if Janet Jackson is planning to reveal more hidden assets during the pre-game festivities, I'll be glued to the "boob tube" for one reason, and one reason only: my opponent is starting Kerry Collins.

At least we aren't wrapping up another preseason moaning about injuries to some of the league's biggest attractions. When Rex Grossman is the most significant casualty, you know the NFL is counting its lucky superstars. - NFL Football -

So as Thursday rapidly approaches, here are a few last-minute observations and divinations for those who have yet to draft or can still make a move in free agency to bolster their rosters.

Perennially underrated quarterback Trent Green will be under center for the explosive Chiefs offense as they host the Jets in Week 1. That's the good news. The concern is that doctors still aren't sure why he lost feeling in his left leg and foot in the preseason game against Seattle, prompting them to insert a stent in his artery. It may be nothing, but I've dropped him below Marc Bulger in my quarterback rankings because of the risk that the problem may resurface at some point during the season.

Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks is a much better fantasy player at home than away, so the prospect of playing 16 games on the road is something to consider if you haven't yet drafted. In fact, I've dropped each of New Orleans' fantasy stars a few slots in my rankings due to the extreme circumstances they will be facing this season. - NFL Football -

Expect Lions quarterback Joey Harrington to get off to a nice start against a porous Packers secondary. Since it's impossible for Jeff Garcia to hang over his shoulder now that he's lying on his back with a broken leg, Harrington can simply relax and let the balls fly to his stable of first-round wide receivers.

"Fast Willie" Parker gets the start at running back as the Steelers host Tennessee in the opener. With both Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis limping out of the preseason, Parker will have another opportunity to show off his blazing speed, which we first witnessed in the final game of the '04 regular season. Don't be surprised if he performs well enough to earn the start in Week 2 against another below-average defense in Houston.

Carolina's Stephen Davis once again has defied the skeptics (myself included) and is poised to return to the starting lineup against the Saints on Sunday. It's hard to believe his 31-year-old body will hold up for an entire season, but he could make some waves as long as he stays healthy. Davis will undoubtedly share carries with DeShaun Foster, who is much younger but no less fragile. - NFL Football -

Mike Anderson quieted a few naysayers of his own, taking Denver's starting running back job in training camp and refusing to yield it to odds-on favorite Tatum Bell. It's not impossible, or even unlikely, that Bell will take over at some point in the season (has anyone seen Quentin Griffin lately?), but Anderson looked outstanding during the preseason and can be an excellent value pick in the middle rounds.

Jacksonville wide receiver Jimmy Smith has developed a mysterious case of the drops. Normally one of the game's most sure-handed receivers, Smith's hands have been as soft as bricks this preseason, prompting head coach Jack Del Rio to imply that his younger wide receivers may get more targets if the veteran doesn't fix the problem. If you haven't drafted yet, it may be best to let Smith slide to an opponent.

Don't think that Peerless Price's reunion with the quarterback that made him rich and famous (Drew Bledsoe) will resuscitate his fantasy career. Dallas may be willing to take the chance that Price is right for their wide receiver corps, but you shouldn't. He'll be lucky to beat out Patrick Crayton for the third receiver slot. - NFL Football -

Tight end Eric Johnson may miss the 49ers' first game due to a foot injury, leaving the team with exactly zero players worth starting on your fantasy team.

Doug Jolley didn't show enough during the preseason to claim the Jets' tight end job all to himself. It looks like he'll be sharing snaps with Chris Baker, meaning you should look elsewhere to fill your tight end position.

Paul Edinger won Minnesota's kicking duties, as predicted, making him an instant fantasy force. Look for cast-off Aaron Elling to find a job elsewhere, though not likely with another offensive powerhouse.

Some leagues require a "hard draft," wherein every team must select the same number of players at each position, including two kickers and two defensive units. If you're in one of these leagues and are permitted to add flexibility in free agency, drop your backup kickers and defensives now and add depth at running back and/or wide receiver. Bye weeks don't start until Week 3, so you'll have time later to select a temporary filler at those positions. However, if Denver is your second defense, hold onto them for Week 1, when they are likely to feast on a weak Dolphins offense that will struggle out of the gates. - NFL Football -

Alright, Mick, we're ready. Gimme some satisfaction!

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