The Intern: Thanksgiving Special.

Here we are on the eve of one of the best days of the year. THANKSGIVING. Ahh, the wonderful smell of the turkey in the oven and Uncle Charlie in the den yelling at the boob tube as the Lions are faced with a 3rd and long.

I guess I can take a break right now from helping mom get a jump on tomorrows feast (I have the stuffing to prepare yet again: OH JOY!!), to give you guys my Turkey Day must Starts.

QB- 1. Donovan McNabb (PHI): yes I know he was benched for ineffectiveness just a shade over 2 and a half days ago. But McNabb is pro and will rebound. Without a healthy Brian Westbrook the Eagles NEED a quality start from #5. Right now Kurt Warner is playing lights out, sooooo its imperative that Donovan step up to the plate on Thangsgiving and no the pun was not intended. Others in order of rank: 2. Kurt Warner (ARI) 3. Tony Romo (DAL)

RB- 1. Chris Johnson (TEN): Is this the best Rookie class ever or what? Most of the guys playing superb were’nt even highly tout. In the middle of the Rookie of the Year honors talk along with Joey Flacco, Matt Ryan, and Matt Forte is Chris Johnson. Although it seems LenDale White get all the goalline love I don’t expect the Titans to be faced with many “and goal” situations this week. Johnson is a burner and will hit paydirt on at least 2 streaks of 20-30+ against the woeful lions (left uncapitalized on purpose). So if I feel Johnson will have 40-60 yards on 2 carries imagine what he can muster in his other 12-15 touches. Others in order of rank: 2. Marion Barber III (DAL) 3. Tim Hightower (ARI)

WR- 1. (Tie) Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI): Yeah, yeah I know…if I picked Donovan McNabb as the must Start QB, how is an Eagle WR not the “Must Start” wideout? Well its simple. I may be just an intern, but I am not stupid. Kurt Warner is having a MVP type year and those two are the main reason. Honestly how can you go wrong with those guys as you main options? ‘Nuff said.  Others in order of rank: 2. Desean Jackson (PHI) 3. Terrell Owens (DAL)

Tennesse Titans: Pursuit of Perfection.

The Titans may not look as unstoppable as the Pats of last year, but their road to perfection look quite doable. The only likely tough matches remaining are 11/16 at Jacksonville, and 12/21 and 12/28 when they play Pittsburgh and Indianapolis respectively.

Part 3.. AFC South

(by Steven Kolb, Contributor)

           Houston Texans

Houston is one of those teams this season that offers interesting fantasy potential. QB Matt Schaub in his first season as a starter got off to a hot start throwing 5 TD’s in the first month of the season. He struggled though after that and a shoulder injury ended his season. Of his nine touchdown passes last season seven went to WR Andre Johnson, if both guys can stay healthy and stay in the lineup this season look for Schaub to eclipse 20 TD passes. In just eight games last season Johnson had 851 receiving yards and 8 Td’s, if you project that for 16 games Johnson would have had over 1,400 receiving yards and 14-15 Td’s. Johnson should be considered a number 1 WR this season and should be one of the top 4 WR off the board. Kevin Walter who should open the season as the number 2 WR in Houston had his best season of his career last season. Granted most of his numbers came after Johnson went down, Walter is still an intriguing name to keep tabs on if this Houston offense does take off this year. Watch for WR Jacoby Jones this season, the athletic WR is entering his second NFL season and offers some sleeper potential. RB Ahman Green will open the season in the backfield for the Texans, but the question is how long before he goes down with an injury? The 31 year old Green only played in six games last year, and with the depth at RB in Houston don’t except much from Green. Green should be viewed as a low end number 3 RB this year. Chris Brown who Houston signed in the off-season will begin the season taking carries from Green and if Green does go down Brown’s value could increase. Keep tabs on second year man Darius Walker and rookie Steve Slaton who could see some time as well this season. TE Owen Daniels had a real breakout year last season with 768 receiving yards and 3 TD’s, if Andre Johnson plays the whole year watch for Daniels to close in on 1,000 yards. Kris Brown continues to be a solid fantasy kicker, he was 5-5 on 50 plus field goals last season.

        Indianapolis Colts

In 2008 expect a lot of the same from the Colts offensively as they will continue to post big points for your fantasy team. For the first time in years Peyton Manning is no longer a lock as a first round pick and he has fallen to the umber two ranked QB. But regardless of Manning being the second QB he will remain a stud for your fantasy team. From a pride standpoint I see Manning throwing over 4,000 yards again and I see his TD totals above 31 this year, look for Manning to throw for 35 TD’s. In his first full season as a starter Joseph Addai had his ups and downs. He failed to run for 100 yards in his teams last eight games as he showed some wear. Addai scored 15 TD’s though and playing in this high octane offense makes Addai a top 5 RB and a potential top 3 pick in drafts. The Colts brought back Dominic Rhodes in the off-season to help spell Addai at times which should only help Addai. Look for Addai to rush for 1,100 yards and score around 15 total TD’s again. Reggie Wayne has now officially emerged as Peyton Manning’s go to guy as he recorded 1,510 yards and 10 TD’s last season. With the decline of Marvin Harrison, look for Wayne to keep his numbers around the same level again this season. Harrison’s value right now is as low as it’s ever been and that could be a good thing if you want to draft him as a potential sleeper. See how his knee holds up in camp before you want to take a flyer on him. If Harrison does struggle look for second year man Anthony Gonzalez to step in. Gonzalez began to show signs towards the end of last season and i expect a big surge in his numbers this season. Dallas Clark helped pick up the TD totals that were left available by Harrison as he recorded 11 last season. Clark is a number 1 TE this season but 11 TD’s again this season is a little to high this year look in the range of 7-9. Adam Vinatieri had a down year last season but because of the opportunities he has with the Colts, he is a low end number 1 Kicker.

       Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the questions most fantasy owners are wondering heading into this season for the Jags is whether Maurice Jones-Drew will become the starter? The answer is that Fred Taylor is still going strong at 32 so expect a RBBC approach once again. Taylor rushed for 1202 yards last season and he finished the year on fire rushing for 494 yards in his last four games. You can view Taylor as a mid-level number 2 RB this year. Jones-Drew has become a touchdown machine the first two years of his career, and his all purpose yardage has been great for fantasy owners. Jones-Drew is a strong number 2 RB who could rush for his first 1,000 yard season this year. In his first season as a starter David Garrard had what can be described best as a “solid” season, as he threw for 18 TD’s and only 3 INT’s. The Jaguars upgraded their WR position in the offseason and i look for Garrard to throw over 20 TD’s and be a strong number 2 QB this year. The addition of Jerry Porter seems to give the Jaguars there first legitimate number 1 WR since Jimmy Smith. Porter has the potential this season to be a legitimate low end number 2 WR if he can build a rapport with Garrard. Behind Porter the Jags have a lot of mid-level players who offer mediocre fantasy value. Former first round pick Troy Williamson appears to be the number 2 WR for the Jags and maybe a change of scenery can change his career. For now Williamson should be a guy you keep tabs on while he sits on the waiver wire. Reggie Williams had 10 TD’s last year but only 38 receptions. With Porter and Williamson now in Jacksonville, Williams won’t repeat his touchdown performance. A sleeper this year at TE is Mercedes Lewis who began to show signs of his potential in the playoffs. He will enter the season low on some people’s radar but watch for him to surprise, I expect him to grab 6-7 TD’s. Kicker Josh Scobee has been a little inconsistent thus far in his career but he has a big leg, look at him as a number 2 kicker.

Tennessee Titans

The real key for the Titans Fantasy wise is to get production from QB Vince Young. Young’s TD’s went down in his second season while his INT’s went up. His rushing totals also went down, part of the blame for his low numbers can be put on the fact the Titans don’t have a true number 1 WR. With really no true improvements on offense outside of TE Alge Crumpler, I still see Young struggling this season and really view him as a low number 2 QB. In his second NFL season RB LenDale White ran for 1110 yards but that didn’t stop the Titans from drafting RB Chris Johnson. White has been rehabbing his knee during the offseason so keep an eye on that situation, if White is fine for the season he will get the bulk of the carries but Johnson will see some time as well. WR Justin Gage was able to separate himself as Young’s go to guy last season and the big target should be in line to catch more TD’s this season. Draft Gage as a number 3 WR heading into this season. Roydell Williams is slated to start opposite Gage, but he suffered a broken ankle in May they could hamper him, watch him in training camp. If Williams can continue to improve like he had last year he has a chance to be a low number 3 WR. If their is a sleeper of the bunch keep an eye on WR Brandon Jones. TE Alge Crumpler has a chance to be to Vince Young what he was to Mike Vick. Crumpler will give Young a comfortable target to dump the ball off to in the passing game. View Crumpler as a number 2 TE this season. After his breakout season last year Rob Bironas elevated himself to a number 1 kicker worthy as an every week starter.

2008 Mock Draft

2008 Pro Bono Fantasy NFL Mock Draft
	1	Jake Long, OT, Michigan: Sources state the Fins are in talks with Chris Long, Pro Bono Fantasy however still feel that Miami should grab the Tackle from UM.
	2	Chris Long, DE, Virginia: Would drastically help the Rams Defense with his intense style of play.
	3	Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Good arm and NFL smarts, he should help the Falcons move pass the “Mike Vick Era”. Will be the new face of the franchise.
	4	Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas: Much like Adrian Peterson last year, “Run DMC” will make the Raiders run attack legit real quick in addition to “real quick”!.
	5	Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State: Great edge rusher whose solid play over the last couple seasons make him a legit Top 5 pick.
	6	Glenn Dorsey, DT, Louisiana State: Sub-par Pro Day work outs caused this one time No.1 to slide down 5 slots. (Might shock everyone and pick Rashard Mendenhall).
	7	Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy: The Pats get back to rebuilding a recently depleted defense, especially the defensive backfield. Must make this pick count.
	8	Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida: This Julius Peppers-type DE will give the once mighty Ravens D a pass rusher the league will fear, something their missing.
	9	Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern California: Bengals are another depleted defense that will add bodies just on principle. WR woes make force a change of plan.
	10	Keith Rivers, OLB, Southern California: With Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan already on the roster expect Rivers to gain experience and great knowledge.
	11	Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida: Content with Evans, Reed, and Parrish its too early to consider receiver here. The Bills will add Jenkins unreal speed.
	12	Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma: Bills need a big WR but pass on Kelly. The Bronc’s are banged up at wideout. Denver will send the Bills a Thank You note.
	13	Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State: Someone has to protect Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme. We can’t have another Vinny Testaverde experiment in 2009.
	14	Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh: Personally would love to see this guy fall to Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears about to become a ground machine with this guy on the line.
	15	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois: Scared off by Jonathan Stewart’s injury history the Lions actually make the right choice with this Big Ten product.
	16	Philip Merling, DE, Clemson: Cards DE Depth Chart/ Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith , Joe Tafoya, Bo Schobel…Yes Merling may step right in as a starter.
	17	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State: Vikes should grab the best OL available for AP. Instead they add a DB to their crowded D backfield.
	18	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas: Ahman Green is not the solution to the Texans rushing problem. Jones played 2nd fiddle throughout college, now he’s the man.
	19	Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon: Brian Westbrook is secure in his spot, but Ryan Moats and Correll Buckhalter as backups make Stewart a steal here.
	20	DeSean Jackson, WR, California: Will make immediate impact as a return specialist, but will benefit from study under Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.
	21	Kenny Phillips, S, Miami: You can never replace a player like Sean Taylor overnight, bt this is a step in the right direction.
	22	Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas: Cowboys get shutout of the stud RB sweepstakes so they add Talib a Jayhawk standout to blossoming defense.
	23	Justin King, CB, Penn State: Steelers eventually must address their weak corner situation. King has speed and is a good cover corner.
	24	Limas Sweed, WR, Texas: Possessing a group of rag-tag wideouts, Sweed teams up with former Longhorn Vince Young to validate the crew.
	25	Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State: The RB’s was upgraded via Free Agency. The Seahawks upgrade the WR’s via draft, taking a chance on Thomas.
	26	Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern California: WR Mario Manningham slides out the 1st when the Jags pass on him. Shoud go safety but Kenny Philips is gone
	27	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College: As if LT need a reason to go up in value in regards to his fantasy stock. Cherilus will make a great addition.
	28	Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina: Desperate for a running back the Boy’s pass on Virginia Tackle Brenden Albert and Michigan WR Mario Manningham
	29	Brenden Albert, G/T, Virginia: Frank Gore will send Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a Thank You note for giving the 49ers their tackle for the next 8-10 years.
	30	James Hardy, WR, Indiana: Hardy is a freak of nature is just what Aaron Rodgers need in debut as the Packers signal caller.
	31	Pick forfeited. Would have more likely addressed their aging defense, the LB’s in particular or added a WR for depth.
	32	Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee: The Giants due to free agency enter the draft 2 LB’s short. Mayo is a necessity pick.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: QB’s

1.	Tom Brady QB, NE		– Question is “Is he worth a #1 overall”?
2.	Tony Romo QB, DAL		– Will expand on his growth in 2007..
3.	Peyton Manning QB, IND		– A healthy Harrison will help.
4.	Carson Palmer QB, CIN		– Might be falling from grace.
5.	Drew Brees QB, NO		– Becoming a young stud.
6.	Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT		– This guy is a different FREAK.
7.	Matt Hasselbeck QB, SEA		– Add a RB presence in ’08 and watch out.
8.	Jake Delhomme QB, CAR		– Jake is not to worried about Matt Moore taking his job.
9.	Derek Anderson QB, CLE		– Signed deal now out to prove 2007 was no fluke.
10.	Jay Cutler QB, DEN		– Broncos hope he continues to mature. Add a WR please!!!
11.	Eli Manning QB, NYG		– See above… This is Eli’s last shot to prove he’s a gamer.
12.	Marc Bulger QB, STL		– Likely a 7th or 8th round Pick in 2008.
13.	Jon Kitna QB, DET		– Lions need not add another WR. Offensive Linemen guys!
14.	Jason Campbell QB, WSH		– Just need the ‘Skins to believe in him. Potential is there.
15.	Philip Rivers QB, SD		– First of the make or break ’08 QB’s.
16.	Vince Young QB, TEN		– Job is little more secure than Eli, but he’s on the bubble.
17.	Donovan McNabb QB, PHI		–Health concerns may force the Eagle’s to add another QB.
18.	Jeff Garcia QB, TB		–2007 post season finish my push him up list.
19.	David Garrard QB, JAX		–2007 post season finish my push him up list. Sound familiar?
20.	Aaron Rodgers QB, GB		– Everyone knew this day would come, now is his time to lead.
	Rookie Watch
1.	Matt Ryan (Boston College)		If he lands in Atlanta he’s expected to make immediate an impact.
2.	Brian Brohm (Louisville)		Same prospect outlook as Matt Ryan. Also an Atlanta  option.
3.	Andre Woodson (Kentucky)		Ravens might give him a look but more likely heads to Chicago Bears.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the message board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: RB’s

1.	Joseph Addai RB, IND		– Slight edge over LT for now.
2.	LaDainian Tomlinson RB, SD		– Off year was still superb.
3.	Adrian Peterson RB, MIN		– Not ranked #1 simply because of his youth
4.	Brian Westbrook RB, PHI		– Simply a Fantasy Points magnet.
5.	Willie Parker RB, PIT		– Home run hitter that needs to hit more.
6.	Steven Jackson RB, STL		– SJax went #1 in many leagues in 2007, not ’08!!
7.	Ryan Grant RB, GB		– I just like the guy. No numbers to show why!!
8.	Ronnie Brown RB, MIA		– Still need to prove he can stay healthy.
9.	Clinton Portis RB, WSH		– Should be a definite Top 10 Fantasy back in ’08.
10.	Marshawn Lynch RB, BUF		– With a real QB he could be dangerous.
11.	Edgerrin James RB, ARI		– Will the Edge of old ever show up in the desert?
12.	Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX		– Versatility make him Westbrook like.
13.	Frank Gore RB, SF		– Should rebound and have a banner 2008 outlook.
14.	Marion Barber III RB, DAL		– Will become the Cowboys main rush option.
15.	Larry Johnson RB, KC		– Durability in question. Handcuff Kolby Smith.
16.	Thomas Jones RB, NYJ		– Always overlooked. Could be a good #2 for you.
17.	Willis McGahee RB, BAL		– With Billick out, the  run game may improve.
18.	Jamal Lewis CLE, RB		– Resurrected his status in Cleveland. 1400 possible.
19.	Travis Henry RB, DEN		– Should emerge as the only Denver back option.
20.	Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG		– Just a mean runner. Should rank just under MB III.
21.	Rudi Johnson RB, CIN		– Has Kenny Watson breathing down his neck
22.	Laurence Maroney RB, NE		– Pats should re-establish the run game.
23.	Reggie Bush RB, NO		– In PPR Leagues he’s gold and ranked higher than value.
24.	Kevin Jones RB, DET		– With Martz out, the  run game may improve.
25.	LenDale White RB, TEN		– His presence helps Vince Young immensely.
26.	Cadillac Williams RB, TB		– May have to earn job back.
27.	Cedric Benson RB, CHI		– Will return as Bears RB1.
28.	Fred Taylor RB, JAX		– Great guy must give way to Maurice Jones-Drew.
29.	Justin Fargas RB, OAK		– Might have to share backfield with a Rookie!!!
30.	DeShaun Foster RB, CAR		– DeAngelo Williams pressing him for his gig.
31.	Shaun Alexander RB, SEA		– Wasn’t this guy consensus #1 2-3 seasons back?
32.	Julius Jones RB, DAL		– Will give total reigns over to Marion Barber III.
33.	Deuce McAllister RB, NO		– Better Saints option than Bush in my opinion.
34.	Adrian Peterson RB, CHI		– May get tired of being called “The Other” AP.
35.	Ahman Green RB, HOU		– Two words…Ron Dayne!
36.	Kolby Smith RB, KC		– Played well in in the absence of LJ.
37.	Kenny Watson RB, CIN		– Just waiting for another Rudi injury.
38.	Earnest Graham RB, TB		– Will have a shot to earn starters spot.
39.	Jerious Norwood RB, ATL		– Could catapult up list with Dunn’s decline.
40.	Chester Taylor RB, MIN		– A must handcuff for Adrain Peterson.
41.	Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG		– Will become Brandon Jacobs 3rd down back.
42.	Selvin Young RB, DEN		– A perfect compliment to Travis Henry.
	Rookie Watch:
1.	Darren McFadden (Arkansas)		Raiders at #4 only team that may need RB help.
2.	Ray Rice (Rutgers)		Size may hold him back. Possibly a 2nd Rd. (MIA)
3.	Chris Johnson (E. Carolina)		Possibly a 49er’s prospect. Gore should welcome him.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on our Message Board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: WR’s

1.	Randy Moss WR, NE		– Won’t break any records this year, but regain #1.
2.	Terrell Owens WR, DAL		– Get ‘cha popcorn ready!!
3.	Reggie Wayne WR, IND		– Emerging out of Harrison’s shadow.
4.	Braylon Edwards WR, CLE		– If CLE switch to Quinn where Braylon does he rank?
5.	Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI		– Better when Matty is no throwing it to him.
6.	Plaxico Burress WR, NYG		– Potential to be Top 5 type guy.
7.	T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, CIN		– Finally showing he’s better than Ocho Cinco.
8.	Marvin Harrison WR, IND		−On the downside of his HOF career.
9.	Chad Johnson WR, CIN		– Still Top 10, but I see him possibly falling below 15. The act is wearing thin.
10.	Marques Colston WR, NO		– Always undervalued.
11.	Torry Holt WR, STL		– Imagine if Bulger played semi-decent!!!
12.	Brandon Marshall WR, DEN		– Delivered almost weekly.
13.	Anquan Boldin WR, ARI		– Starting to have my doubts about this guy.
14.	Dwayne Bowe WR, KC		– OMG!!! Give him a QB and he will do damage.
15.	Steve Smith WR, CAR		– QB questions only reason for such a low ranking..
16.	Javon Walker WR, DEN		– When healthy he’s a top tier choice.
17.	Andre Johnson WR, HOU		– If he play more 75 % of the season he’ll shine.
18.	Greg Jennings WR, GB		– Brett Favre’s #1 option.
19.	Santonio Holmes WR, PIT		– Using his speed to become a top fantasy prospect.
20.	Roy Williams WR, DET		– Choice #1 of 3 top options for Jon Kitna.
21.	Joey Galloway WR, TB		– Old man just getting it done.
22.	Hines Ward, WR PIT		– Rank is not indicative of his tenacity.
23.	Calvin Johnson WR, DET		– Choice #2 of 3 top options for Kitna, in 2nd year.
24.	Wes Welker WR, NE		– Expect more coverage in ’08. Will not see 100 rec.
25.	Chris Chambers WR, SD		– Need Rivers to become more consistent.
26.	Derrick Mason WR, BAL		– Produced good FF numbers with erratic QB play.
27.	Roddy White ATL, WR		– Need the Falcons to acquire a veteran Quarterback.
28.	Laveranues Coles WR, NYJ		– Not the top tier option he once was becoming.
29.	Patrick Crayton WR, DAL		– Beneficiary of the TO double teams.
30.	Lee Evans WR, BUF		– This is the make or break season for Evans.
31.	Kevin Curtis WR, PHI		– Quietly becoming McNabb’s  No. 1.
32.	D.J. Hackett WR, SEA		– Great late pick for his potential.
33.	Ronald Curry WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
34.	Donald Driver WR, GB		– Officially give way to Greg Jennings.
35.	Reggie Brown WR, PHI		– Keep your fingers crossed when drafting him.
36.	Jerry Porter WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
37.	Reggie Williams WR, JAX		– Part of a decent core of WR’s.
38.	Justin Gage WR, TEN		– Could use his speed to become a weekly threat.
39.	Jericho Cotchery WR, NYJ		– Product of the resurgent Cleveland offense.
40.	Bernard Berrian WR, CHI		– Grossman, Orton, or Griese? Does it matter?
41.	Shaun McDonald WR, DET		– Detroit becoming a WR safe haven.
42.	Anthony Gonzalez WR, IND		– Played the Brandon Stokely role to perfection.
	Rookie Watch
1.	DeSean Jackson (Cal)		Could go to the Eagle’s if passed on by the Bears or Texans.
2.	Limas Sweed (Texas)		Also a Philly option. Eagles need a big go-to-type wide out.
3.	Mario Manningham (Mich)		Perfect replacement or understudy for Joey Galloway’s job in Tampa.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the Message Board also.

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Admin and Founder of Pro Bono Fantasy