| Authored by Douglas Benton - 21st August, 2006 - 9:30 pm
 Wide Receiver
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Fitzgerald has supreme talent and will begin his lengthy reign as the top wide receiver in the league this season.
2. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
He is aging some, but he is the number one target on the number one offense and still has the ear of Peyton Manning.
3. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson’s antics can sometimes get old, but his talent will never do so for his owner, as he starts approaching the Marvin Harrison role.
4. Randy Moss, Oakland Raiders
Moss has had a rocky start so far, but he has immense talent and desire, which will lead to many balls from somebody as the season wears on.
5. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Some nagging injuries and the addition of Keyshawn Johnson will cut down on his balls, but he will still get the stats to justify this ranking.
6. Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams
Mr. Consistent at the wide receiver position and that should change this season, even though his numbers will drop with a new offense.
7. Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
Attitude and injury problems have dropped his value this summer, but Owens’ talent shouldn’t be overlooked as the desire will be there this season.
8. Chris Chambers, Miami Dolphins
Chambers is the best kept secret in football because he hasn’t had a quarterback in Miami, but that will change with Culpepper under center.
9. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
Even with more talent at wide receiver, he is still number one and will thrive in Al Saunders’ system.
10. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ward will probably see more balls this season and with the continued development of Roethlisberger, he is a player on the rise fantasy wise.
Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Gates could be a top-15 wide receiver, but he is only the top tight end by far who is only getting better each year.
2. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
He used to be number one, but he is still a solid number two as Trent Green’s top target in Kansas City.
3. Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants
He is a bit inconsistent, but he still has the talent to put up big numbers at a real scoring position.
4. Todd Heap, Baltimore Orioles
Heap is an up and comer who will fit nicely with tight end happy quarterback Steve McNair in Baltimore.
5. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
This should be a building block season for his young career as he should be a go-to guy for Drew Bledsoe with the questionable wide receiver situation.
6. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller should have a big year in the ball-control offense and take advantage of the departure of Antwaan Randle El.
7. Alge Crumpler, Atlanta Falcons
Crumpler has long been the favorite target of Michael Vick and there are no signs that will change in 2006.
8. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Clark is another Colt who is worth the pick, as Manning loves to spread it around and find Clark down the seam.
9. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Cooley was one of the fantasy surprises last season and that progress shouldn’t stop as Al Saunders loves using the tight end.
10. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
This is a risky pick, but it has huge upside that could be productive as quarterback Alex Smith continues his development this season.
Kickers
1. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts
The best clutch kicker in the game now goes to the best offense in the game, which makes this pick a no brainer.
2. Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals
Rackers is a very accurate kicker who might see his field goals go down, but his extra points go up this season.
3. Shayne Graham, Cincinnati Bengals
He really burst onto the scene last season with the Bengals and his quality point total should continue this season as well.
4. Josh Brown, Seattle Seahawks
Brown is consistent every week and will produce good points because of the offense in Seattle.
5. David Ackers, Philadelphia Eagles
Even though his stock fell some last season, he still has one of the strongest legs in the game, which will produce 50+ yard field goals.
6. Mike Vanderjagt, Dallas Cowboys
He is a bit wild on field goals, but his regular season track record is second to none, which still makes him a top option.
7. Jason Elam, Denver Broncos
He used to be a top kicker in the league, but age has diminished his skills some, but you have to consider the elevation in Denver in taking him.
8. John Kasey, Carolina Panthers
Another veteran kicker who can still put up the points on what some believe the top team in the NFC.
9. Jay Feely, New York Giants
Feely should put up points with the Giants, but the pressure and some inconsistencies will hinder his overall performance.
10. Jeff Wilkins, St. Louis Rams
Dome kickers always take preference because you don’t have to worry about weather and Wilkins is one of the best in the category.
Defense
1. Chicago Bears
A flat out dominant defense who will get you points in every category, every week.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers gets points off of mostly sacks and some turnovers, and will be aided by a strong running attack.
3. Carolina Panthers
Carolina always has great talent to put up big numbers, but injures especially to the defensive line have hindered them in previous years.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa 2 is now common place in football, but Tampa Bay still does it the best in all of football.
5. Indianapolis Colts
This team is all turnovers all the time, which sets you up for big weeks, but also provides a lack of consistency.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens still are loaded on defense and will be aided this season by an offense that will limit their turnovers.
7. Miami Dolphins
Nick Sabean is a defensive mastermind and now he is starting to get the players in order to really let his ideas loose.
8. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were very aggressive last season and that looks to continue with heavy pass rushing and the best corner in football with Champ Bailey.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Much like Miami, Bill Parcells is just starting to get the players he needs, so look for this defense to gel and be very good in 2006.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has a solid defense that has Super Bowl experience and parlay that with a weak division, this is a safe pick for your defense. |
