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-Digger's Daily-

It's countdown time. The 2010 NFL regular season is only a few days away. NFC Championship Game rematch kicks off the new season. Right off the bat we'll see how well two quick pursuing, hard hitting defenses match up against two of the NFL's top quarterbacks and lightning fast receivers.

The following defense rankings are based on potential fantasy point values only. Some of the NFL's most stifling units may not reflect strong fantasy value. Throw into the mix a defense or two which gives up a ton of yards but returns turnovers for scores.

Here we go... Top 10 Fantasy Defenses for 2010:

1 - Minnesota Vikings. We'll know right away how valuable (or not) this squad is after they play a few power house offenses in early weeks. Solid pash rushers, fast hard hitting linebackers, and takeaway corners. They should score quite a few defensive td's and plenty of sacks. Potential for a few doozy Sunday's giving up big points.
2 - Baltimore Ravens. Defense never seems to slow down. They'll be tougher with more rest as offense seems ready to control the clock and score board. Plenty of turnovers if well rested and better field position than recent years.
3 - Cincinnati Bengals. Almost by default here. They play in one of the weaker scoring divisions and have a strong control oriented offense. Bengals might not force many turnovers. Cincy might finish in top 3 fewest points allowed in the league.
4 - Indianapolis Colts. Manning will be a ball hawking scoring machine. Colts offense near impossible to stop at home. Defense will be playing with large leads allowing a few ripe interception and sack opportunities. Weak scoring division and favorable schedule lands Indy near top of all major defensive stats. Worthy mid round draft pick will put up some heavy fantasy stats.
5 - New Orleans Saints. 2nd in NFL with 39 takeaways in '09. Ball hawkers playing with large leads against teams playing catch up. Might finish #1 in fantasy points.
6 - New York Giants. Yes, that's right New York (or should I say New Jersey?). The Giants have the best defense in town. At least as of now. Great depth, solid pass rush and healthy secondary playing behind a ball control offense spells success. Giants to be one of NFC's best.
7 - San Francisco 49ers. 33 takeaways and 4th lowest points allowed in '09. Singletary's defense getting better. So is offense to keep these guys well rested. Niners a safe play 7th or higher benefiting from NFC West featuring NFL's weakest collection of offenses.
8 - Green Bay Packers. Defense seems to be on one year, off the next. Which is it for 2010? Pack might have a few tough outings but should be just fine if they're winning.
9 - San Diego Chargers. True test coming in 2010. This is a great defense. Alert! Problem could arise for fantasy owners if offense has too many three and outs due to rookie starters. Rookies usually cough up the ball too with potential of putting defense in short field situations. Buyer beware.
10- New York Jets. Darrelle Revis holding out will cost the Jets dearly. They're NFL top 3 defense with him and much different without the NFL's best shut down cover man. This is not being a team player. Jets are legit division winning contenders with him and might suffer consequences as a team based on Revis' contract demands. These guys might get torched all year long. NFL low 236 points against in '09 keeps them in my top 10 (for now).

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-Digger's Daily-

NFL Tight End's rarely catch the eye of fantasy drafters in early rounds. I was often chastised for selecting Tony Gonzalez in early rounds during his hey-day in Kansas City. How can you go wrong with a pass catcher reeling in 100 receptions, 1000+ yards and double digit td's?

So how do 2010 Tight End's stack up? There's a big disparity between top and bottom when it comes to fantasy production from this position. Don't get caught short as plenty of points soon to be produced from a few select players.

2010 NFL TE Rankings

1 - Antonio Gates (SD). Averaging nearly 10 TD's since 2004. SD sporting rookie WR's so it's safe to expect Gates to be River's primary target. 1200 yards, 12+ TD.
2 - Dallas Clark (IND). Numbers get better every season. One of Manning's favorite targets nabbed 100 catches, 1106 yards & 10 TD. Look for more of the same in '10. 1000+, 10+.
3 - Jason Witten (DAL). Despite impressive looking bubble gum card numbers (94 rec, 1030 yds) Witten was said to have an off year. Dallas didn't call his number often enough in the red zone. Receptions & yards will mimic '09. Fantasy coaches need more scores. Here they come. 950+, 10+.
4 - Vernon Davis (SF). Lived up to draft hype last year netting 13 TD's. Reliable, big, getting better. His production rests behind center. Davis has the hands to lead all TE's in fantasy points. Question is.. what kind of season will SF QB's produce? 900+, 10+.
5 - Tony Gonzalez (ATL). Usual numbers were down in '09. Gonzo is still one of the league's elite but probably will never be targeted as much as he was in KC. 950+, 7+.
6 - Brent Celek (PHA). '09 fill in and 2010 starter Kolb connected with Celek for two 100 yard games last year. Not a good blocker but who cares in fantasy play? 850+, 8+.
7 - Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN). I'm of the believe Favre to Shiancoe will put up big numbers. Down field attack will be off with injuries to WR's. Favre loves hitting TE's vs blitzes. Respectable numbers and I'm predicting a few multi td games. He'll probably out produce a couple of guys listed above. 900+, 10+.
8 - Jermichael Finley (GB). Rodgers is ready and set to tear up NFC rivals. How much of a role Finley gets remains to be seen. He's solid but scores will probably happen elsewhere. 800+, 5+.
9- Kevin Boss (NYG). Trying to regain form after off season surgery. Boss will have plenty of open field to roam when WR speedsters are streaking down field. 600+, 7+.
10 - Kellen Winslow (TB). Tampa has a long way to go before their offense can be taken seriously. Perhaps being taken for granted is the Bucs best weapon. Winslow's a talent who's had trouble living up to potential based on two factors, injuries and playing for terrible teams. 700+, 5+.

Stay tuned. Defenses up next...

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-Digger's Daily-

Here's two interesting facts NFL fantasy coaches need to remember. In 2009, 17 QB's threw for over 3,500 yards. 18 QB's tossed 20 or more TD's. Want a third fact? 23 wide receivers topped 1,000 yards.

There's been a growing trend taking hold in the NFL. The passing game is back. Often in years past WR's were looked over during early draft rounds (except for the super stars). 2010 WR list supplies limitless star studded combination's. For purposes of the best of the best, I've prepared my top 10 projections. Plenty of point makers can be had by shrewd drafters. Prepare accordingly.

2010 NFL WR Rankings

1 - Reggie Wayne (IND). Peyton Manning's primary target. Enough said. 1400+, 14+ TD.
2 - Andre Johnson (HOU). Drives double teaming defenses nuts. Back to back 100+, 1500+ yard seasons. No reason to believe he's slowing down. 1500+ yards, 12+ TD.
3 - Larry Fitzgerald (ARI). Warner and Boldin are gone. Fitz is Cards primary weapon. 1500+, 10+.
4 - Miles Austin (DAL). Romo's deep threat will get plenty of opportunities to be a game breaker. 1300+, 12+. Could test 1600 yards if defenders can't keep up.
5 - Brandon Marshall (MIA). Punishing ground attack will open up passing lanes for Miami's first true #1 WR in years. QB Henne has much to prove. Marshall is the instant go to guy in Miami. 1300+, 10+.
6 - Randy Moss (NE). Back to back subpar Moss seasons. Is he ready to step up? Or, still a head case? Brady to Moss all season long. 1200+, 14+.
7 - Roddy White (ATL). Mixed results in '09. Better in '10. 1200+, 10+.
8 - Steve Smith (NYG). Eli Manning's go to guy in '09 is back. 1400+, 6+.
9 - Anquan Boldin (BAL). Has plenty of gas left in his tank. Primary Ravens WR. 1200+, 7+.
10- DeSean Jackson (PHI). A new era has begun in Philadelphia. McNabb is gone. Kolb is in. 1200+, 7+.

Keep an eye on..
- Greg Jennings/Donald Driver (GB). 1000 yard tandem. Hot hand will get bulk of red zone looks.
- Marques Colston (NO). Brees spread the ball around last year. Colston was Saints only 1000 yard WR on a team totaling nearly 4500.
- Bernard Berrian/Javon Walker/Percy Harvin (MIN). Who's going to be Favre's primary target? Rice is out. Harvin isn't 100%. Berrian only caught 60% of 92 targeted passes in '09. If Walker is good to go it might be like old times for the former Packers.
- Chad Ochocinco/Terrell Owens (CIN). Which explosion happens first? Both tear it up on the gridiron? Both run off their mouths too much? So far, they seem all business. These two can each top 1000 yards and create red zone havoc.
- Malcom Floyd/Legedu Naanee (SD). Long shots for fantasy owners. Sleepers if drafted correctly. Rivers will be throwing often.
- Santana Moss/Joey Galloway (WAS). Remember these guys? You will in '10 with McNabb throwing. By NFL standards, these three are the cardiac trio.

Stay tuned. Tight End's up next...

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-Digger's Daily-

Here's when it gets dicey. Fantasy coaches have long made running backs draft priority #1. It's also a position no one wants to go bust in. One great RB is usually available for most coaches to snatch up unless you're in a very large league. Last year, Tennessee's Chris Johnson tallied 2006 rushing yards including 11 straight north of 100 yds/game. Vikings Adrian Peterson side stepped his way for 16 end zone trips. However, Peterson rarely hit the 100 yard plateau and had fumble problems (6 plus disastrous NFC Championship Game).

Which speedster will rack up the most fantasy points in 2010? Will anyone reach 2000 yards? 20 touchdowns? NFL has many talented backs looking to become the next cover boy for EA Sports. Potential fantasy team hazard warning. Multiple teams featuring dual backs could throw a wrench into draft day strategies. Don't get caught short. KC, Carolina, Miami, Giants, Dallas, Houston and Tampa Bay might decide to go with whoever is hot on any given Sunday.

If you can't land a top 3 back then this is the season to grab a star QB first.

NFL RB Rankings

1 - Chris Johnson (TEN). No surprise here after a stellar 2009 campaign. Repeating 2000 might be a stretch but he finds running lanes even with defenses taking dead aim. 1800+ yards, 17+ TD.
2 - Michael Turner (ATL). Staying healthy is an issue. One year removed from 1,699 & 17. Looking fit and ready to rumble. 1600+, 15+.
3 - Adrian Peterson (MIN). Buyer beware! Electrifying runner can break a game wide open on any snap. Vikes will limit AP's carries if fumbles become an early season concern. Otherwise, he'll be a gem. 1700+, 13+. 2000 is a distinct possibility as Minnesota's WR's are banged up.
4 - Frank Gore (SF). Versatile Gore will get many touches. Running stats should improve if SF can open up lanes via passing attack. Look out, Gore could become 2010's TD maker. 1500+ total yards, 15+ combined TD.
5 - Cedric Benson (CIN). Turned heads in '09. Might pound defenders in '10. Cincy has two big time WR's which will keep defenses flat footed. Benson should find plenty of running lanes of offensive line can get the job done. 1400+, 14+.
6 - Ryan Matthews (SD). Chargers rookie from Fresno State seems ready to make an immediate impact replacing SD legend, LaDanian Tomlinson. This sleeper pick ranks high and could be worth an early gamble. 1300+, 12+.
7 - Ryan Grant (GB). Pass happy Packers need to get Grant more touches. If they do then he'll climb up the list as one of leagues better fantasy stat point earners. Modest projection with big upside potential. 1300+, 12+
8 - Ray Rice (BAL). Is this Rice's breakout season? Ravens may try opening up down field offenses affording Rice plenty of opportunities to run wild. Not a goal line back but can break one at any time. Needs more touches in '10. 1400+, 10+.
9 - Shonn Green (NYJ). Punishing back needs offensive line to provide daylight. It's his time to shine. Will he step up or be a fantasy bust? LaDanian Tomlinson waiting in the wings if things don't jive or will learn to live as a 3rd down back. 1200+, 10+.
10- Steven Jackson (STL). Rams still in trouble as they continue rebuilding and polishing up young players. Jackson will get as many carries as he can handle returning from injury. Has an opportunity to put up catch up points in losing games. Good news for fantasy owners? Or, is it? 1200+, 12+

Keep an eye on the following backs fighting for carries. You never know who will get the ball in dual team backs. The hot hand usually prevails.

- Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX). Still a bit banged up. Might produce. Might not. 1000 should be well within reach. Health a big issue. Top 10 back when sound.
- Ronnie Brown/Rickey Williams (MIA). Teams have a tough time stopping Miami's dominating running attack. Will it be Brown or Williams getting the ball most often?
- DeAngelo Williams/James Stewart (CAR). Dual 1000 yard rushers will keep fantasy coaches wondering who to start.
- Thomas Jones/Jamaal Charles (KC). Most are high on Charles. Jones was NFL's #3 ground gainer in '09.
- Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG). Bruising Jacobs opens as #1. Bradshaw might see plenty of action if Jacobs struggles again.
- Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush (NO). Ample running lanes as defenses pay close attention to spread formation receivers.
- Marian Barber/Felix Jones/Tashard Choice (DAL). Loads of depth here. Plenty could go wrong if usual sideline troubles infect RB's wanting more touches.

Stay tuned. Wide Receivers up next...

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-Digger's Daily-

Get ready for another spectacular NFL season. Thousands of fantasy football coaches have been busy studying draft lists preparing for a new season of play. For the next few days, I'll be posting rankings for key fantasy football point contributing positions. There are various fantasy football games and scoring variations. Do your homework to select the best game for your liking.

Time for segment #1... Quarterback rankings. Which NFL star QB will produce the most points in 2010? Can Brett Favre grind out another super season? Is Tom Brady ready to return to top status? Will Vince Young keep winning? How about Donovan McNabb chances for success in Washington?

2010 Quarterback Rankings

1 - Drew Brees (NO). Pass first offense with plenty of weapons. 4500 yards, 30+ TD's might be a modest projection.
2 - Peyton Manning (IND). Another pass first offense. Manning is a skillful signal caller and exceptional defense reader. Look for a repeat or improvement from '09 stats. 4500+, 30+
3 - Aaron Rodgers (GB). Pack's QB loves to air it out. 4200+, 28+
4 - Tony Romo (DAL). Passing stats work out better for fantasy players than Cowboys wins. Plenty of weapons. Watch out for too many int's. Running attack my subtract passing td's. 4000+, 25+
5 - Phillip Rivers (SD). Chargers could be a scoring machine in '10. Rivers will benefit. 4000+, 25+
6 - Brett Favre (MIN). It would be hard to replicate '09 numbers. Favre will still be slinging. 3800+, 30+
7 - Tom Brady (NE). Still no running attack to keep defenders honest. Brady will be throwing often. 4200+, 25+
8 - Matt Schaub (HOU). Will the real Schaub please stand up. Could be one of the top producers. Could be one of the biggest flops. 4000+, 25+
9 - Eli Manning (NYG). If running game and defense takes hold then Manning's numbers might be off. Yet, a solid pick nonetheless. 3800+, 25+
10- Donovan McNabb (WAS). Playing with a vengeance in '10 for his new team. How did Philly trade him to a hated division rival? 3500+, 25+ plus a few td's on the ground.
11- Matt Ryan (ATL). Has weapons. Needs better play calling from the sidelines. 3500+, 25+
12- Carson Palmer (CIN). The great unknown. Could be a huge hit in '10 depending on temperamental receiving corps. Projecting 3400+, 28+ could easily become 4400+, 35+. Look out for costly int's.
13- Kevin Kolb (PHA). Speedster wr's give Kolb deep threat. Play calling has always been iffy during Reid's tenure. 3300+, 24+
14- Joe Flacco (BAL). This guy can chuck it. Ravens finally have a few players to catch it. 3500+, 20+.
15- Alex Smith (SF). Will SF live up to Singletary's expectations? Smith will be on a short leash so buyer beware. If all goes well... 3500+, 25+. If not, look out.
16- Chad Henne (MIA). Don't expect much from a run oriented offense. Then again, WR weapons are finally in place to open it up when opportunities exist. 3300+, 20+
17- Vince Young (TEN). Which Young will show up in 2010? He's not your prototypical fantasy starter. 3000+, 17+, 5+ rushing.
18- Jay Cutler (CHI). Disappointing '09 highlighted by 26 int's. Only way to go is up. Or, is it? Could be a nice semi-sleeper. 3500+, 24+... watch out for point reducing int's.
19- Matt Cassel (KC). Not many expecting much production. Perfect sleeper candidate. 3300+, 20+.
20- Mark Sanchez (NYJ). Superb defense will set Jets up in great field position limiting passing yards but potentially setting stage for plenty of td passes. 3000+, 17+.

Stay tuned. Running backs up next.

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