For those about to MOCK: Notable trends seen in early fantasy football drafts

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham, had his name called in front of a small group of reasonably sauced lingerers at last month’s NFL Draft, Fantasyland’s finest quickly began formulating thoughts and assembling cheat sheets for this year’s fake football drafts.

Mock season officially kicked off …

Over the next several weeks, armchair quarterbacks of various backgrounds will hone their draft skills in preparation for main events come August. During these exercises, participants will tinker with new strategies, rack their brains over complicated backfields and shout out expletives when desired players are pilfered just before their pick, all the while proclaiming

Willis McGahee - Moreno, McGahee battle for one roster spot

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos RBs Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee likely will compete for one roster spot during training camp because the team probably will not keep both. Moreno could have an edge for the No. 3 running back job because he is younger, less expensive and a better receiver than McGahee.
Huddle Up: Younger and cheaper will likely be enough to give Moreno the nod, but keep in mind this is for RB3 duties; rookie Montee Ball is your likely starter with Ronnie Hillman the change-of-pace guy.

Broncos RB McGahee getting cut? Or will it be Moreno?

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Last year the Denver Broncos drafted shifty running back Ronnie Hillman. This year, they selected power back Montee Ball from Wisconsin. With that duo forming an intriguing backfield combo going forward, there is not enough room for Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. That stands as a primary reason why Mike Klis with the Denver Post says that barring injury it is quot;highly unlikely" both veterans will be with the team this upcoming season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Klis lays out a scenario that makes Moreno the better fit as Denver's third-back in that he's younger (26 vs. 32), costs less money and is a better pass catcher/thrid down back candidate. Then again at 235 pounds, McGahee has more beef than the other three. Though both he and

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno, Willis McGahee up for one spot

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos RBs Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee likely will compete for one roster spot during training camp because the team probably will not keep both. Moreno could have an edge for the No. 3 running back job because he is younger, less expensive and a better receiver than McGahee.

Montee Ball - Ball could emerge as Broncos' starter

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos executive vice president John Elway and head coach John Fox expect RB Montee Ball to compete for a starting job amongst RBs Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman this year. The team envisions Ball as an every-down back in the NFL. 'We expect all these guys to contribute,' Elway said. 'The earlier you go, the more we hope they contribute.'
Huddle Up: If Ball can display some decent pass blocking and catch some swing passes out of the backfield during the preseason, he should be the front-runner to start come Week 1 given the injury, age and durability concerns about the other backs on the roster.

Broncos | Montee Ball expected to compete for starting job

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos executive vice president John Elway and head coach John Fox expect RB Montee Ball to compete for a starting job amongst RBs Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman this year. The team envisions Ball as an every-down back in the NFL. 'We expect all these guys to contribute,' Elway said. 'The earlier you go, the more we hope they contribute.'

Broncos | Montee Ball will see carries

Source: Footballguys.com

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson suspects that Denver Broncos RBs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman will receive some primary carries this year as the team looks to move away from older RBs Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. Hillman is more of a third-down change-of-pace back, and the Broncos like the way Ball runs, his durability and that he can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

Montee Ball viewed as a "3-down back"

Source: Draft Sharks

Broncos HC John Fox confirmed that the team views rookie Montee Ball as a "3-down back."  On top of rushing for a video game-like 3,753 yards and 55 TDs over the past 2 seasons, Ball hauled 34 balls for 378 yards and 6 TDs.  He's also been lauded for his pass protection skills.  “He’s a big back with a ton of production in college, who has great quickness and a great slashing-type style and is always heading north and south," VP John Elway said. "So, we liked him a lot. We thought he could be a three-down guy for us."  31-year-old Willis McGahee is coming off a torn MCL and broken leg.  He's a release candidate.  Ronnie Hillman is viewed as a change-of-pace back.  And Knowshon Moreno underwent another knee surgery this

Saved by the Bell! Pittsburgh RB, other rushers, to set rookie pace

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When it comes to rookies conventional wisdom no longer applies. With a few notable exceptions, most first-year players, particularly quarterbacks, were once thought to be multi-year projects, the Steve McNair approach – observe, learn and wait.

But in this day and age where instant gratification is constantly sought after, time isn’t of the essence. Several players picked in April are immediately pressed into competitive situations where often times they emerge as the go-to option, evident in the rapid ascension of guys like Robert Griffin III, Doug Martin and Josh Gordon, to name a few, last year. Because nuances from the college game are commonplace

Broncos hope they have found their next starting RB in Montee Ball

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

One of the most productive running backs in NCAA history is now a Bronco. Denver selected Wisconsin's Montee Ball in the second round of the draft Friday. Ball ran for more than 5,000 yards in college and owns the record for career all-purpose touchdowns with 83. Ball's presence has big implications on Willis McGahee and Ronnie Hillman. FANTASY ANALYSIS: I guess I should also mention Knowshon Moreno, but most believe his time was already up in Denver. Ball is not a special athlete, but he can be a workhorse runner. He has good vision and power and should be seen as the Broncos' new lead back. With Ball around, it would feel kind of redundant if Denver kept Willis McGahee, a somewhat similar player. Hillman would remain a change-of-pace

Willis McGahee - Broncos have roles in mind for RBs

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway said the team sees RB Willis McGahee as a big back and RB Ronnie Hillman as a change-of-pace backs. "With (Willis) McGahee, he's our big back right now," Elway said. "We have Ronnie Hillman who's a 190-pounder change-of-pace type guy. We look at Willis as being that big back for us right now, and then we'll see what happens in the draft."
Huddle Up: McGahee is 32 and not being counted on for feature-back carries; Hillman didn't show enough last season to earn more than change-of-pace work. Knowshon Moreno lingers, but the fact that Elway didn't even mention him doesn't bode well for him having a significant role. The Broncos could spend a mid-round

Lance Ball - Lance Ball signs tender

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos restricted free-agent RB Lance Ball has signed his one-year tender offer. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Huddle Up: Ball provides depth in the Denver backfield, but unless Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno go down with injuries his fantasy value is limited. So we're sayin' there's a chance...

Willis McGahee - Broncos see McGahee as complementary back

Source: The Huddle

The Denver Broncos consider RB Willis McGahee as a complementary running back at this point and believe he will be more productive if they reduce the number of carries he receives.
Huddle Up: Sounds like Denver is planning on an RBBC behind Peyton Manning. If McGahee comes back healthy he should handle a share of the workload; Knowshon Moreno could be another member of the committee, or Denver could sign a free agent like Ahmad Bradshaw or draft a back in the middle rounds. Bottom line, don't be banking on 20-plus carries a game from McGahee in 2013.

Broncos still searching for RB help

Source: FFToday

Ahmad Bradshaw remains on the radar

Both Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee are coming back from injuries. The Broncos believe McGahee is showing some wear and tear at this point in his career. He'll turn 32 during the upcoming season. By the time training camp opens, the Broncos will have at least one more back who they believe could take carries as a potential starter in the offense. (Denver Post)

FF Today's

Broncos | Not standing pat at RB

Source: Footballguys.com

The Denver Broncos will not keep status quo at the running back position heading into the 2013 season. RBs Knowshon Moreno (knee) and Willis McGahee (knee) are coming back from injuries. By the time training camp opens, the team will have at least one more back who they believe could take carries as a potential starter in the offense.

Willis McGahee now a "complementary back"

Source: Draft Sharks

The Broncos now view Willis McGahee as a "complementary back," according to insider Jeff Legwold.  "The Broncos believe he's showing some wear and tear at this point in his career... [and] that they'll actually get more production from him if they can trim his carries some."  McGahee averaged a solid 4.4 yards per carry last year, but he turns 32 in October and is coming off a torn MCL and fractured leg.  Denver doesn't want to bank on a return to form in 2013.  Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman are still on the roster, but the Broncos are also expected to add another piece to the mix.  Free-agent RB Ahmad Bradshaw is reportedly an option.  Denver is also considering using an early-round pick on a RB in this month's draft.  The

Eddie Lacy - RB Lacy could be draft option for Broncos

Source: The Huddle

The Denver Broncos could consider selecting University of Alabama RB Eddie Lacy in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft if he is available when they pick.
Huddle Up: With veterans Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno coming off injuries, the Broncos have failed to address their RB situation in free agency, leaving the first-round door open for Lacy.

Greatest show on turf? WR Wes Welker signs with Broncos

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Welcome to the biggest story of quot;Free Agent Frenzy." Wes Welker is a Denver Bronco. ESPN's Adam Schefter first broke the news and tweets that the deal is worth a total of $12 million. NFL Network's Albert Breer followed up by saying Welker has signed a two-year contract. Welker has caught 672 passes since 2007, the NFL leader during that period by far. He is the only wide receiver in league history with five 100-catch seasons on his resume, and now he goes from Tom Brady to Peyton Manning. FANTASY ANALYSIS: OK, first, let's take a deep breath and soak this all in. Wes Welker is playing with Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. I don't know how to correctly compare that to history, but it is certainly the best passing

Rashard Mendenhall headed to Denver?

Source: Draft Sharks

Pro Football Talk reports that a "league source" pegs Denver as the favorite to sign free-agent RB Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall endured a rough 2012 after tearing his ACL the prior December and dealing with Achilles' tendon trouble. He also created his own problems by skipping a Steelers game over the team's plan to deactivate him. But he remains a talented runner -- more talented than Knowshon Moreno, younger than Willis McGahee and more experienced than Ronnie Hillman. The Broncos could still look to Hillman as a change-of-pace type to pair with Mendenhall. Of course, this is the season of misinformation. So the Broncos could also not wind up with Mendenhall. We'll see.

Update: Mike Jurecki of XTRA 910 in Phoenix reports

Rashard Mendenhall - Broncos interested in Mendenhall

Source: The Huddle

The Denver Broncos have expressed interest in free-agent RB Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers). The team's level of interest is not known at this point.
Huddle Up: With Willis McGahee turning 32 in Oct. and coming off a leg injury and Knowshon Moreno's history of injuries, the Broncos want to add another back to their mix -- possibly at McGahee's expense.

Knowshon Moreno had arthroscopic knee surgery

Source: Draft Sharks

Broncos HC John Fox revealed that RB Knowshon Moreno needed surgery on the knee he injured in the team's playoff loss to the Ravens.  The exact nature of the injury is still unclear.  But it's the 2nd time Moreno has injured that right knee -- he tore the ACL in 2011 -- so it's a definite concern.  We'll keep tabs on his recovery this offseason.  Carrying a $3.3 million cap number for 2013, Moreno's roster spot isn't set in stone.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno underwent knee surgery following season

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Surgery wasn't expected for Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno after he suffered a knee injury during the team's overtime playoff loss to the Ravens. But in actuality, Moreno did need surgery. Head coach John Fox said Thursday that Moreno got his right knee scoped shortly after the season. According to Fox via the Denver Post, Moreno underwent a treatment to insert stem cells harvested from bone marrow in his pelvis into his right knee. He is currently rehabbing. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Moreno tore the ACL in the same knee in 2011. He should be healthy for offseason workouts in a few months, but it remains to be seen if he will be attending those workouts with the Broncos or with some other franchise. Currently, he will count $3.28 million

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno underwent surgery

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after the season. He is rehabbing the knee at the team's facility.

Moreno undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery - Knowshon Moreno | DEN

Source: Rotoworld Football

Knowshon Moreno underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery after the season.

Ronnie Hillman "to play more extended time"

Source: Draft Sharks

Broncos HC John Fox liked what he saw out of RB Ronnie Hillman last year.  “I think Ronnie is a very talented player," Fox said. "He had a great rookie season. He is very explosive. Like any first-year player, you have a lot of room for improvement. I thought he finished the season very strong. We had to lean on him a little bit more. In the playoff game against Baltimore he had one of his better outings. He’s capable. We’ll see. I think it takes time to grow into the NFL game... We’re anticipating that he’ll be much improved and be able to play more extended time.”  Denver's backfield is a fluid situation at this point, with both Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno potentially on the chopping block.  Hillman, who goes

Willis McGahee could be cut this offseason

Source: Draft Sharks

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Willis McGahee’s status with the Broncos is far from secure. McGahee’s broken leg cost him 8 games at the end of last year. Will it also cost him his job? The Broncos have to acknowledge that the 31-year-old has a ton of tread on his tires. Knowshon Moreno looked like a #1 back in Weeks 14-15 last year, but faded fast down the stretch. Klis speculates that the team will target a veteran RB with blocking prowess when free agency begins. If McGahee is no longer on the scene, Moreno and Ronnie Hillman will duke it out with the newcomer to determine their respective roles. There's plenty of fantasy production to be had here with Peyton Manning running the offense.

Knowshon Moreno - Could Moreno be on way out in Denver?

Source: The Huddle

The Denver Broncos could consider releasing RB Knowshon Moreno this offseason. He is scheduled to count $3.28 million against the salary cap next season.
Huddle Up: Moreno stepped in and performed nicely over the Broncos' final 6 regular-season games following starter Willis McGahee's injury, but just when it seems to be going good for Moreno, something always seems to crop up -- such as the untimely leg injury in the divisional-round playoff loss to the Ravens that left the Broncos short-handed at RB -- and those issues lead to question marks about the RB's long- and short-term dependability. If the Broncos sign an outside FA back, it wouldn't be shocking to see Moreno left as the odd-man out.

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno might be cut

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Dan Pompei of National Football Post wrote in his Sunday Blitz column today that running back Knowshon Moreno quot;may be a former Bronco before long." Pompei acknowledges that Moreno played well in the second half of last season, filling in for an injured Willis McGahee, but he also questions Moreno's effort during his time in Denver. Moreno is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and that carries a $3.28 million hit against the salary cap. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Moreno hasn't played up to the expected level of a first-rounder and nor come close to surpassing the numbers of his 2009 rookie campaign. In the past two seasons, he has been a clear second fiddle to the much older McGahee and suffered a torn ACL. The money, the effort,

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno could be released

Source: Footballguys.com

The Denver Broncos could consider releasing RB Knowshon Moreno this offseason. He is scheduled to count $3.28 million against the salary cap next season.

Willis McGahee - Broncos face decision on Willis McGahee

Source: The Huddle

The Denver Broncos face a decision on RB Willis McGahee heading into 2013. He finished the season on Injured Reserve, and was tied for the league lead in fumbles lost at running back when he suffered the injury.
Huddle Up: Knowshon Moreno stepped in when McGahee went down and performed admirably, and the Broncos have Ronnie Hillman waiting in the wings as well. A back in a Peyton Manning-led offense is bound to be productive, so McGahee's situation bears watching.

Knowshon Moreno - Broncos' Moreno won't need surgery

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) will not need surgery on the knee injury he suffered in the Divisional Round playoff game.
Huddle Up: Good news for Moreno, who filled in productively when Willis McGahee went down at midseason with a knee injury. However, Moreno's contact is up, and his Denver future is very much up in the air with the ground game looming as one of the Broncos' key offseason issues.

Knowshon Moreno knee injury not serious

Source: Draft Sharks

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno was knocked out of last week's playoff loss with a knee injury.  But it's not considered serious, and Moreno doesn't need surgery.  It means he'll be a full-go for OTAs and training camp.  Moreno stepped up for Denver when RB Willis McGahee went down, but he averaged better than 3.7 yards per carry in just 2 of his 7 starts.  Moreno, McGahee, and Ronnie Hillman are all expected back in 2013.  We'll keep an eye on what the carry distribution will look like.

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno will not need surgery

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) will not need surgery on the knee injury he suffered in the Divisional Round playoff game.

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno had knee brace

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) was in a knee brace after injuring himself in the Division Round game last weekend, but he wasn't walking with much of a limp the following day.

Knowshon Moreno: Knee Issue

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Knowshon Moreno: Moreno was fitted with a knee brace as he left the stadium Saturday night after being injured in the third quarter of the Broncos' playoff loss to the Ravens, the Denver Post reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Moreno hurts knee in Denver loss

Source: FFToday

Left in 3rd quarter

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno is questionable to return with a knee injury. Moreno left the AFC Divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter. (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: At this point the extent of Moreno's injury is not known. He did not return to the game after exiting the third quarter. If serious, the injury may impact his status for the start of the 2013 regular season.

Knowshon Moreno sidelined by knee

Source: Draft Sharks

Denver RB Knowshon Moreno missed the 2nd half of tonight's OT loss to Baltimore because of a knee injury. That shifted the rushing load primarily onto the shoulders of rookie Ronnie Hillman. The rook was decent in carrying 22 times for 83 yards and catching 3 balls for 20 more. He averaged 0.6 more per carry than Moreno did on 10 rushes before leaving. But Hillman also didn't dazzle. He'll likely need to improve on his pass blocking to significantly grow his role in 2013. Moreno remains under contract for next season with a 2014 club option. Willis McGahee also has 2 years left on his deal.

Knowshon Moreno - Knowshon Moreno injured

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno suffered a knee injury in the Divisional Round playoff game and did not return to the game.
Huddle Up: Ronnie Hillman and Jacob Hester filled in for Moreno. Now he'll have all offseason to recover.

Broncos | Knowshon Moreno injured

Source: Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) suffered a knee injury in the Divisional Round playoff game and is considered questionable to return.

Knowshon Moreno leaves game with knee issue - Knowshon Moreno | DEN

Source: Rotoworld Football

Knowshon Moreno was forced from Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Ravens with a knee injury, and is questionable to return.

3TFO: Ravens @ Broncos, AFC Divisional

Source: ProFootballFocus.com by Nathan Jahnke

The Ravens must find a way to stop Von Miller and Knowshon Moreno for a chance at revenge in the playoffs after losing to the Broncos in Week 15.

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

Willis McGahee back on the practice field

Source: Draft Sharks

Broncos RB Willis McGahee practiced on Tuesday for the first time since fracturing his leg and tearing his MCL in mid-November.  He sported a black non-contact jersey during the workout.  McGahee isn't eligible to play until the AFC Championship, and there's no guarantee he'll even be ready then.  RB Knowshon Moreno's impressive play will make it easier for Denver to play it safe with McGahee.  We'll update his status again next week.

Broncos RB Willis McGahee practices Tuesday

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

After weeks on injured reserve, Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee returned to practice Tuesday. He will not play immediately though because he is only eligible to return for the AFC Champsionship, of course assuming Denver advances that far. McGahee recently told reporters that he was not back to 100-percent yet anyway and would likely not play even if he could. Knowshon Moreno will continue his role as the team's featured back. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The 31-year-old tore his MCL and suffered a small fracture in his leg. Moreno is playing really well so even if McGahee returns for the AFC Championship, both backs would likely split carries at best. McGahee has not played since Week 11 (Nov. 18) and has only appeared in all 16 regular

Willis McGahee - McGahee may practice Tuesday

Source: The Huddle

Denver Broncos RB Willis McGahee (knee) could return to practice Tuesday, Jan. 7. McGahee is currently on Injured Reserve/Designated To Return list and would be eligible to play if the Broncos advance to the AFC Championship Game.
Huddle Up: Getting their leading rusher back would be a big lift for the Broncos should they advance, but even if he does make it back on the field, it's hard to imagine him assuming the majority of the team's rushing duties given his 2-month layoff and the solid play of Knowshon Moreno in his stead.

2012 Divisional Playoff Rankings

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Den) Tom Brady (NE) Russell Wilson (Sea) Matt Ryan Matt Schaub (Hou) Colin Kaepernick Aaron Rodgers (GB) Joe Flacco Running Backs Marshawn Lynch (Sea) Knowshon Moreno (Den) Frank Gore (SF) Arian Foster (Hou) Ray Rice (Bal) Steven Ridley (NE) Michael Turner (Atl) Dujuan Harris (GB) Danny Woodhead (NE) Jacquizz Rodgers Bernard Pierce (Bal) Ben Tate (Hou) Ryan Grant (GB) Wide Receivers Demaryius Thomas (Den) Wes Welker (NE) Eric Decker (Den) Julio Jones (Atl) Michael Crabtree (SF) Andre Johnson (Hou) Roddy White (Atl) Randall Cobb (GB) Sidney Rice (Sea) Greg Jennings (GB) Anquann Boldin (Bal) Golden Tate (Sea) Brandon Stockley

Broncos | Have depth at RB

Source: Footballguys.com

The Denver Broncos have employed a next-man-up attitude at running back this year after RB Willis McGahee (knee) went down, and the team has been successful with RB Knowshon Moreno in his absence. Their 114.5 yards rushing per game ranks seventh in the league. RB Ronnie Hillman fumbled early in the team's Week 17 game and was benched for the rest of the game in favor of RBs Lance Ball and Jacob Hester. Denver still managed to run for 172 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in that contest. 'If you want to say one thing that's great about this team, it's that nobody's selfish,' Ball said. 'That's what you need to have a championship team.'

Breakfast Table: Field Turf of Dreams

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

For the last decade or so, Michael Salfino and Scott Pianowski have been putting together an email exchange centered around (but not limited to) the NFL. You might enjoy listening to them haggle. You might prefer a swift kick into the stomach. The Table isn't for everyone; we hope some of you enjoy it.

From: scott pianowski
Date: Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 3:52 AM
Subject: something wild breakfast
To: Michael Salfino

So here we are, the playoffs. I'm excited for the tournament as a whole, but the Wild Card slate doesn't seem that interesting to me.

You'll really have to sell me on the AFC matchups, given that I can't imagine anyone other than Denver or New

2012 Playoff Rankings – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

The NFL Playoffs are now set after 17 grueling weeks of play! There are a ton of story lines to follow. Among the more intriguing are three rookie quarterbacks, one of whom is guaranteed to win a playoff game in their first year; a second year quarterback who took over in week ten; a Colt’s team who went from worst last year to a playoff team this year, riding an emotional high after the return of their head coach from a successful bout against leukemia; and a team that went from the favorite for a first round bye to the number three seed in a few short weeks.

These are the overall rankings for the playoffs. Some formats require you to choose from all the teams in the playoffs, others allow you to go week to week. These

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for NFL playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Definitely not recommended. Poor strategy, requiring a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, I'm doing it today. My first fantasy playoff draft is coming up in just a few short hours, and I'm publishing ranks in advance. (Again: Unwise). Obviously I'd prefer to post this thing much later in the afternoon, after the draft, but my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off eight-and-a-half hours to watch the Big Ten get mauled across five bowl games. The conference requires my full attention. So let's just rank the NFL playoff field right