For the past several months, a black cloud of uncertainty has hung over Fantasyland. A frigid battle between owners and players over a new collective bargaining agreement encased pigskin thoughts in ice. Fantasy magazine presses remained dormant. Cheat sheets blank. League invitations left unopened. Not even the warmest parka took the chill away.
However, rejoice my fellow fantasy freaks! A major thaw is underway.
With the removal of padlocks from team facilities expected imminently, discussions over sleepers, busts and general league matters are again commonplace around workplace watercoolers. The start button triggering the single greatest "offseason" in NFL history is about to be pressed. Due to the condensed transaction period, a likely two week flurry of free agent/rookie signings and possible trades will undoubtedly cause owner heads to spin faster than Betelgeuse's. Daily value shifts are bound to occur. In a phrase: totally awesome.
Buckle up gamers. It's going to be one crazy ride.
In anticipation of the midsummer madness, here are 11 for '11 ? players, from a fantasy perspective, most likely to change addresses before the Saints/Packers tee it up September 8th:
'10 team: Carolina; Possible destinations: Denver, Miami
Last year was a lost season for the former fantasy king. Carolina's inability to remain competitive and a sprained foot crumbled The Little Napoleon's once prodigious value. Over just six games he averaged a feeble 4.1 yards per carry and 8.0 fantasy points per game, the 35th-best output among rushers. At an age when most RBs are chugging Metamucil (28), DeAngelo could sip from the Fountain of Youth. The Panthers have made overtures about resigning the former All-Pro, but with Jonathan Stewart entering his prime, cutting ties is probable. Though the Dolphins may also express interest in Williams, bank on him taking up residence in the Mile High City, especially with former Carolina head coach John Fox calling the shots. Reports claim the Broncos are "definitely in the market" for the vet's services. The club is convinced 2009 first-rounder Knowshon Moreno is nothing more than a situational, third-down back, paving the way for the slashing, versatile veteran to slide into the lead role. In what will reportedly be a ground-heavy Broncos brand ? Fox called "run" 54-percent of the time last year with the Panthers ? DeAngelo could be a stallion. Currently going in Round 4 in early mocks, he's a discounted rusher capable of carrying owners to the Promised Land. Giddy up.
Fearless Forecast (with Broncos): 15 games, 268 carries, 1,366 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 126 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns
'10 team: Philadelphia; Possible destinations: Arizona, Seattle, Miami
Kolb might as well be a giant bowl of Corn Pops. He's a player teams with a glaring QB void simply "got to have." �Rumored to be a top priority in Arizona, Miami and Seattle, the bidding war over his services could bring a windfall of draft picks back to�Philadelphia. With arguably the league's most electric quarterback already on roster (Michael Vick) and oodles of talent at other key positions, the Eagles are a prime example of the rich getting richer. Kolb could also pay quite the dividend if shipped West. Arizona, his most likely destination, has the vertical weapons (e.g. Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and rookie Ryan Williams) for the backup to flourish in a lead role. Because of his classic pocket style, adequate protection is a must. When given time, Kolb is a pinpoint short-to-intermediate field passer whose accuracy, at times, could remind Phoenix natives of Kurt Warner. His limited experience is only a slight concern. Recall from Weeks 5-7 a year ago he completed 64.8 percent of his attempts for an average of 270 yards per game with a 5:3 TD:INT split. Assuming he winds up in the desert, consider him a back-end starter in 12-team leagues.
Fearless Forecast (with Cardinals): 16 games, 232.6 yards per game, 24 passing touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 111 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown
'10 team: San Diego; Possible destinations: New England, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington
Based on their rather frigid relationship this time a year ago, V-Jax and Bolts GM A.J. Smith never took sunset strolls on La Jolla Beach. The wideout's spurned demands for a new contract cost him dearly. Also hampered by a calf injury, he donned a helmet in only five games in 2010. Expected to net a franchise tag once a new CBA is in place, another "friendly" exchange between Jackson and Smith is a certainty, which could earn the receiver a one-way ticket out of San Diego. However, local sources close to the situation suggest otherwise. Ideally the Chargers would deal Jackson out of conference if they choose to ship him, but the Pats, blessed with numerous future draft picks and clearly in need of a dependable deep threat, may pitch Smith an offer he can't refuse. No matter where he suits up, the 2009 Pro Bowler will produce top-10 WR numbers. His redwood tree frame, plus speed and jumping ability are a nightmare for corners to contain. Over his truncated campaign last year he averaged a terrific 17.7 yards per catch and 10.3 yards per touch. Even if Jackson remains in SoCal, he's the next best thing after Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and Roddy White come off the board.
Fearless Forecast (with Patriots): 16 games, 66 receptions, 1,194 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns
'10 team: New York Giants; Possible destination: Miami
Four Loko in blue, the diminutive Bradshaw was the energetic spark in New York's two-pronged rushing attack last year. Over 16 games, many of which he played injured, the tough cookie amassed over 1,500 total yards (96.8 YPG, 4.8 YPT) and eight touchdowns, generating the 14th-best per week output among fantasy rushers. Expected to be an unrestricted free agent once a deal is consummated, he will be the topic of discussion for teams with an obvious backfield need. Undeniably the Giants will throw stacks of cash at his feet in an attempt to retain him, but a move down the Right Coast isn't out of the question. The Dolphins believe in rookie Daniel Thomas, but with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both expected to head elsewhere, they could bring in Bradshaw to lead a timeshare. Regardless where he ends up, the former seventh rounder should be considered a high-end RB2 in 12-teamers. His multi-dimensional assets, explosiveness and grittiness are very attractive. Assuming he staves off the injury imp, a career year is in the offing. Next to DeAngelo, the popular third-round pick is an absolute steal, particularly in points per reception (PPR) formats.
Fearless Forecast (with Giants): 15 games, 258 carries, 1,212 rushing yards, 44 receptions, 284 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns
'10 team: Minnesota; Possible destinations: New England, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington
A fragile hip and Vikings' rapid deterioration, spurred by Brett Favre's downfall, cooked Rice for much of the 2010 campaign. But only 24 and a season removed from a break out 83-1312-8 effort, a quick rebound appears to be in the offing. At 6-foot-4, 205 lbs., Rice is an intimidating physical presence. Combine that with his sticky hands, excellent separation skills and superb body control, and he's a player who can routinely embarrass defenders, especially near the goal-line. A return to Minneapolis is possible, especially if the the Vikes add Donovan McNabb, but, if the Patriots can't coax Jackson off the Chargers' hands, he could wind up catching passess from Tom Brady. However, Minnesota's division rival, Chicago, is also an outstanding fit. The Bears desperately need a true No. 1. Johnny Knox and Devin Hester have�occasionally�shown flashes, but both are more suited for deep-route work. Rice's unique skill set would greatly enhance the Bears' passing game in the intermediate field, presumably boosting the confidence of enigmatic, and routinely bruised, gunslinger Jay Cutler. If Chicago's front office grows a pair and acquires Rice, he could post numbers similar to what Brandon Marshall did as Cutler's bosom buddy in Denver. Though the Bears attempted a league-low 29.1 pass attempts per game, this is still a Mike Martz offense.
Fearless Forecast (with Bears): 16 games, 76 receptions, 1,155 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns
'10 team: Carolina; Possible destinations: New England, Chicago, St. Louis
New coaching staff, rookie quarterback, suspect secondary receivers ? yep, Smith is trapped in football purgatory. The Jonathan Stewart of WRs is arguably the most underused asset in the game today. Deceptively strong, fast and incredibly cunning, Smith, despite a smallish frame, is one of the most feared targets in the league, when passes are actually delivered�accurately�to him. Targeted 99 times last year, he reeled in a mere 46 catches for 554 yards and two touchdowns. You're awesome, Jimmy Clausen. Pining to get out of Charlotte, the 32-year-old is a delectable carrot the Panthers may dangle to contenders looking for an All-Pro caliber receiver. Unless Cam Newton is�miraculously�overtaken by the football spirit of Dan Marino '83, Carolina, a franchise clearly in rebuilding mode, will likely bite if high picks are offered. Ultimately, though, in order to keep their rookie QB happy, Smith will probably stay put. However, if he lands in a favorable environment, he's easily a top-15 wideout. If not, he's a mid-round WR4 at best. Your move, Marty Hurney.
Fearless Forecast (with Panthers): 15 games, 61 receptions, 811 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
'10 team: Oneida Correctional Facility; Possible destinations: Philadelphia, New York Jets, Houston, Chicago
Fresh from the pokey, Burress is reportedly itching to get his football career off the ventilator. Two years removed from on-field activities, the 33-year-old is still in excellent shape, capable of boosting any receiving corps. Not bashful, Plax has expressed interest playing for Philly, Houston or New York. Receiver needy Chicago is also in the running, though sources close to the organization say the Bears have zero interest. Because of their aggressive vertical personas, the first two suitors would boost his value most, though with Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes possibly out of the picture in New York, he could have a larger role playing under bleeping�snack-enthusiast Rex Ryan.�Four years removed from his best fantasy season (70-1025-12), the wiry wideout may take a few games to get back into the swing of things. But given his long frame and knack for breaking free in the end-zone, he's a WR3 dark-horse who should not be forgotten after pick No. 100. In the right situation, he could thrive. Because of the Eagles' successful reclamation of Michael Vick, the City of Brotherly Love, in the market for a useful underneath asset, may again open its arms to a player with a dark past.
Fearless Forecast (with Eagles): 16 games, 58 receptions, 784 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
'10 team: New York Jets; Possible Destinations: Washington, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston
As long as Edwards refrains from grabbing the wheel, he has favorable odds of rekindling a career on the fritz. A mediocre contributor during his brief and often controversial tenure with the Jets, the Bearded Bomb failed to recapture the magical numbers he posted during his breakthrough 2007 season in Cleveland. Though he likely peaked four years ago, in a less conservative system he could redevelop into a trustworthy fantasy starter in medium-sized leagues. A case of the dropsies has�occasionally�plagued him, but he still�possesses�enough size, strength and athleticism to win many one-on-one battles. Currently, the Redskins, whispered to be the frontrunner for Edwards' services, are likely to make a strong play for the receiver. If he ends up in the nation's capital and Donovan McNabb actually takes snaps for Mike Shanahan in 2011 ? a full season of Rex Grossman or John Beck could be an adventure ? he could reap a low-tiered WR2 value. Keep in mind, less talented target Santana Moss tallied a very useful 93-1116-5 line as the 'Skins' No. 1 last year. Selected on average in Round 10 of 12-team mocks, he could exceed expectation.
Fearless Forecast (with Redskins): 16 games, 74 receptions, 1,176 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns
'10 teams: New England/Minnesota/Tennessee; Possible destination: New York Jets
Being gored by an enraged bull in Pamplona was more enjoyable than enduring Moss' horrendous "effort" from a year ago. For owners who experienced the future HOFer's abrupt collapse ? recall entering 2010 he was a Round 2 pick in most drafts ? he is the ultimate must-avoid commodity. At 34 and coming off a lamentable season in which three franchises essentially abandoned him due to a crummy attitude, it's easy to stiff arm the seven-time Pro Bowl pick. But, if motivated, he could provide a tremendous reward. According to his agent the admonished wideout has "a huge chip on his shoulder." Yes, his skills may have diminished, but Moss' 75-percent is better than most pass catchers' best shot. His long stride and gangly arms are still difficult for defenders to shackle. If Holmes and/or Edwards leave the Jets, the deep-threat will likely end up wearing kelly green. According to local sources, his former employer, New England, doesn't plan to reach out. Because of Ryan's run-heavy tendencies, it's not the most ideal situation, but, at a minimum, he could achieve solid WR3 totals. With the fantasy community extremely bearish on Moss ? he's gone around pick 113 in early drafts ? he is well-worth the minimal risk. He could be straight cash, homey.
Fearless Forecast (with Jets): 14 games, 67 receptions, 924 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns
'10 team: Atlanta; Possible destinations: Dallas, Indy, Miami, New York Giants, St. Louis
With the right opportunity, Snelling could emerge 2011's version of Peyton Hills. Different from Cleveland's battering ram in terms of running style, Snelling, a converted fullback, is more of a slashing rusher than a bulldozer. But equipped with plus hands, he, too, can accumulate yards in a variety of ways. Last year, he caught the same number of passes as Chris Johnson (44) in two fewer games. When Michael Turner has been forced to the wear street clothes, Snelling has blossomed, evident in his Week 2 thrashing of Arizona last year (24-129, 5-57, 2 tds). In late June, the five-year vet expressed interest continuing to play second fiddle to The Burner in Atlanta. But given the pervasiveness of two-back systems in the league today, he could attract a substantial pay and play increase as a "thunder" option in another locale. If he does test free agency waters and signs with another team, he will be much more than a handcuff. Miami, for example, would be one such nourishing environment. Don't forget about him in the late rounds.
Fearless Forecast (with Dolphins): 168 carries, 739 rushing yards, 42 receptions, 281 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns
'10 team: Cincinnati; Possible destinations: St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, Washington
Last year at 36, the future Canton inductee (How could he not be a HOFer?) refused to fade quietly snagging a commendable 72 passes for 983 yards and nine scores. Though injuries slowed him late in the season, his scoring outburst from Weeks 3-9 guided many owners to an above .500 record. One year and reportedly one surgically repaired ACL later, there are doubts T.O. will find an employer in 2011. In the meantime, he's�drawn up plans for a TV sitcom "loosely" based on his sordid life to keep busy (Sidebar: We are really hoping�it will be renamed "Dropped Passes"). However, because injuries impact wide receiver depth charts every camp/preseason someone will inevitably inquire about his services. The young Rams, a team he's previously expressed interest in, could take a gamble. Sam Bradford definitely has the talent and�temperament�to deal with No. 81's often cumbersome antics. Owens, similar to Edwards and Moss, is a player to keep in mind during the beer foggy hours of drafts. Believe it or not, the quick healer, if signed, is expected to be ready for the season.
Fearless Forecast (with Rams): 13 games, 55 receptions, 764 yards, 6 touchdowns
Other possibilities ? Donovan McNabb, Santonio Holmes, Chad Ochocinco, Cedric Benson, Steve Smith (NYG), Santana Moss, Ronnie Brown, Matt Hasselbeck, Kyle Orton, Joseph Addai, Reggie Bush, Michael Bush, Ricky Williams, Mike Sims-Walker, Zach Miller, Malcom Floyd, James Jones, Marc Bulger
Bring the Noise on Twitter. Follow Brad @YahooNoise.
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Image courtesy of US Pressswire
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