1. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cle – The Browns inexperienced offense may turn the ball over 4+ times and get sacked seven times.

2. Houston Texans vs. Mia – Ryan Tannehill’s 1st start will be a memorable one… for the Texans.

3. Seattle Seahawks vs. Arz – QB issues and offensive line woes equals a BIG day for the Seahawks D.

4. Chicago Bears vs. Ind – Andrew Luck will be a great one, but the Bears are a tough test right out of the gates.

Next

Oakland Raiders vs. SD – The Chargers having to start a rookie LT doesn’t bode well for Rivers on Monday Night. They’re also down multiple skill players.

NY Giants vs. Dal – The Super Bowl Champs will be coming after Romo all night long.

NY Jets vs. Buf – The Jets have revamped this side of the ball and plan to be more aggressive in 2012.

The Rest

Dallas Cowboys vs. NYG – The new look Cowboys D will have opportunities for plays with the Giants breaking in a new LT, TE and 3rd WR.

New England Patriots vs. Ten – NE should enjoy a large lead which allows their pass rushers to pin their ears back and go after Jake Locker.

New Orleans Saints vs. Was – Steve Spagnuolo’s attack style defense should force RGIII into mistakes.

Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ – It’s Mark Sanchez, so you can expect a very solid stat line from the Bills.

Atlanta Falcons vs. KC – The new look D will pressure KC into sacks and a few turnovers.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cin – They’ve dropped down a few notches with Suggs out, but still a solid unit regardless.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Bal – The young Bengals will for Flacco into two turnovers and keep the score relatively low in this one.

Detroit Lions vs. Stl – Bradford’s learning a new system and faces a big play D in Week 1.

Denver Broncos vs. Pit – The Steelers O-Line is a mess. Expect Von Miller and Co. to hit Roethlisberger early and often.

Fantasy Sleeper

Arizona Cardinals - Russell Wilson likely won’t look as great now that the games count. Expect the Cardinals to be a nice fantasy sleeper and force multiple turnovers on Sunday.

1. Jimmy Graham vs. Was – Brees’ top receiving threat will eclipse 100 yards with a TD vs. the Skins.

2. Rob Gronkowski vs. Ten – Ditto for Gronk.

3. Antonio Gates vs. Oak – Gates if finally healthy and has been a notorious Raiders’ killer over the years.

4. Vernon Davis vs. GB – We’ll see if the Packers really cleaned up their coverage problems. Davis will test them.

Next

Jermichael Finley vs. SF – The Packers will pass the ball >75% of the time on Sunday. Finley’s number will be called often.

Jared Cook vs. NE – The Pats coverage has been horrible in recent years.

Aaron Hernandez vs. Ten – We think he’ll find the end zone on Sunday and top 60 receiving yards.

The Rest

Brandon Pettigrew vs. Stl – He became Stafford’s 2nd favorite target after Megatron late in the season. Very good red zone threat.

Fred Davis vs. NO – He will be RGIII’s best friend early on.

Jermaine Gresham vs. Bal – The 3rd year TE will continue to be a favorite target of Dalton in their 2nd year together.

Brent Celek vs. Cle – The Eagles could put up over 40 on Sunday, and Celek will find the end zone for one of the scores.

Jason Witten* vs. NYG – If he’s cleared to play, make sure he’s in your lineup.

Dallas Clark vs. Car – The Panthers are weak in the back of their defense and Freeman will look to make use of his new TE with the injuries along the offensive line.

Owen Daniels vs. Mia – Solid No. 2 fantasy football TE will have a productive day against the Fins.

Jacob Tamme vs. Pit – Manning’s old friend in Indy will be targeted plenty on Sunday Night.

Heath Miller vs. Den – Roethlisberger will use Miller as a safety valve to offset Denver’s big pass rush.

Tony Gonzalez vs. KC – With so much attention being paid to the Falcons outside of receivers, look for Gonzalez to exploit single coverage against his former team.

Tony Moeaki vs. Atl – He was a favorite of Cassel prior to the injury in 2011.

Coby Fleener vs. Chi – The Colts will want to give Luck opportunities to find his groove, and his old college teammate is a great place to start.

Greg Olsen vs. TB – With Shockey gone, more balls for Olsen.

Martellus Bennett vs. Dal – Look for him to have a solid game vs. his old team. NY is still breaking in a No. 3 WR.

Fantasy Sleeper

Kyle Rudolph vs. Jax – Christian Ponder is still growing as a QB and will use his safety valve often this week. Rudolph’s a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 1.

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Stl – Megatron will top 100 yards and 2 TDs vs. the Rams on opening day.

2. Andre Johnson vs. Mia – Who is going to cover Johnson? I’m sure Miami is still asking themselves the same question.

3. Greg Jennings vs. SF – The 49ers pass coverage is their lone weakness.

4. Wes Welker vs. Ten – Expect 8-10 catches with close to 100 yards and a score vs. Ten.

Next

Julio Jones vs. KC – The year two explosion begins in KC.

Roddy White vs. KC – White is a 100 yard candidate with a score vs. the Chiefs in Week 1.

Victor Cruz vs. Dal – Cruz will torch the Cowboys in the slot.

The Rest

DeSean Jackson vs. Cle – The Browns have no one in their secondary that will stay with Jackson, who will get long for one TD.

Dez Bryant vs. NYG – The Giants will be forced to start their No. 4 CB due to injuries. That will open opportunities on one side of the field.

Brandon Marshall vs. Ind – The Bears plan to go down field a lot in 2012 with the Marshall acquisition.

Eric Decker vs. Pit- Decker will emerge as Peyton’s new best friend in Den. The Steelers CBs are not a strength.

Mike Wallace vs. Den – The top deep threat in the NFL will get behind Denver’s D on Sunday Night.

Antonio Brown vs. Den – Another solid start especially in PPR leagues.

AJ Green vs. Bal – The 2nd year receiver is expected to take a big step forward and should prove too much for the Ravens’ corners in Week 1.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Dal – He’s healthy and will top 80 yards with a TD on opening night.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Cle – See above. The Browns secondary is horrible and the Eagles should have their way all afternoon.

Brandon Lloyd vs. Ten – The Patriots finally have the deep threat they’ve sought since they cut ties with Randy Moss.

Miles Austin vs. NYG – The savvy vet is always tough on the Giants.

Randy Moss vs. GB – The Packers secondary is prone to giving up big plays.

Jordy Nelson vs. SF – He’ll toy with their No. 2 CB all afternoon.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Atl – The Falcons secondary is improved but Bowe is a load.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Sea – He’d rate very highly if QB wasn’t such a question mark. The Seahawks feature a stout D too.

Vincent Jackson vs. Car – The Bucs brought him in to be their deep threat. He’ll get over top vs. the Panthers.

Steve Smith vs. TB – Cam Newton’s best friend will find room to work with in the Bucs secondary.

Demaryius Thomas vs. Pit – His long TD beat them in the WC game, and he’ll be potent right back on opening day.

Malcolm Floyd vs. Oak – The Raiders secondary is not a strength.

Percy Harvin vs. Jax – The No. 1 receiving threat in Minny should have a strong game vs. the Jags.

Torrey Smith vs. Cin – He torched Cincy for 165 yards in their 2nd meeting and will have 100 yards again in Week 1.

Stevie Johnson vs. NYJ – He’ll be up against Revis Island all day but has actually fared well.

Marques Colston vs. Was – Mr. Reliable will pick up a lot of yards vs. the Skins in Week 1.

Pierre Garcon vs. NO – The Saints secondary is a concern, and have no one that can stay with Garcon’s speed.

Fantasy Sleeper

Kendall Wright vs. NE – Coverage was an issue all year in 2011 for the Pats. The rookie is a strong fantasy sleeper in what should be a high scoring affair.

Must Start

1. Arian Foster vs. Miami – Foster is a candidate for 150+ yards and multiple TDs vs. a porous Dolphins D.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Cle – Shady McCoy will run circles around the Browns D.

3. Ray Rice vs. Cin – The Bengals D is tough, but Rice always manages to break a long TD and hurt this unit.

4. Matt Forte vs. Ind – Forte will explode as a runner and receiver out of the backfield against the Colts.

Next

Chris Johnson vs. NE – The Titans plan to get Johnson back on track and the Patriots need to show that they can stop the run.

Darren McFadden vs. SD – The Chargers run D is soft. Look for Run DMC to top 100 yards with a long score.

Marshawn Lynch vs. Arz – Will he be beast mode again in 2012? He’ll have a great shot vs. the Cards in Week 1.

The Rest

Darren Sproles vs. Was – Brees and Sproles will pick up right where they left off a year ago: a lot of yards on the ground and through the air.

DeMarco Murray vs. NYG – He’s 100% healthy and was explosive until he broke his ankle vs. the Giants a year ago.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Dal – Bradshaw hurt Dallas a year ago with multiple TDs in the finale. His feet are healthy entering this season.

DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart vs TB – The Bucs have yet to prove they can stop anyone on the ground. Both are good starts if Stewart is healthy.

Jamaal Charles vs. Atl – He might not be 100% yet, but at 80% he’s good enough to top 100 yards with a TD.

Frank Gore vs. GB – The Packers D was their kryptonite a year ago. The 49ers will rely on a heavy running attack in Week 1.

Steven Jackson vs. Det – The Rams run blocking schemes will propel Jackson for a big day against the Lions.

Trent Richardson vs. Phi – If he’s healthy, could have a strong game against a suspect run D.

Doug Martin vs. Car – The Panthers front four is weak, which should open up running room for Martin in Week 1.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis vs. Bal – The Ravens sans LB Terrell Suggs are a much different unit.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Min – An entire offseason missed will not slow down MJD vs. the Vikings. He starts as 3rd down back.

Fred Jackson vs. NYJ – Look for 80+ total yards and a score vs. the Jets.

Donald Brown vs. Chi – Luck will use him plenty in dump offs and screens. Great for PPR leagues.

Toby Gerhart vs. Jax – It’d be hard to see Adrian Peterson ready to go in Week 1. Minny will be cautious.

Fantasy Sleeper

Roy Helu vs. NO – The Saints are lacking on the defensive side of the ball. Solid fantasy sleeper in Week 1.

Must Start

1. Tom Brady vs. Ten – Tom Brady and Co. will light up a Titans secondary which is now minus CB Cortland Finnegan. 350 yards and 3 TDs for the top ranked fantasy football QB in Week 1.

2. Drew Brees vs. NO – Brees will throw for 350 yards and 3 TDs against the Skins at home.

3. Matt Stafford vs. Stl – This is an excellent matchup for Stafford and Co. who get a Rams defense that is still learning a new system.

4. Aaron Rodgers vs. SF – The 49ers D is stout, but suspect to potent passing games.

Next

Michael Vick vs. Cle – Vick thrives vs. mediocre defenses. Look for a 2-3 scores through the air and some big yards on the ground.

Eli Manning vs. Dal – The Cowboys D will be improved, but Eli always performs well vs. Dallas. Hakeem Nicks is back for this one too.

Jay Cutler vs. Ind – The Colts may have the worst defense in football.

The Rest

Cam Newton vs. TB – It’ll be interesting to see Newton in year two. Large chunks of yardage can be gained vs. Tampa Bay.

Tony Romo vs. NYG – The Giants will be pumped for the home opener by getting after Romo, but they are down a starting CB which should leave opportunities for Romo and Co.

Josh Freeman vs Car – The Panthers back seven is nothing special. Look for Freeman and his improved offense to put up yards / points through the air.

Peyton Manning vs. Pit – Defense is still the Steelers backbone, but Manning should throw for at least two TDs in his first game back in over a year.

Matt Ryan vs. KC – The Chiefs D is solid, but stopping WR’s White and Jones is a tall order.

Matt Schaub vs. Mia – The Dolphins D is a mess and they just traded their top CB (Davis) to the Colts. Andre Johnson and Co. have a big game here.

Philip Rivers vs. Oak – The Chargers are starting a rookie FA LT to protect Rivers’ blindside, but the Raiders secondary can be hurt.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Den – Not the easiest match-up, but Roethlisberger should be good for a few TDs on Sunday Night.

Fantasy Sleeper

Jake Locker vs NE – Locker is a more of a fantasy sleeper here, but the Pats surrendered a lot of points and yards a year ago.

1. San Francisco 49ers – The top defense looks better entering 2012. They’ll likely take a step back due to a tougher schedule, but the D should be stout right back.

2. Houston Texans - The Texans could actually jump ahead of SF due to the division they play in. Expect a lot of sacks and turnovers.

3. Chicago Bears - They play a 3rd place schedule and will be able to attack teams thanks to an improved offense.

4. Philadelphia Eagles - The “Dream Team” should see a marked improvement on defense after a year in the new system.

5. Seattle Seahawks - They play in the NFC West and Carrol’s D/ST became a solid No. 1 fantasy football unit over the 2nd half of 2011.

6. Baltimore Ravens - Buyer beware. The loss of LB Terrell Suggs is HUGE to this defense and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are both a year older.

7. New York Jets – The Jets will improve this season after a disappointing finish to 2011. Look for Ryan’s group to attack and force turnovers.

8. Detroit Lions - Playing in the NFC North is a tough task but this group is a year older and very talented.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers  - An off season of turnover raises question marks, but the key players are still there.

10. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys will be improved with another year under Rob Ryan and some solid off season acquisitions. Last year the unit struggled due to a lot of confusion in play calling.

11. Green Bay Packers - Their off season was dedicated to improving this side of the ball.  The Packers offense putting 30+ points up a game will help out too as opposing offenses will once again be in pass mode, leading to turnovers.

12. Kansas City Chiefs - KC is also a nice fantasy sleeper now that Romeo Crennel is leading them.

13. Atlanta Falcons – The addition of CB Asante Samuel makes the back of this defense better, and they should benefit from playing with the lead too.

14. New York Giants – The defending champs have the toughest schedule on paper but are deep and talented on D. They have the best pass rush in the game when healthy and could end up a top 5-10 unit in 2012.

15. Buffalo Bills – They added DE Mario Williams to a play making defense which could end up being a solid No. 1 fantasy football D/ST this year.

16. Arizona Cardinals - If they get a bit more help from the offense, the Cardinals D/ST can be solid. CB Patrick Peterson gives their special teams a leg up.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Zimmer’s D has a lot of talent that’s young. Expect another step forward in 2012 and this is a solid fantasy sleeper unit.

18. New England Patriots - The unit was horrific in 2011, but they also have a lot of young talent that is starting to understand the pro game, and their ’12 draft focused solely on D. Expect a much improved effort this year.

19. Denver Broncos - LB Von Miller leads a talented bunch that will be aided by the offense Peyton Manning brings.

20. Oakland Raiders  – They brought in Denver’s D Coordinator (Dennis Allen) and he has a lot to work with in Oakland. Expect this unit to be a solid fantasy sleeper and one of the surprises in 2012.

21. St. Louis Rams – Jeff Fisher’s presence will be felt this year. There’s a lot of youth but some good young play makers.

22. Miami Dolphins - They were one of the more consistent units from the midpoint on and should build on that this year. They’re a No. 2 D/ST that can fill in when your top D has a bye week.

23.Washington Redskins - The NFC East is a tough division to play in, but the Skins have play makers on D which will make them a solid fill in unit in 2012.

24. New Orleans Saints – Expect Steve Spaguolo’s scheme to improve this unit. They’re a waiver wire unit to start the year.

25. Tennessee Titans - The AFC South, outside of Houston, features below average offenses.

1. Jimmy Graham NO – Graham is clearly Drew Brees’s top target and nearly impossible to cover.

2. Rob Gronkowski NE – Graham and Gronk are 1 and 1a in fantasy for TEs. Expect another big-time year, especially in the red zone.

3. Antonio Gates SD - Rumor has it he has slimmed down and is healthy. With Vincent Jackson departing, expect Gates’ role to become even more prominent.

4. Vernon Davis SF – The additional receiving threats should open up opportunities for Davis, who had a stellar post season with 4 TDs and picked up his game towards the end of last season.

5. Jason Witten Dal – The loss of WR Laurent Robinson will mean more balls headed Witten’s way. He’s still an elite TE who Romo loves to throw to.

6. Aaron Hernandez NE – As defenses pay more attention to the other threats, Hernandez may become the winner by default. Expect Brady to hit him for 8-10 TDs in 2012.

7. Jermichael Finley GB – Another Aaron Rodgers favorite, and a mismatch for nearly all defensive backs.

8. Fred Davis Was – A TE is a rookie QB’s best friend, and RGIII has a very good one in Davis. Look for 65-75 catches and 8 TDs.

9. Brandon Pettigrew DET – Stafford looked Pettigrew’s way later in the season and he’s a good low end No. 1 fantasy TE.

10. Tony Gonzalez ATL - The future HOF’er should find plenty of holes in defenses with so much attention paid to the outside.

11. Jacob Tamme Den - He’s familiar with Peyton and that will pay dividends especially early on.

12. Jared Cook Ten - He’s another whose fantasy value goes up if Jake Locker wins the job. Cook has surprising speed and the 2nd year QB will be throwing his way early and often. He’s a good fantasy sleeper pick too.

13. Dustin Keller NYJ - The Jets are hurting at receiving threats and Tony Sparano loves using the TE.

14. Owen Daniels Hou – With Matt Schaub back behind center, Daniels remains a border line No. 1 fantasy TE.

15. Jermaine Gresham Cin - Gresham took big steps forward a year ago and will continue to be a threat to score in the red zone.

16. Kellen Winslow Sea – The Seahawks brought him in to make an impact in the passing game.

17. Martellus Bennett NYG – Wasted talent with the Cowboys will get his shot in New York. Jake Ballard is gone and the job is his for the taking.

18. Coby Fleener Ind - Andrew Luck’s college teammate will receive a lot of passes in his rookie year.

19. Greg Olsen Car – The departure of Jeremy Shockey means Olsen’s the man in Carolina.

20. Ed Dickson Bal - 2011 was a bit of a disappointment, but Dickson is certainly on the upswing.

21. Mercedes Lewis Jax - Blaine Gabbert is still developing and Lewis will be his safety valve. 3-5 TDs  and nothing more than a No. 2 fantasy TE.

22. Kyle Rudolph Min – Visanthe Shiancoe is gone and Rudolph gets the opportunity to make the job his. Look for Ponder to rely on him heavily in the passing game.

23. Tony Moeaki KC - He’s coming off an ACL tear but was very promising as a rookie. Moeaki should play a larger role in this offense as the season progresses.

24. Joel Dreessen Den – Dreesen’s strictly a pass catching TE who possess deceptive speed. Look for Peyton to exploit this and hit some big plays.

25. Scott Chandler Buf - His TDs came in bunches. The tall TE will once again benefit from Buffalo’s pass happy offense near the red zone.

1. Calvin Johnson Det - Megatron was the top fantasy football WR in 2011 (254 points) and won’t be relinquishing that title anytime soon.

2. Andre Johnson Hou - If the injury bug doesn’t reel its ugly head again, expect Johnson to once again emerge as top threat week in and week out.

3. Larry Fitzgerald Arz - The QB situation is the only thing holding him back from topping this list.

4. Greg Jennings GB – The top receiving threat playing with the top QB will lead to 1,300 yards and double digit TDs. Needs to stay healthy.

5. Roddy White Atl - With the projected development of Julio Jones, expect White to see less double coverage and thrive.

6. Hakeem Nicks NYG – The Giants top outside threat is coming off a broken foot in mini camp. He appears to be ahead of schedule and will once again be Eli Manning’s top receiving threat.

7. Mike Wallace Pit – The holdout is concerning, but when he comes back, which will be Week 1, he’ll once again be a top threat. No. 1 deep threat in the league.

8. Wes Welker NE - In a PPR league, Welker could end up top 5.  Brady loves him, and Brandon Lloyd’s outside presence could release coverage underneath.

9. AJ Green Cin – People are very high on Green. He’s the Bengals top receiving threat and should only get better with experience. Look for 1200 yards and 10 TDs.

10. Victor Cruz NYG – The most dangerous receiver in the slot, who also has big-time play making ability. Expect another 75-85 catch season with 1200 yards and double digit TDs.

11. Julio Jones ATL – He could be poised to take a big jump into the top 5 by year end, but it’ll be tough to distribute balls in Atlanta. Regardless, look for a breakout season from the 2nd year man from Alabama.

12. Brandon Marshall Chi – He’s reuniting with Jay Cutler and the duo should put up big-time numbers like they did in Denver.

13. Dez Bryant Dal – There’s no denying his talent, it’s his mental makeup and off field issues which concern us. If he can keep those the off field issues under control, Bryant will finish a top 10 fantasy receiver.

14. Steve Smith Car - Cam Newton revitalized his career and he’s a borderline No. 1 fantasy receiver right back.

15. Jordy Nelson GB - 15 TDs in 2011 is hard not to notice. He’ll see that number come down in 2012, with between 10-12 TDs.

16. Miles Austin Dal – He was a clear No. 1 until an injury marred 2011 season. Needs to stay healthy to emerge as a No. 1 once again.

17. Brandon Lloyd NE - New England lacked a deep threat so they went out and brought in Lloyd. Tom Brady will hit him deep on multiple occasions.

18. Vincent Jackson TB – Josh Freeman can sling it and Jackson will provide the outside threat the team was lacking a year ago.

19. Marques Colston NO - He’s never the sexy pick, but he gets things done. He’s a solid No. 2 in fantasy football.

20. Jeremy Maclin Phi – The entire Eagles squad, outside of Lesean McCoy, struggled last year. He starts as a No. 2 receiver who could end up a No. 1 producer in fantasy.

21. Demaryius Thomas Den – Peyton Manning instantly raises his stock. Thomas is capable of a double digit TD season with Manning at the helm.

22. Percy Harvin Min – He’s a bit of an enigma, but the Vikings will rely on him heavily while they wait for Adrian Peterson to get healthy.

23. Stevie Johnson Buf – The Bills love to air it out and Johnson is the beneficiary of a lot of those passes.

24. Dwayne Bowe KC – Doesn’t seem happy in KC but could be playing to get out, which is good for fantasy owners. Bowe will want to put up solid numbers for a bigger payday.

25. Antonio Brown Pit – Ben Roethlisberger loves throwing his way and with Hines Ward retired, expect more mid range passes for Brown.

1. Arian Foster Hou – If he can stay healthy, he’ll be the top fantasy football RB in 2012. Houston’s O-Line is stout.

2. Lesean McCoy Phi – Would top the charts but Philly has already said they will cut back his workload in 2012. Dynamic runner capable of 1,500 yards and 15 TDs.

3. Ray Rice Bal – The Ravens horse will be a dual threat again and will top 1,300 yards with 12-15 TDs.

4. Chris Johnson Ten – 2011 will be seen as an aberration for CJ2K. Contract issues and the lockout plus a new system hurt his production. He’ll return to form this year with another top 5 fantasy season for a RB.

5. Maurice Jones Drew JAX – His contract dispute and holdout are concerns, but he proved he’s a big time player without anyone around him. This year they took Justin Blackmon in round 1 who should contribute early on, and added other skill players to take pressure off of MJD.

6. Ryan Mathews SD - Can he stay healthy? Can he hold onto the ball? If so, expect a breakout year from Mathews.

7. Matt Forte Chi – With more weapons on the outside, Forte will have more room to work with and top 1,200 yards and 8-10 total TDs.

8. Marshawn Lynch Sea – Provided his off field troubles don’t keep him out, Lynch should have another big year. He’s really developed into his own in Seattle.

9. Darren McFadden Oak - He was on pace for a monster year before an ankle injury derailed him. It’s risk reward once again with McFadden, but if he’s there at the bottom of the 2nd round / top of the 3rd, it’s likely too hard to pass.

10. Jamaal Charles KC - ACL’s are tricky to come back from, but if Charles is 80% back to normal health to start the season, expect solid numbers from the get go.

11. Adrian Peterson Min – This is the toughest pick on the board. He blew out his knee in December and it remains to be seen how close to his old self he is at this point. It usually takes two years to fully come back from an ACL.

12. DeMarco Murray Dal – Showed a ton of promise before a season ending ankle injury. He’ll be the top RB in Dallas in 2012.

13. Steven Jackson Stl - The Rams have put more weapons around him and Fisher knows how to get the most out of his running backs with his run blocking schemes.

14. Ahmad Bradshaw NYG – He’s the clear No. 1 and healthy. Giants will rely on him heavily this season while they break in 1st round pick David Wilson.

15. Trent Richardson Cle - They didn’t draft him to sit, but they do have a rookie QB, which is cause for concern.

16. Michael Turner Atl - Teams will not be able to crowd the box with those outside threats. Turner’s carries will be down, but he’ll still produce.

17. Frank Gore SF – It’s a loaded backfield in SF but he’s still the No. 1.

18.  Fred Jackson Buf - He proved to be a solid threat until he suffered a season ending injury. He’ll surely lose carries to CJ Spiller, but we don’t see him be replaced as the No. 1 anytime soon.

19. Darren Sproles  NO - This ranking is primarily for his role in the passing game. Brees loves to throw, and he loves to look for Sproles on the short to medium routes where Sproles can turn on the jets.

20. Willis McGahee Den – McGahee revitalized his career in Denver and has a chance to follow it up with Peyton Manning under center. Teams will no longer play 8 or 9 men in the box.

21. Reggie Bush Mia – Bush played a lot better in Miami and wasn’t the bust he was in New Orleans.  HC Joe Philbin will no how to use him in his offense.

22. Stevan Ridley NE – Benjarvus Green-Ellis is gone and Ridley likely picks up the slack. He showed potential when given the chance and Belichick will give him the 1st shot to win the job.

23. Shonn Greene NYJ - Tony Sparano’s teams typically run the ball well and the Jets are expecting big things from Greene. He’s a No. 2 fantasy football RB at best and likely will start the season as a solid flex option.

24. Beanie Wells Arz – The QB situation hurts his production, but the Cards adding another receiver (Michael Floyd) will keep defenses honest and that will help Wells. He must show he can stay healthy.

25. Bejarvus Green-Ellis Cin – He takes over as the No. 1 in Cincy and while unspectacular, is a solid fantasy performer and will remain a good No. 2 option.

1. Aaron Rodgers GB – Prolific 2011 season will be followed up by another top 2-3 effort in 2012.

2. Tom Brady NE – The addition of a true deep threat in Brandon Lloyd will make the passing game virtually unstoppable.  Only questions on offense pertain to O-Line.

3. Drew Brees NO – Even without  Sean Payton calling plays, Brees will top 4500 yards and 35 TDs.

4. Matt Stafford Det – He stayed healthy and showed him promise a year ago. Look for a repeat effort this year with over 4500 yards and 35 TDs.

5. Tony Romo Dal - Statistically he had a very good year in 2011. Weapons return making him dangerous right back.

6. Michael Vick Phi – While Philly wants him to be a pocket QB, fantasy owners will need to see him run. That’s the only way he’ll warrant such a high ranking in 2012.

7. Cam Newton Car – Buyer beware. His upside is as high as his downside is low. Needs to replicate his big running numbers plus TDs to be a top 7 fantasy QB.

8. Eli Manning NYG – He’ll be breaking in some new O-Lineman and a new TE and 3rd WR, but he took another step forward in 2011 and has two game breaking receivers on the outside. Look for another 4,000 yard season with 30+ TDs.

9. Payton Manning Den – This is a wild card and ultimately depends on his health. He won’t have the weapons in Denver that he had in Indy, but that shouldn’t stop him from topping 4,000 yards and 25-30 TDs. Denver might be more run oriented than Peyton is used to due to John Fox’s style.

10. Matt Ryan Atl – The expected jump by Julio Jones to complement Roddy White make Ryan a No. 1 fantasy football QB in 2012.

11. Ben Roethlisberger Pit – If/when Wallace reports, he’ll give Ben a dynamic duo on the outside. The Steelers lack of a running game (Mendenhall ACL injury) could have Pittsburgh taking to the air more this year.

12. Philip Rivers SD – The loss of Vincent Jackson hurts, but Gates is healthy and the Chargers have enough in the skill player department for Rivers to enjoy a 3,500-4,000 yard season with 25-28 TDs.

13. Jay Cutler Chi - The Bears upgraded its WR Corps with the Marshall addition, and Forte is one of the best backs in the business out of the backfield. Cutler could end up a top 10 fantasy QB.

14. Josh Freeman TB – The Bucs reloaded at the skill positions and brought in a true No. 1 in Vincent Jackson to give Freeman a deep threat. Expect a big rebound in 2012 and he’s a nice fantasy sleeper.

15. Matt Schaub Hou – With Schaub, the concern is always whether he can remain healthy. If so, he’s a solid No. 2 option with the ability to be a low No. 1.

16. Joe Flacco Bal - You know what you get with Flacco; a solid, but less than spectacular QB – in both fantasy and the NFL.

17. Alex Smith SF – The 49ers have upgraded their receiving corps over a year ago and look for Harbaugh to take the training wheels off of Smith in 2012. Decent No. 2 option.

18. Andy Dalton Cin - Tough to project year two, and AJ Green is a very nice receiving option, but Dalton is no more than a one week fill in for your starter.

19. Sam Bradford Stl - Last season was a wash due to a plethora of injuries. Look for Bradford to take a big step forward in Fisher’s system.

20. Matt Flynn Sea – The job is his to win, and the Seahawks have decent weapons for him to surprise.

21. Jake Locker Ten – He’s a wild card and could end up being a nice fantasy sleeper. Can hurt teams on the ground and through the air.

22. Carson Palmer Oak – A full off season with the Raiders and a lot of young talent at the skill positions makes Palmer a solid No. 2 option and solid spot fill in.

23. Robert Griffin Was - Draft him late and pray he becomes Cam Newton II? The Skins face very tough defenses in the NFC East and Washington’s skill players and upfront blocking aren’t exactly overwhelming.

24. Matt Cassel KC - Make or break year for Cassel, but he has some serious weapons to work with. No. 2 fantasy QB at best.

25. Ryan Fitzpatrick Buf - At least you know he’ll be good from Week’s 1-6. No. 2 option that can fill in nicely for a No. 1 when the opponent is weak.