What was he thinking, you ask yourself, kicking the field goal over going for it on fourth down? I could have called a better play in my sleep! Well, that’s just one of the reasons we love fantasy football in this country. You play who you feel deserves the call, and who you think will deliver on Sundays for your team. You develop your own bench, and put players in based on matchups so you’re the only one to blame, well luck has a part too, if you end up at the bottom of the standings.

Sleepers

Alex Smith QB 49ers- Laugh if you want to, but if you followed San Francisco just a little towards the end of last season you probably saw a team that can take that next step. After a miserable rookie season in which Smith threw 11 interceptions to 1 touchdown, the former Ute responded nicely throwing for 16 touchdowns, albeit 16 interceptions as well. So why should you look at this guy at all? Well, coming into his third season Smith finally has a nice little arsenal of weapons around him, including former Maryland tight end Vernon Davis who has tremendous size and speed, and veteran wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who if he can stay healthy is a big time weapon. That along with an improving offensive line should lead to better numbers for Smith and San Fran this year. If he can cut down on the interceptions, Smith could put up 22-25 touchdowns this year, and provide a nice little sparkplug off your bench.

Cedric Benson RB Bears- The number four pick of the NFL Draft a few years ago is finally ready for his close up, or at least is going to get a chance to prove why he was drafted so high our of Texas. The Bears dealt proven veteran Thomas Jones to New York for a bag of chips, because they are so high on Benson (that, and the fact they spent a boatload of money on the guy). The Bears are far from an offensive machine, but if Rex Grossman can show more consistency this season (a big If), Benson should get some running lanes, similar to Jones. Benson is coming off an MCL injury he suffered in the Super Bowl, but if you can pick him up in the middle of your draft, there is a good chance you can utilize the 4.1 yards per carry he provided last year, a number that should spike with him being the main guy out of the backfield.

Marques Colston WR Saints- I love this guy’s hands, and his big play capability. So many people are picking New Orleans to make it to the Super Bowl this year, and one of those reasons has to be this guy. The former 7^th round pick out of Hofstra eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark, had 70 catches last year, and scored 8 touchdowns. I think he can do even better this year. If Reggie Bush is even better than last year, and Drew Brees continues his All Pro play, Colston could lead the league in touchdowns this year. Bold pick, huh? Well, if a 7^th rounder can be his team’s go to guy, he can also do much bigger things for a team expected to contend for Glendale Arizona in February.

Duds

Brandon Jacobs RB Giants- Jacobs is 6-4 and a mammoth for a running back, so what’s not to love as he attempts to help Giants fans move on from Tiki Barber’s stunning retirement? A lot of things. For one, Jacobs has never been a starter in the NFL. Also, he’s never had more then 423 yards rushing in his first two seasons, and now the G-Men are throwing him out to the wolves. Effective as a short down back and bruiser, Jacobs has a lot to learn before he becomes a viable fantasy option. For now, take a wait and see approach on a guy who has yet to really prove anything early on in his career.

Matt Schaub- QB Texans- Yeah, yeah, I like the guy as much as you do, but what does he have to show for in his NFL career so far? A lot of potential. In Houston though, he is now being hailed as the savior (at least the slew of draft picks traded to get him would suggest so) of a franchise notorious for miserable offensive line play. David Carr was sacked an inhumane number of times last season, and until major changes are made, so will Schaub, who could be a good quarterback, if of course he isn’t running for his life. Translation: wait for results before you bite the bullet and snatch him up.

Studs

Antonio Gates TE Chargers- Could have been worse right? I mean, I could’ve went with that other guy with a lightning bolt on his helmet. Instead it’s Gates, who is the epitome of consistency at his position. The best tight end in fantasy by far, he also happens to be a feature piece in one of the most explosive offenses in football. Phillip Rivers has another year under his belt, and Gates at 6-4 offers a great option for a team with sub-par wide receivers. A sure fire guy in the clutch, Gates had 9 touchdowns last year. With new Head Coach, offensive guru Norv Turner, expect him to tack on a few more scores this season, and a 1,000 yards receiving as well.

Chad Johnson WR Bengals- After a disappointing season for Cincinnati in which the Bengals were unable to rack up back to back playoff appearances, and Johnson remained relatively quiet, things are going to change—for sure—this season. Ocho Cinco has promised to be more himself this year, and that means more bang for your fantasy football buck. Coming off a 1369 yard season, in which he averaged a career high 15.7 yards per catch, Johnson is still not satisfied. Big things are coming folks. A healthy Carson Palmer will make sure that happens. 85 is going to put up some huge numbers in 2007.

Steven Jackson RB Seahawks- LT is the obvious number one, but who else will fill up the stat sheet? How about this guy. He’s a beast. His numbers were simply breath taking last year, as Jackson continued his evolution from running back of the future, to star of the present. Consider his last three games last season, where he put up six touchdowns and went over 126 yards each time. Consider his 1528 yards rushing last year, and don’t discount his 806 receiving yards either while you’re at it. Jackson is next in line after Tomlinson, the guy is that good.

What do you think? Post your opinion in the comment section.