First Round Strategies from Scott Engel

Scott Engel has written a nice article outlining a strategy for every pick in the first round. Here are his top ideal picks and top alternative picks. Clearly Engel is very high on the QB position with Tom Brady as an ideal #2 and Peyton Manning as an ideal #5. Engel also ranks Steven Jackson over the red hot Adrian Peterson, and drops Westbrook down to #7, even though he was the second highest scoring RB in my league last year. Do you agree?

1. Ideal pick: LaDainian Tomlinson
   Top alternative: Tom Brady
   
2. Ideal pick: Tom Brady
   Top alternative: Steven Jackson
3. Ideal pick: Steven Jackson
   Top alternatives: Adrian Peterson, Peyton Manning
4. Ideal pick: Adrian Peterson
   Top alternative: Peyton Manning
5. Ideal pick: Peyton Manning
   Top alternatives: Joseph Addai, Brian Westbrook.
6. Ideal pick: Joseph Addai
   Top alternative: Brian Westbrook
7. Ideal pick: Brian Westbrook
   Top alternative: Marshawn Lynch
8. Ideal pick: Marshawn Lynch
   Top alternative: Randy Moss
9. Ideal pick: Randy Moss
   Ideal alternative: This time, there really isn't one.
10. Ideal pick: Clinton Portis
    Top alternatives: Reggie Wayne, Frank Gore

Brett Favre Shakes up My Fantasy Draft Board

In case you haven't heard, Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets today for a conditional fourth round draft pick.

In my opinion, this immediately elevates the fantasy value of the New York Jets offense. The Jets suffered last year under the leadership of Chad Pennington. Favre's ability to throw the deep ball should result in more offensive production.

Here are the players you should elevate on your list:

1. Jerricho Cotchery - 82 receptions and 1,130 yards last year in 15 games. The only blemish on his resume is a lack of touchdowns. Look for Cotchery's catches and TD's to improve under Favre.
2. Laveranues Coles - Only played 10 games last year but still had 55 receptions. If he stays healthy, he should produce.
3. Thomas Jones - Ran for 1,119 yards last year. Favre's ability to throw deep should open up a few more lanes.
   

SI NFL Fantasy Football Preview

SI has published its 2008 NFL fantasy football preview with position by position breakdowns. Here are some of the highlights of their breakdown of the running back position.

Players on the rise:

1. Michael Turner
2. LenDale White
3. Ryan Grant

Players on the Decline:

1. Willie Parker
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Rudi Johnson

Running Back Sleeper Picks:

1. Ronnie Brown
2. Earnest Graham
3. Julius Jones

Do you agree with these picks?

Michael Turner is definitely getting a lot of attention in Atlanta. He put up strong numbers backing up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego. If he receives the bulk of the carries in Atlanta he could be a top 10 RB this year.

Ryan Grant Ends Holdout

Ryan Grant ended his holdout with the Green Bay Packers, securing a 4 year contract worth up to a reported $30 million. This secures Grants position as the starting running back for the Packers. Grant took over the RB position last year mid-season and revitalized the Packer's running game. He finished the season with 956 yards and 8 touchdowns. Look for Grant to go early in the second round in this years fantasy draft.

Top 10 Fantasy Football Handcuffs 2008

Picking a great running back handcuff can pay off big during the season if the starter goes down. Here are the top 10 running back handcuff's for 2008.

1. Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings
2. Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans
   
3. Felix Jones - Dallas Cowboys
4. Kenny Watson - Cincinnati Bengals
5. Jacob Hester - San Diego Chargers
6. Brandon Jackson - Green Bay Packers
   
7. Leon Washington - New York Jets
8. Ladell Betts - Washington Redskins
9. Jerious Norwood - Atlanta Falcons
10. Dominic Rhodes - Indianapolis Colts