With teams concluding their preseason games within the next week we can now take a look at the winners and losers of the 2008 NFL season.  Having said this, let’s remember that in no way is the preseason a prediction of what the regular season will hold.  Tom Brady just returned to practice this week after rehabbing a sore ankle and Peyton Manning is still recovering from knee surgery.  With these two power houses unseen since last season, its very hard to predict success based on back ups playing under center.  Here’s who I think you should pick up if they’re still on the board: 

QB - Tom Brady, Alternate: Chad Pennington, Brady Quinn, Jamarcus Russell, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo

Tom Brady is an obvious number 1 pick, take him if your league is heavy on passing yards and TD’s.  Chad is going to do wonders in Miami under the watchful eye of the Big Tuna.  Bill has a way of turning underdog QB’s into something very special. That coupled with Chad’s inner need to show the Jet’s what they’re missing, the Dolphins could have a decent year… at least 5 wins.  In Cleveland Derek Anderson was injured and could be out for a lengthy amount of time.  Look for Brady Quinn, last year’s 23rd pick, to shine.  He was stellar at Notre Dame and look for him to break out this season. The same is the story for Jamarcus Russell.  This QB has the entire Raider Nation on his back and a huge contract to earn.  If he doesn’t perform, look to the end zones in Oakland for the fan’s reactions.  

RB - Marion Barbar III, Alternate: Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Clinton Portis 

I know what you’re thinking, where is LT??? I’ll tell you where he is, the two time Rushing yards leader is going to be sitting behind an aging Lorenzo Neal.  I’m well aware of the controversy this is stirring up but I saw glimpses of LT studdering last season on the run.  Also, Michael Turner is not backing up anymore and this will result in more downs for LT, which means more punishment on the field.  Marion Barbar is now the #1 back in Dallas and has rookie Felix Jones supporting him.  Both compliment each other very well, as Barbar will steam roll and Jones an elusive talent.  Look for this tandem to eat up the field.  Steven Jackson was plagued with injuries last season, now that he’s healthy watch the Rams actually do some bucking on the field.  

WR - Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Braylon Edwards Alternates - Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Marvin Harrison, Tedd Ginn Jr, Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker, Marques Colston

I’ve already said why i think these should be your top receivers.  For a more detailed explanation, find my other post on WR’s of this years draft.  Basically, it comes down to a balance between deep threats and over the middle yards. If your league values Total yards of receptions, take the deep threats. If it’s the other way around, take a slot back like Wes and you’ll be laughing this season. 

TE - Jason Witten, Alternate - Antonio Gates, Alge Crumpler, Dallas Clark, Jeremy Shockey 

TE’s are a very sneaky position.  Depending on a team’s offensive scheme, your TE may not break 400 yards receiving, but could be getting a huge number of pancakes every game.  It really depends on your leagues set up.  If your looking at an offensive savvy league, yards and receptions, take Witten, Clark and Gates.  If not Shockey is your man. 

Defense - Vikings, Alternate - Cowboys, Eagles, Colts

The Vikings added DE Jared Allen to the roster and he will be deadly rushing off the end.  The Vikings have added the missing link to their defense this off season and look to them for some unreal stats.  The Cowboys have also done some remodelling this off season with the addition of Adam Jones.  The once hard hitting, intercepting CB is now in Dallas trying to start off fresh.  Jones will be a welcome addition to any package that Wade puts together.  I like the Eagles because of Asante Samuels, he was basically the only reason why the Patriots had any interceptions last season.  And the Colts have always been strong when they are healthy.  So hopefully they can stay healthy.  If some of you are asking where are the Giants on this list? Breaking news has it that Osi Umenyiora will need season ending knee surgery and with Michael Strathan retiring, who do the Giants really have to put pressure on opposing QB’s?  The answer is no one.

I hope this helps shed some light on this year’s fantasy draft.  When in doubt pick players who’s name you can pronounce and who you’ve seen on sportscenter, anyone else and you’ll probably get laughed at.  Trying to pick sleepers is like trying to pick the Giants to win the superbowl… you get my point.  Oh one other point, for those of you that purchase fantasy draft magazines, good luck with those! ;)

QUANSTRONG

p.s.  Sorry no pics. I’m in Montreal and this computer stinks.