Fantasy 4-1-1: The info you need

When the news that the NFL lockout had officially ended on Aug. 5, there was undoubtedly a large demographic that was more excited to play fantasy football again than about the upcoming season itself.

This year’s season could have a slightly different feel to the beginning of it. The long summer layoff could adversely affect every team’s chemistry, specifically the connection and communication between quarterbacks and their receivers, offensive lineman, and running backs.

“Get ‘Em Fast!”
(My top player in each position)

— Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers – The Super Bowl MVP leads a dominant, pass-happy offense that returns starting running back Ryan Grant and tight end Jermichael Finley.

— Running Backs
Adrian Peterson – Some fantasy players are worried that the Vikings’ unimpressive passing attack will cause teams to stack the line against Peterson. Remember, he ran for over 1,700 yards with Gus Frerotte at quarterback in 2007. He will be fine.

— Wide Receivers
Andre Johnson – A five-time Pro Bowler, Johnson is physically the most gifted receiver in the game. Schaub will keep balls coming his way as long as the Texans keep the subpar Kevin Walter across from him.

— Tight Ends
Antonio Gates – He scored 10 touchdowns in just over half of a season’s worth of play last year.
Now, he is healthy.

— Defense/Special Teams
Packers – If cornerback Tramon Williams continues the level of play he reached in last year’s playoffs, the Packers would boast two shutdown corners. Linebacker Clay Matthews will continue to wreak havoc on quarterbacks as well.

— Kickers
Sebastian Janikowski – “Seb” is a mainstay at the top of the position. He is in range anywhere from 60 yards in, which is usually about as close as the Raider get to the endzone.

“Buyers Beware!”
(Players who may be drafted too high)
Cam Newton – His inaccuracy has shown in the preseason and it will cost him at this level. It does not help that he plays in the very competitive NFC South.

Chris Johnson – Johnson has missed all of the offseason workouts while waiting for a new contract; his early season performance could be ugly.

Sidney Rice – The Seahawk’s offensive-line play has been abysmal so far this preseason, which does not bode well for a receiver who played sparingly last year while fighting off injuries.

Jeremy Shockey – Do not fall victim to the big-name pick. The Panthers’ depth at tight end is deep, and teammate Greg Olsen will likely be the starter.

Vikings – The Viking had the eighth best defense in the league, but were eighteenth in points allowed, a stat that can kill your defensive fantasy points.

Josh Scobee – He started last season well, but ended in subpar fashion. Head coach Jack Del Rio is not afraid to bypass field goals on fourth down either.

“Sleeper Picks”
(Players whose worth could exceed their draft position)
Matthew Stafford – He has all the intangibles to be one of the top scorers in fantasy football. He could easily be in the top ten for quarterbacks if he avoids injuries.

Jahvid Best – After two games into his NFL career last year, Best had scored five touchdowns and analysts everywhere were raving. Turf the dual-threat Cal’ back from to wreak havoc in the Lions’ improving offense.

Mohamed Massaquoi – He could be a great find for fantasy owners in late rounds. Massaquoi has the look of a go-to receiver. Now he needs to live up to that expectation with his ever-improving quarterback Colt McCoy.

Brent Celek – Celek struggled in the McNabb-to-Vick transition last year, but he should be more comfortable in his role this year and could be a solid fantasy backup.

Texans – New coordinator Wade Phillips has been busy installing his 3-4 defense this offseason, and his unit has looked solid so far.

Alex Henery – The rookie out of Nebraska needs one stat to describe him. He hit a 57-yarder into the wind in Lincoln.