This year could very well be one of the richest RB classes in Fantasy Football for years to come. It certainly is very powerful, especially if you're an owner in a Dynasty or Keeper League. For instance, the coming of the highly touted RB from USC, you all know his name, Reggie Bush... With the blunder that could cost the Texans dearly now that Domanick Davis' knees appear to be failing. They might now have to rely on guys name Wali and Vernand. He landed, as you know in New Orleans. I have him projected at 150-700-4, 50-350-3.

And of course there is the rookie sensation out of Memphis. DeAngelo Williams... Williams went to Carolina in the first round and is looking to take over the job De'Shaun Foster currently holds, I don't think Williams will start much this year, but he could be a candidate for the job in '07. DeAngelo Williams is almost as explosive as Reggie Bush, most recently returning a kick for a touchdown and is looking good so far this pre-season.

 Another one, a proud Minnesota Golden Gopher Alum, Laurence Maroney. I say he wins the MVP this year. Just kidding, I'm not that delusional... Maroney is an explosive talent who, like Marion Barber, could be the second Gopher in as many years to make a name for himself in the NFL. He has a chance to start this year because of injury prone Corey Dillon, but if he isn't injured, I don't see tons of work for Maroney. If you haven't seen him, he is extremely talented every time he touches the ball he has a chance to bust out a long TD run. I am going to say it again, explosive, I have said it for all three of them and I'm going to say it to the fourth, basically because that is what they are and I don't have my thesaurus with me...

The fourth rookie sensation for me this year is none other than LenDale White. Another rookie RB from USC who is again, explosive. A bruising back who, in perfect contrast to Reggie Bush who runs around, or in the case of the picture up there, over people. LenDale White is stepping into a pretty good situation, with a somewhat disgruntled Chris Brown, he could be put into the starting spot eventually. I think LenDale White could have a great NFL career if he straightens out his attitude a little bit. The talent is there, he could turn into a Jerome Bettis/Shaun Alexander type back. Minus the swagger of Jerome and the finesse of Shaun.

The fifth and final rookie RB this year is Joseph Addai, the Colts sensation out of LSU. With the loss of Edgerrin James they have Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai to fill that spot. A lot of people think Addai can step in and fill that spot. Even though Rhodes will start the season as the starter I think Addai can take over as the full time starter.

 

 

 

There you have it... How do I rank them?

Re-Draft- Bush, Addai, White, Maroney, Williams

Keeper/Dynasty- Bush, Addai, Williams, Maroney, White

Thanks for listening, comments are appreciated.

 

 

Alright Guys, I am pretty much convinced, Joe Mauer is not only batting an MLB leading .357. Ahead of Freddy Sanchez by a healthy 8 points. This guy is just a good hitter, sure, I would rather have 5 or 6 more HR's but if he gets on base we have Cuddyer and Morneau right behind him. And yes, that's Mor-noh. Whether it's slapping one down the line or pulling one through the hole on the right side, he can do it all. And still have those sideburns on while doing it! Joe Mauer is a Minnesota Superstar. Who gets the loudest cheers when the Twins are introduced? Justin Morneau? The first Twin to hit 30 HR's since '87? Nope. Alright, I know this one now, Johan Santana. You mean that same Johan Santana who won the Cy Young and has the lowest ERA and the most strikeouts in the league? Nope. It's Joe Mauer

      

You see that picture? Yep, "Joe Mauer Sideburn Night" You tell me any player who (besides a bobblhead) has his own night because I would like to know. Not only does he have a shot to win the batting title, but he's a catcher. And if I math is correct. Only 3 catchers have ever won a betting title. No catcher in the history of this great game, has ever lead the MLB in batting. Hell, the guy even has his own commercial! He's actually in three of them... I am on batting title watch almost every night. Seeing what Sanchez and Jeter did. 

                            

These Twins have had an amazing turn-around. I would have never (C'mon, you didn't either) thought they would be in the position they are in right now. A half game back of the wild card heading to Baltimore. Even with Liriano down they are still finding ways to stay inn games and win them. If Liriano comes back, watch out for this team in the playoffs. All of our small market tactics are finally starting to pay off. trading AJ for Liriano, Nathan, and #### Bonser. I'll take that all day. Stealing Johan out of the slums of the minor leagues, picking Mauer ahead of Mark Prior. Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Bartlett, Nick Punto. I could go on, what a wonderful story, no going out and spending huge money to get big name players, just straight up... Develpment. These Twins are set for years to come, with what has a chance to become the greatest 1-2 pitching punch ever, they are that good. Wood-Prior esque. And a core of young stars. That's the life of a small market team, compete for a while, then fade away. I've come to accept that, but now, like it or not, we aren't going to go away for a while.                                                   
                                   

 

 

                 

 

                                               
                                                  
                                                  
        

Okay, here we go. This year's NFL season should be a good one. With plenty of story lines and trades to follow. Not to mention Fantasy Football! Here is a list. Please comment on what you think of my projections!

NFC

NFC East- Could very easily be the strongest division in the entire league this year. It's kind of tough to get a read on this situation, but I'll do my best.

Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys look to be a pretty strong team on paper heading into this offseason, but some of the offseason additions (Including TO, and Vanderjagt) have had a couple... Well, issues in their old organizations. The defense is looking fairly solid, anchored by Roy Williams. And the offense is looking to come together now, Bledsoe has a go to guy now that will consistently produce and Julius Jones is back and ready to contribute. Parcells may have this team ready to make its second playoff appearance in the last 5 years.

Will Terrell Owens add another team to his victim list or can Parcells tame him?

NFC North - The NFC North is the polar opposite of the NFC East...

Chicago Bears - It looks like the Bears could yet again come out of the NFL's worst division, the Bears have probably the best defense in the NFL, and in my opinion is why they won as many games as they did last season. With a sometimes putrid offense, they still managed to have some wacky defensive play to keep them in games. Now with the RB's back (Mainly Cedric Benson) and a little better QB situation, emphasis on the "little" they should be right around ten wins this year to take the NFC North.

The bears defense swarmed many an offense last year

NFC South - The NFC South has some greatly imroved teams in it this year

Carolina Panthers - The Panthers defense is also very good, one of the defense's who could indeed finish in the top five. With the DeAngelo Williams pick there could be a RBBC this year if Foster doesn't preform. With the most exciting player in the NFL last year lining up at WR for them again this year, plus the addition on Keyshaun Johnson should improve an already electric passing game. With Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker back the D-Line could be among the best. Even with Witherspoon going to the Rams the Carolina LB's are still an extremely solid group. Watch out for Carolina this year

Steve Smith was no doubt one of the most electrifying players in the NFL last year

NFC West - Not a lot of debate as to who's coming out of this division

Seattle Seahawks - With Shaun Alexander, yes, S-h-a-u-n, breaking records last year and snapping up the MVP honors, a lot of games were won because of him. Even with Hutch going to Minnesota, I still think SA has a chance to put up good numbers. Hasselbeck has a new weapon in Nate Burleson who I think has a good chance to be a sleeper this year. Lofa Tatupu made a splash as a rookie LB last year and I think he will have as good, if not a better season than last year. In that division it's not going to be hard to take it. They might even rival the north for the worst division!

Shaun Alexander had a great season as he nabbed MVP honors last year

NFC Wild Card-

New York Giants

Minnesota Vikings (Yeah, that might be he homer in me talking, but what ever)

AFC

AFC East - The East this year looks like it's a lot stronger than last year.

New England Patriots - The Pats look stronger even than last year after a barrage of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. With the likes of Rodney Harrison and others coming back this year the Pat's defense could keep them in some more games than last year. The addition of Laurence Maroney was a very good addition in my opinion. Maroney is an eplosive back and a good change-up from Dillon. I think they should use the 2 in a RBBC type offense. And of course, Tom Brady, *In Forrest Gump voice* "And that's all I got to say 'bout that"

Tom Brady is about as clutch as they come

AFC North - This is one of the tougher divisions around.

Pittsburgh Steelers - It looks like the Steelers are ready for another playoff season. With Big Ben ready after a certain accident, and Willie Parker ready to step up yet again. the Steelers look like they could duplicate last season (minus the Super Bowl) The defense looks to be pretty strong. Troy Polamalu leads them into battle and regularly comes up with big plays.

Polamalu consistently makes big plays for the Steelers

AFC West - The West looks like it could be a pretty intriguing division this year

Denver Broncos - With Mike Bell in now as the starterm for all we know he could be a motivational tool or a permenent starter, but with Shanny's reputation of turning RB's into stars it looks like the RB's again, could be for real. Jake Plummer has a habit of being a little under appreciated but he always seems to get the job done. The defense looks pretty good this year as well.

AFC South - It looks like Indy is ready for another AFC South Title

Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning doesn't look like he is going to take a hit after losing Edgerrin James. Wayne and Harrison are still going to produce and make uo for the loss. And Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes look capable to take over the RB spot

AFC Wild Card -

Jacksonville Jaguars

Cincinatti Bengals

 

Super Bowl, you ask?? For me it looks like Carolina defeating New England this year

Hello all, I am pretty new at this so bear with me.

Is it just me, or does ESPN salivate whenever the Sox and Yanks play? It kind of makes me sick when  I see them having a 1 hour SPECIAL on the 5 game set the 2 teams played in Boston last weekend. I don't get why they are having specials on the Yanks and Sox and they barely even mention the Sox (Of the white variety) and Twins play a series with almost certain wild card implications. Is it just the heated rivalry they love? It was great in the '04 ALCS and everything, but now it's just getting boring.

 

I mean, this was fun -

Now it's just boring, I don't really get why people love it.

I am all for the rivalry, but ESPN has completely ruined it for me...

 I would love to have some comments. Let me know how I am doing.