Find Out Who Not To Count Out In 2008…

August 11, 2008 at 10:41 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Many things happen in the off-season that can appear to negatively affect a player’s fantasy value. Injuries, trades, free-agent signings, position changes and draft picks are just a few examples. However, we all know that the biggest indicator of what’s real is what happens on the field. Check out who’s stock is rising or falling based on the first full weekend of NFL pre-season games.

Rising - Jay Cutler, Broncos QB - After being diagnosed with diabetes this off-season, and losing his top receiver Brandon Marshall for three games due to a suspension, the Broncos’ third year QB looked like he had some serious challenges to overcome in order to have a breakout fantasy season in 2008. However, in his preseason debut against Houston, he looked like all of that was behind him, as he completed eight of 10 passes for more than 50 yards, and rushed for a 15 yard TD.

Rising - Tony Scheffler, Broncos TE - The third year TE from Western Michigan has battled foot injuries for the last two off-seasons. This year, it looked like he could miss some regular season time after he suffered a relapse on the same broken foot from a year ago. Instead, during his preseason debut, Scheffler was the Broncos leading receiver, hauling in three passes for 47 yards. He even had a 12 yard rush, and looks to be the Broncos main offensive weapon with Marshall out for the first three weeks.

Rising - DeAngelo Williams, Panthers RB - With everyone (except us) in the fantasy world down on third year Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams following the selection of Jonathan Stewart 13th overall in the NFL Draft, Williams proved to us all that he should not be counted out in 2008, rushing eight times for 55 yards and two TDs in his preseason debut as Carolina’s starting RB. Don’t buy the line of B.S. that other publications feed you about Williams. He’s an extremely talented runner who will be a solid fantasy RB3 in 2008.

Rising - Marvin Harrison, Colts WR - Seeing number 88 line up with the starting group for the first several possessions of the Colts’ second preseason game was a great sign. He hauled in three passes and looked great doing so - well, as great as you can look with Jim Sorgi throwing you the ball. Expect Harrison to be healthy, and be a solid fantasy WR2 in 2008. He may end up being one of the best seasonal value picks possible.

Rising - Darren McFadden, Raiders RB - You can read more about rookie RBs in our dynasty league stock market report on our USP forums, but we’ll mention McFadden in his article. He looked great against the San Francisco 49ers, and despite the presence of Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, should be the Raiders’ clear cut featured back for the entire 2008 season. McFadden is a steal in round four of seasonal PPR drafts, and is by far the best dynasty rookie RB prospect.

Rising - Roddy White, Falcons WR - Well, we’ve been down on White since the Falcons hired Mike Mularkey as their offensive coordinator and Mike Smith as their head coach, however, seeing how often Atlanta passed the rock in preseason Week 1 against Jacksonville, and watching White catch a nice TD ball renewed our faith in the young fourth year man from UAB. Consider White a solid WR2 in all seasonal formats.

Rising - Julius Peppers, Panthers DE - It’s no secret among IDP owners that Julius Peppers has been missing in action for the last few seasons. Now, heading into 2008, Peppers is in phenomenal shape and ready to dominate. He looked great against the Colts’ first team offense, putting pressure on Jim Sorgi all night. Okay, that last sentence didn’t read correctly, but you know what I meant. Expect a resurgence from Peppers in 2008.

Rising - Antrel Rolle, Cardinals FS - Rolle looked great at safety next to Adrian Wilson on Thursday night against the Saints. Rolle should be a huge hitter, and is experience at corner means he’ll make many big plays from the free safety roll. Expect him to be the perfect balance between a “big-play IDP” and a “tackle-only IDP” - making him one of the best DB IDP sleepers in 2008. Oh yeah, it was great to see Wilson back too.

Rising - Willie Parker, Steelers RB - Despite the presence of Rashard Mendenhall, FWP ran very strong and looked explosive and as fast as ever against the Eagles in preseason Week 1. Look for Parker to be a solid RB2 for most of 2008.

Rising - Marc Bulger, Rams QB - There’s absolutely no reason why Bulger can’t bounce back in 2008 and be a solid fantasy signal caller. His offense and his body were riddled with various injuries last season, but 2008 is a new year. Bulger went three for nine for 29 yards and an interception against Tennessee, but he should definitely get better as the season gets closer.

Falling - Julius Jones, Seahawks RB - Wow, we heard Jones was “near tears” after his four carry, 15 yard performance against Minnesota. He came off the bench to play behind “starter” Maurice Morris, who rushed the rock six times for more than 60 yards - so you can’t say Jones’ poor performance was due to the fact that Seattle played against Minnesota’s tough run defense. We still like Jones as a potential RB3 in 2008, but we’re not as high on him as we were heading into preseason Week 1.

Check out our dynasty stock market report now!