We wrap up our look at the upcoming USFL season with our team previews, and a little bonus, fantasy rankings for the top 15 players at each key fantasy positions. We will help you prepare for the USFL fantasy season, but, more importantly, we will prepare you for the USFL season. We have already given you our prediction for an Ohio-Orlando Summer Bowl this July in Jacksonville. Now we take a closer look at the 28 teams that will be competing this year. We look at their recent records, their preferred schemes, and the players who have departed and arrived this offseason. We finish up each review with a brief summary of important aspects of each team's season as they hope to do what Memphis did last year, take the season by storm and take it all the way to a league title.
Past 3 Seasons: 31-11
Head Coach: John Fox
Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 4-3 Defense
Departures: HB Tiki Barber, G Edwin Mulitalo, FB Justin Green,
CB Tyrone Poole,LB Will Witherspoon
Veteran Arrivals: FB Damien Shelton, G Chuck Johnson
Rookie to Watch: HB Rashard Mendenhall
Outlook: While Boston still looks like the clear frontrunner in a pretty weak NE Division, they are not without their questions as the season begins. Can Coach Fox build an offense around a more traditional power back like Mendenhall instead of the more dynamic Tiki Barber? Can the defense improve in case the offense cannot carry the team? Will Drew Bledsoe’s announced retirement impact this team negatively? All of these are important questions. We just don’t think they are big enough issues to threaten Boston’s bid to win the division for a 2nd straight year.
Past 3 Seasons: 22-19-1
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: HB Ahman Green, WR Amani Toomer,
SS Reggie Tongue, LB Zach Thomas,
C Mikchael Cheever
Veteran Arrivals: SS Lance Schulters, WR Reche Caldwell
Rookie to Watch: LB Dan Connor
Outlook: The Stars suffered some pretty big hits this offseason, led by Ahman Green’s unexpected retirement announcement and followed by significant free agent departures. Schulters is a solid safety, so the loss of Reggie Tongue is somewhat offset by his arrival, but the Stars now will try to cobble together a run game with Michael Robinson and rookie Steve Slaton out of West Virginia. That could be a challenge. Expect Coach Harbaugh to utilize the short passing game as a run alternative, at least until he knows what he has with Slaton and Robinson.
Past 3 Seasons: 22-19-1
Head Coach: Tom Coughlin
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: WR Eddie Kennison, TE Daniel Graham,
LB Terry Killens, OT Ephraim Salaam
Veteran Arrivals: DT Sean Gilbert, WR Tory Holt
Rookie to Watch: LB Tavares Gordon
Outlook: The Blitz found what their offense has needed for a long time, a true #1 wideout. Landing Tory Holt has to make Ben Roethlisberger’s life easier. Adding Sean Gilbert, even if only for 1 year, will also be a very positive addition this year. The Blitz still need to draft better, but their ability to bring in talent through free agency is a plus in the short term. Now, can they translate that into enough wins to get over the hump and into the postseason?
Past 3 Seasons: 17-25
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: CB Charles Woodson, TE Bubba Franks,
WR Andre Davis, OT Stacy Andrews
Veteran Arrivals: WR Eddie Kennison, G Chad Ward,
OT Jerry Wunsch, S Gibril Wilson
Rookie to Watch: DE Chris Long
Outlook: The loss of Woodson is a big blow, no denying that, but the shrewd addition of NFL safety Gibril Wilson to pair with Ed Reed and Bob Sanders gives the Feds one of the best nickel options in the league. The offense will largely depend on how Kordell Stewart returns this year after missing all but a few snaps last year. Coach Payton is hoping to show off an offense that features Stewart throwing to Deion Branch and new #2 Eddie Kennison, fresh from rival Baltimore. The Feds need to show growth. Another 4-win season will not go over well with famously fickle DC fans.
Past 3 Seasons: 25-17
Head Coach: Romeo Crennell
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense
Departures: FS Brian Dawkins, G Chad Ward, SS John Howell,
WR Terry Glenn, HB Curtis Enis
Veteran Arrivals: QB Kris Kershaw, FS Curtis Fuller,
C Casey Wiegmann, DE Reynaldo Wynn,
HB Kerry Joseph
Rookie to Watch: HB Ray Rice
Outlook: An untested QB in Kevin Kolb, and you lose both your leading rusher in Enis and your leading receiver in Glenn. This is the definition of rebuilding for the Generals. The problem is that the departures are a far more impressive list than the arrivals. CFL halfback Kerry Joseph will compete for carries with rookie Ray Rice. The receiving corps will be led by T. J. Houshmanzadeh and Mark Clayton, neither of whom are a true #1. So, suffice it to say, we are not expecting New Jersey to appear in Summer Bowl 2008 as they did in ’04 and ’06.
Past 3 Seasons: 18-22-2
Head Coach: Emmitt Thomas
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: CB Fernando Bryant, HB Sedrick Irvin,
G Bobbie Williams, TE Ricky Dudley,
LB Jeff Gooch
Veteran Arrivals: LB Will Overstreet, TE Daniel Graham
Rookie to Watch: DE Calais Campbell
Outlook: Despite some pretty big departures, the Renegades are feeling good about their chances in 2008. Drew Brees came alive in the second half of last year. The club loves their offensive weapons, even with Irvin gone and two low profile backs (Najeh Davenport and rookie Jacob Hester) forming the new HB rotation. The defense is likely to be better, and all eyes are on rookie DE Calais Campbell, who looked like a monsters in preseason action. We picked Orlando to represent the East in the Summer Bowl, and we don’t think we are alone in that assessment.
Past 3 Seasons: 27-15
Head Coach: Brad Childress
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-3-5 Defense
Departures: CB Terrell Buckley, OT Mo Collins,
DE Kenny Mixon, LB Keith Newman
Veteran Arrivals: OT Jason Odom
Rookie to Watch: CB Charles Godfrey
Outlook: The Bulls were handcuffed by the cap, losing more talent than they brought in. Tha tis a concern, as is a draft that did not produce any clear-cut starters. The Bulls still have a very talented offense, led by Jake Delhomme, and their defense should still be in the upper half of the league. That feels like a Wild Card resume to us, not a division champ.
Past 3 Seasons: 13-15 (2 seasons)
Head Coach: Jay Gruden
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: HB Terrell Davis, CB Aaron Beasley
Veteran Arrivals: CB Charles Woodson
Rookie to Watch: HB Darren McFadden
Outlook: The Fire did not sign a lot of free agents, but the one they got is sure a big one. Woodson is an instant upgrade to a Fire defense that was pretty good in 2007, after being outstanding in their first season. The offense lost Terrell Davis, but the Fire selected and signed the #1 ranked back in the draft in Arkansas back Darren McFadden. He may need time to adapt, but by midseason, we expect McFadden to be a name to watch. Atlanta also tried to land a new QB, drafting Matt Ryan, but he went to the NFL, so it is once again a debate between David Garrard and Tyler Thigpen. For now it looks like Garrard gets the start, but it is by no means certain that he retains that position all year.
Past 3 Seasons: 24-18
Head Coach: Steve Spurrier
Style of Play: Vertical Passing, 4-3 Defense
Departures: WR Randy Moss, HB Autrey Detson,
WR Kevin Johnson, DT Darwain Walker
Veteran Arrivals: QB Brad Gradkowski, CB Barron Miles,
DT Ellis Wyms, HB Maurice Hicks
Rookie to Watch: DE Derrick Harvey
Outlook: Tampa Bay had a solid draft, and they were very active in the NFL-USFL transfer window, but even with that, the lingering feeling in the region is that the Bandits are a team without an identity after losing Randy Moss in free agency. One thing is clear, with a starting trio of Chris Doering, Karl Williams, and Roscoe Parrish, the Bandits may have the weakest WR room in the league. When is the last time we said that about a Bandits team? If Tampa Bay is going to have any success this year, it will be because Coach Spurrier puts together a defense that can keep them in games. That feels like a lot to ask.
Past 3 Seasons: 0-0 (1st Season)
Head Coach: Jim Mora Jr.
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: None, Expansion Team.
Veteran Arrivals: QB Chris Weinke, HB Autrey Detson,
TE Dan Campbell, WR Curtis Conway,
WR Az-Zahir Hakeem, OT Wayne Gandy,
OT Sean Bubin, DE Julius Peppers,
DT Kyle Williams, LB Scott Fujita,
CB Tyrone Poole, SS Reggie Tongue,
HB Robert Edwards, WR D. J. Hackett,
DE Fred Perry
Rookie to Watch: LB Jerrod Mayo
Outlook: Charlotte ownership was not afraid to go after quality veterans in the Expansion Draft, or to get into it with NFL and CFL signings. The Monarchs went from having no salary to nearly exceeding the cap by signing so many vets. Of course, many could be one-year wonders, which could create an issue next year, but for now, leadership and veteran savvy are not lacking for this expansion club. Can they turn that into a team that meshes quickly and gets a few wins this year? Well, we saw Atlanta do it in 2006, so we know it is possible.
Past 3 Seasons: 19-22-1
Head Coach: Jim Haslett
Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 4-3 Defense
Departures: DE Julius Peppers, G Taylor Whitley,
LB Will Overstreet
Veteran Arrivals: DE Marcellus Wiley
Rookie to Watch: WR Pierre Garçon
Outlook: The defending champs knew that Peppers would be a big loss, really the only major free agent loss. By signing Wiley away from Denver, they hope they have a short term answer as they look to draft and build more edge rushers. The offense remains one of the league’s most dangerous, though Memphis may want to draft a protégé for Brett Favre soon. For this year, however, the team is in good hands, and once again could compete for a title.
Past 3 Seasons: 21-20-1
Head Coach: Jim Johnson
Style of Play: Power Run, 3-4 Defense
Departures: DT Leonard Renfro, C Jake Grove,
WR Bobby Shaw, HB Musa Smith,
FB Sammy Morris,
Veteran Arrivals: CB Terrell Buckley, DT Grady Jackson
Rookie to Watch: S Tyrell Johnson
Outlook: Coach Johnson is putting a lot of faith in QB Jay Cutler, so expect him to have a much wider range of options this season. The reins are off. Of course, with Frank Gore one of the best young running backs in the game, Cutler will always have another option. The defense is more of a question mark than in some past years, but if Johnson can get that squad to hang around the Top 10, Nashville could give their in-state rivals a run for their money this year.
Past 3 Seasons: 13-29
Head Coach: Kent Austin
Style of Play: Vertical Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: HB Shaun Alexander, DT Ryan Sims,
TE Nat Dorsey, QB Danny Kanell,
CB Ramos McDonald
Veteran Arrivals: LB D’onte Curry, QB Dave Dickerson,
DT Nick Eason, LB Zach Thomas
Rookie to Watch: HB Felix Jones
Outlook: As much as fans want to whine about Jason Campbell and the offense, Birmingham’s D also has a lot to prove this year. Veteran LB Zach Thomas will bring leadership, but don’t expect to see him on the field every drive or every down. He will likely be a spot player and more of a coach on the field. On offense, rookie Felix Jones will be worked into the HB rotation and should emerge as the team’s top rusher. If Jason Campbell starts the year off poorly, expect former CFL Grey Cup coach Kent Austin to turn to another CFL refugee, QB Dave Dickenson. For now Campbell has retained the job, but that will be a performance-based decision every week.
Past 3 Seasons: 14-27-1
Head Coach: Mike Nolan
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense
Departures: WR Az-Zahir Hakeem, WR Jabar Gaffney,
LB Craig Powell, QB Todd Boumann,
CB Walt Harris, OT Greg Bishop,
WR Keenan McCardell
Veteran Arrivals: LB Calvin Pace, CB Billy Austin
Rookie to Watch: WR Early Doucet/HB Matt Forte
Outlook: in one offseason the Breakers went from having one of the oldest rosters to one of the league’s youngest. Nowhere is that more evident than in the receiving corps, with McKardell retiring and Hakeem off to Charlotte, they are replaced by 2nd year player Dwayne Bowe and two rookies, Donnie Avery and Early Doucet. That is a very young group by any standards. Let’s hope Eli Manning can build rapport with these young receivers quickly, because there was already talk about trading the former Ole Miss star, so a slow start by Manning could find him on the market before Week 10’s deadline. We are picking the Breakers to struggle this year, but will that be because of offensive lack of familiarity or defensive lapses. One could cost Manning his job, the other could cost Nolan his.
Past 3 Seasons: 30-12
Head Coach: Al Luginbill
Style of Play: Vertical & Power Run, 3-3-5 Defense
Departures: P John Jett, DT Sean Gilbert, OT Jerry Wunsch,
HB Kenny Watson, K Mike Hollis
Veteran Arrivals: WR Randy Moss, OT Tra Thomas
Rookie to Watch: LB Philip Wheeler
Outlook: We absolutely understand why the arrival of Moss has everyone picking Ohio to win their third title. But, just to be fair, losing Sean Gilbert does make them much more susceptible to the run game, which is Chicago’s forte. This is a team designed to build up a lead and then rush the passer to keep teams from coming back on them. If they ever find themselves trailing, they could be in trouble, but then again, they also should be able to score in bunches. They are a true contender from day one, as they have been fro the better part of a decade.
Past 3 Seasons: 27-15
Head Coach: Marty Mornhinweg
Style of Play: Power Run, 4-3 Defense
Departures: LB Carlos Emmons, DT Brentson Buckner,
WR Curtis Conway, WR Brandon Lloyd,
OT Israel Rayborn, LB Mike Peterson
Veteran Arrivals: QB Andrew Walter, OT Stacy Andrews
Rookie to Watch: WR James Hardy
Outlook: Chicago made it all the way to Summer Bowl 2006 on defensive muscle and a run game that can be effective in any kind of weather. Brady Quinn had a very strong rookie season and if he can grow into his role in the 2nd year, Chicago could be a true challenger once again. We don’t like the loss of Curtis Conway and Brandon Lloyd, but Chicago still has Donald Driver as a primary target. The defense lost a couple of good playmakers in Emmons and Buckner, but neither were 3-down mainstays, so we still think they are going to be a squad to worry about. Ten or more wins seems eminently doable.
Past 3 Seasons: 25-17
Head Coach: Dick LeBeau
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 3-4 Defense
Departures: HB Troy Davis, G Chris Liwienski,
FB Rick Razzano, DT Grady Jackson,
DE Greg Ellis
Veteran Arrivals: DE Jevon Kearse, DT Leonard Renfro,
Rookie to Watch: WR Mario Manningham
Outlook: The Panthers have one of the best LB corps in the league and they spent the offseason trying to build up the D-line to make for a truly formidable front 7. They will need it to go up against the likes of Chicago and Ohio 4 times this year. On offense, they added some interesting weapons in the T-Draft with Mario Manningham and Mike Hart coming over from the Wolverines, but it still looks like the passing game with Griese to Hines Ward and Laverneus Coles will still be essential to their success. Hard to see them leapfrogging either of the clubs ahead of them though. Not unless the run game finally kicks it into high gear.
Past 3 Seasons: 12-29-1
Head Coach: Ron Rivera
Style of Play: Power Run, 3-3-5 Defense
Departures: OT Korey Stringer, G Chuck Johnson,
DE Cedric Harden, QB Brad Gradkowski
Veteran Arrivals: WR Kevin Johnson
Rookie to Watch: OT Jeff Otah
Outlook: We really expected Coach Rivera to make a few more moves this offseason. With two starters from the O-line gone, and Cody Pickett not exactly lighting teams up, there is real concern that the Maulers are just not ready to compete in this division when it comes to offensive production. We know Rivera is a defensive-minded guy, but you at least have to make an effort to build a dangerous offense, and we are just not seeing anyone on this roster that will strike fear into defensive coordinators.
Past 3 Seasons: 5-23 (2 Seasons)
Head Coach: Doug Williams
Style of Play: Vertical Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: FS Tyrone Drakeford, C Olin Kreutz,
WR Drew Bennett
Veteran Arrivals: C Shaun O’Hara, QB Jeff Blake
Rookie to Watch: WR Jordy Nelson
Outlook: Honestly, the biggest addition to the Skyhawks may just be Head Coach Doug Williams. This will be Williams’s first pro head coaching gig after several years at Grambling, so there may be a bit of a learning curve, but he was a veteran in a leadership position in the USFL for several years, so he knows a lot about how to communicate and motivate players at this level. His first task was to improve the QB room and he went about doing that by signing Jeff Blake from Seattle. If Blake can be mentored up to become a better decision maker, he has the physical gifts to be successful. The other big question is the defense, which was, shall we say, subpar last year. That may take more time to sort out.
Past 3 Seasons: 26-16
Head Coach: Wade Phillips
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: LB Randall Godfrey, LB Mike Crawford,
C Brad Meester, QB Kris Kershaw
Veteran Arrivals: HB Shaun Alexander, G Chris Liwienski,
QB Craig Krenzel
Rookie to Watch: K Dan Carpenter
Outlook: Houston is hoping that some of their young LBs can fill in after the retirements of Godfrey and Crawford. That is really the one negative to an offseason highlighted by the signing of a legitimate stud at halfback. We may finally see a real running game to offset the passing prowess of Matt Hasselbeck. Houston could be a much better offense, which is a worry for many who have relied on their one dimensional attack to make them vulnerable. Now, they are not Ohio or Boston, but the Gamblers could start to win games in different ways, and that likely leads to more wins and a potential top seeding.
Past 3 Seasons: 23-19
Head Coach: Dick Jauron
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: DE Marcellus Wiley, TE Lonnie Johnson,
OT Jason Odom
Veteran Arrivals: DT Kimo Von Oelhoffen, WR Keary Colbert,
DE Chike Okeafor
Rookie to Watch: OT Ryan Clady
Outlook: Denver is a bit of a mystery. They have sat right around .500 for quite a while now, and we are not sure they have what it takes to get much better. We like the addition of Keary Colbert to line up in 3-WR sets with Price and Boldin. That is a very solid trio, but we just have not seen Cedric Benson make hay as a lead back, and we don’t see it happening this year. Unless Coach Jauron fully switches to a pass-first mentality, which feels unlikely, we are not sure Denver has enough on offense to compete with the big boys, or even with Houston for that matter.
Past 3 Seasons: 12-30
Head Coach: Norv Turner
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: QB Jeff George, DE Bob Kuberski,
CB Jimmy Hitchcock, LB Tarek Salah
Veteran Arrivals: CB Michael Boulware, HB Troy Davis,
FB Rick Razzano
Rookie to Watch: QB Joe Flacco
Outlook: It is clearly a retooling year for the Outlaws, especially on offense, but we think that an offense that features one of the best ground & pound backs in the league is a good place for a rookie QB with a big arm to find himself. Play action will be there, and with some new weapons in the passing game, including an excellent 3rd down back in Troy Davis, a big target in rookie TE Jermichael Finley, and a nice addition in slot receiver Danny Amendola, Joe Flacco has some weapons that can help if the line is not as strong as he would like. Now, if they could just get some deep ball receivers too.
Past 3 Seasons: 15-27
Head Coach: Jim Fassel
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: DE Chike Okeafor, C Alex Stepanovich,
QB Andrew Walter
Veteran Arrivals: FS Brian Dawkins, HB Sedrick Irvin
Rookie to Watch: C Mike Pollack
Outlook: The Wranglers settled for Sedrick Irvin after they lost out in the Shaun Alexander derby, and we are not entirely sure that is a good thing for either the club or Irvin. Unless Arizona can find better ways to free up the run game, Irvin is not the kind of back who will make something out of nothing. So, once again, Jake Plummer, who is not getting any younger, will have all the pressure of the offense on him. And, as much as we hate to say it, we are also not so sure this defense will be any better than what we saw last year. Jim Fassel better hope it is, because it won’t just be coordinators on the chopping block if the Wranglers bring up the rear again this year.
Past 3 Seasons: 27-14-1
Head Coach: Marvin Lewis
Style of Play: Vertical/Power Run Offense, 3-4 Defense
Departures: QB Jeff Blake, LB D. D. Lewis, CB Allen Rossum,
Veteran Arrivals: LB Craig Powell, HB Kevin Watson
Rookie to Watch: CB Leodis McKelvin
Outlook: The Dragons were one game away from a perfect season, but got rusty as they prepared for the playoffs and were knocked off at home in their first playoff game. That has to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouths. Expect this club to come out guns blazing, trying to recapture their swagger. The defense should be better than last year, with McKelvin occupying the sometimes problematic nickel position. The offense still relies too much on David Boston, but if Justin McCaerins can stay healthy, he will have every chance to prove he is a quality #2. We may not see Seattle as the #1 seed in the West, but they will be right there fighting for a bye come season’s end.
Past 3 Seasons: 22-20
Head Coach: Dennis Green
Style of Play: Vertical/Power Run Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: DT Jason Fisk, SS Torrian Gray, CB Billy Austin,
K Joe Nedney
Veteran Arrivals: C Jake Grove, SS John Howell, K Mike Hollis
Rookie to Watch: WR DeSean Jackson
Outlook: Oakland had a frustrating kind of year in 2007, solid enough to beat Seattle, but too many occasions where they played down to the competition, leaving them on the outside of the playoffs, looking in. They will try to get over that hump this year. Not a lot of huge moves either way (departing or arriving), but we like the addition of a true slot receiver in Jackson as well as three defensive picks in the first 5 rounds of the draft, all signing with the Invaders. Playoffs should be a minimal expectation for this group in 2008.
Past 3 Seasons: 15-26-1
Head Coach: Jerry Glanville
Style of Play: Power Run, 3-4 Defense
Departures: K Mike Vanderjagt, HB Chris Perry,
DT Nick Eason, DT Norman Hand
Veteran Arrivals: WR Amani Toomer, FB Manuel White,
S Chad Scott
Rookie to Watch: LB Bryan Kehl
Outlook: The Thunder lost some muscle on the D-line, but otherwise came out of the offseason largely unchanged. Toomer should be a good addition to the receiving corps, perhaps helping Steve McNair improve his 3rd down conversion rate, and Chad Scott coming over from the NFL should absolutely be a contributor in the secondary, but the key for the Thunder may be something out of Jerry Glanville’s wheelhouse. He has the defense he wants, but his offense needs to be more dynamic, more productive, and more diverse, and we are not seeing the weapons to diversify beyond Lynch and short passes.
Past 3 Seasons: 22-20
Head Coach: Hue Jackson
Style of Play: West Coast Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: DE Jevon Kearse, WR Tory Holt, FB Manuel White
Veteran Arrivals: WR Brandon Lloyd,
Rookie to Watch: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Outlook: It is hard to look at the loss of Kearse and Holt and not feel like LA is diminished in two key areas of strength. More pressure will be put on Keyshawn Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew to carry this offense and more on Keneche Udeze to generate pass rush. We love the signing of Rodgers-Cromartie for the secondary, and LB Keith Rivers out of USC could be a find in the T-Draft, but this is a club that may need to take a year to build back up after losing two dynamic playmakers in the offseason.
Past 3 Seasons: 0-0 (1st Season)
Head Coach: Rich Brooks
Style of Play: Pro Style Offense, 4-3 Defense
Departures: None-Expansion Team
Veteran Arrivals: QB A. J. Feeley, TE Bubba Franks,
WR Koren Robinson, LT Korey Stringer,
DE Elvis Dumervil, DT Jason Fisk,
LB Mike Maslowski, CB James Trapp,
SS Terreal Bierria, K Mason Crosby
Rookie to Watch: HB Jonathan Stewart
Outlook: Fans in Portland are savvy enough to recognize that it will take time to build a team from expansion to competitiveness. For this year, wins may not be as much of a priority as talent evaluation. That starts at the QB position, where the big question will be just how solid can A. J. Feeley be. If he is a legit starter then Portland has a leg up on most expansion clubs, but if he struggles, then they have to look for alternatives by 2009 to start building a team that can leave the basement of the division. There is some veteran leadership on this team, but rookies will also play a big part in any success they find, particularly HB Jonathan Stewart. Expect this team to have a strong homefield advantage and for any wins they get to be in the rainy but rowdy confines of Columbia Sportswear Stadium.
2008 USFL Fantasy Leaders
We have never done this before, but we know how big fantasy football is for all you USFL fans out there, so we thought we would give you fantasy gurus our inside scoop on who to pick as you gear up for this year’s draft. So, here is our ranking of the Top 12 picks at each of the major fantasy positions, based on a standard scoring system. Draft well, everyone.
QUARTERBACK
1. Kerry Collins (OHI): No shock here, everyone expects monster numbers this year.
2. Brian Griese (MGN): He proved in '07 that he can put up big numbers.
3. Drew Brees (ORL): Not the greatest receivers, but he just gets yardage and TDs.
4. Drew Bledsoe (BOS): If the run game is an issue, he could throw more than in 2007.
5. Byron Leftwich (SEA): We wish the Dragons had signed a second WR.
6. Jake Delhomme (JAX): Woods, Hayes, & Whitten give Delhomme great options.
7. Ben Roethlisberger (BAL): We rank him higher now that Tory Holt is in town.
8. Brady Quinn (CHI): Perhaps too high, especially with Conway gone.
9. Brett Favre (MEM): He is not getting yards like he used to, but the TDs are there.
10. Kordell Stewart (WSH): We are expecting a bounceback year after the injury in 2007.
11. Jake Plummer (ARZ): Jake is slowing down, but he is still 90% of Arizona’s offense.
12. Jay Cutler (NSH): We expect Coach Johnson to let him risk a bit more and go deep.
HALFBACK
1. Frank Gore (NSH): He wants to reassert himself and that could mean a rushing title.
2. Ricky Williams (OAK): Likely to get more carries than any other back.
3. Deuce McCallister (WSH): The Feds rely on Deuce to get it done this year.
4. T. J. Duckett (TEX): Most likely to average over 25 carries a game.
5. Michael Turner (CHI): Defenses will line up to stop him, which could slow him down.
6. Eddie George (OHI): A wide open passing game should open things up for George.
7. Antowain Smith (JAX): Expect him to continue to be a red zone monster.
8. Corey Dillon (SEA): Leftwich gets the glory, but Dillon is the engine for this club.
9. Marshawn Lynch (LV): If Vegas had a better air attack, it would free Lynch up more.
10. Darren McFadden (ATL): The only rookie to make our list, as Atlanta will lean on him.
11. Maurice Jones-Drew (LA): Should take on more carries this year.
12. Cadillac Williams (MEM): Will score TDs even if he does not reach 1,000 yards.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Joey Galloway (OHI): With Moss opposite him, he will see single coverage.
2. Rashaun Woods (JAX): A bit of an under the radar guy, but not in Fantasy.
3. Taylor Jacobs (STL): A superlative talent on a pretty untalented team.
4. Chad Ochocinco (BOS): Expect another 1,200 yards and 12 TDs.
5. Randy Moss (OHI): Yup, two top 5 receivers on one team. Believe it.
6. Tory Holt (BAL): Ben Roethlisberger’s new best friend will get plenty of targets.
7. Keyshawn Johnson (LA): With Holt gone, KJ is the clear #1 for LA.
8. Plaxico Burress (OAK): If Harrington can stay healthy, Burress will benefit.
9. Robert Ferguson (MEM): Will likely lead the league in receptions.
10. Amani Toomer (LV): We expect Toomer, not Hatchette to lead LV in receptions.
11. Robert Meachem (NSH): The 2nd year receiver should be Cutler’s main target.
12. Hines Ward (MGN): As steady as they come, edging out Larry Fitzgerald in ARZ.
TIGHT END
1. Vernon Davis (HOU): Has become a favorite for Matt Hasselbeck.
2. Stephen Alexander (OHI): Huge numbers are to be expected as the inside option.
3. James Whalen (BOS): Bledsoe checks down a lot, Whalen is the reason why.
4. Jason Whitten (JAX): Got injured last year, but was on pace for a Bulls record for TEs.
5. Jim Kliensasser (ATL): A great red zone target and a solid 3rd down option.
6. Antonio Gates (BAL): With Holt outside, Gates will have more opportunities inside.
7. L. J. Smith (LA): A bit long in the tooth, but too talented to ignore.
8. Greg Olsen (ORL): Quickly becoming one of Brees’s favorite targets.
9. Bubba Franks (POR): Portland may not win many, but Franks will be a prime target.
10. Dallas Clark (PHI): A dark horse for a break out season this year.
11. Dan Campbell (CHA): Another high reception count on an expansion team.
12. Bennie Joppru (MGN): Underrated and underutilized most years.
KICKERS
1. Doug Pelfrey (WSH): Nearly automatic, and the Feds have trouble scoring 7.
2. Jeff Hall (MEM): The Rebels move between the 20’s better than almost anyone.
3. Josh Brown (OHI): Replacing Hollis, Brown could lead the league in PATs.
4. Mason Crosby (POR): A huge leg and a team that likely will struggle in the red zone.
5. Matt Prater (MGN): Will benefit from a reinvigorated Brian Griese.
6. Matt Stover (NSH): Great from inside 45, and rarely misses a PAT.
7. Curtis Fries (DEN): A bit of a no-name, but Denver always attempts a ton of FGs.
8. Steve Christie (LA): A veteran who does not buckle under pressure.
9. Jason Elam (BOS): If Boston keeps scoring 7, his value could actually dip.
10. Dave Rayner (SEA): Could easily outperform this position.
11. Martin Grammatica (BAL): If the Blitz O improves, so do Grammatica’s numbers.
12. Josh Scobee (ATL): Playing in a dome is certainly a help for Scobee.
DEFENSE
1. Chicago: Turnovers and sacks are the key to this top-rated squad.
2. Las Vegas: If they can turn up the pressure, they can stop anyone.
3. Houston: Still have the best 1-2 punch at DE in the league.
4. Michigan: With Kearse now at DE, this LB group just got freed up even more.
5. Washington: Are they living off reputation or are they legit?
6. Orlando: Calais Campbell has fans thinking of Chris Doleman.
7. Jacksonville Bulls: They give up some big plays, but also make quite a few.
8. Seattle Dragons: We focus on the O, but their D is solid too.
9. Pittsburgh Maulers: Our only worry is that the O will have them on the field too much.
10. LA Express: They are talented, but drop a bit after losing Kearse.
11. Denver Gold: We don’t know how, but they always end up in the Top 10.
12. Nashville Knights: They slipped a bit last year. Can they rebound?
That concludes our two part preview of the 2008 Season. Let’s line them up and kick this thing off. Are you ready for Spring Football?!?!?
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