4. Darren McFadden, Raiders
The only knock on Run-DMC is his injury history, so I understand why some will avoid him. Though I would never draft him with the fourth overall pick, I fully expect McFadden to crack the top-five ranks this season. He offers huge upside as a second-rounder.
5. Chris Johnson, Titans
Last year's bust of the year shouldn't get off to as slow a start as he did in 2011 following his lengthy holdout. Still, many of us harbor trust issues with the back once known as CJ2K. He's looked as sharp as ever this preseason.
6. Matt Forte, Bears
With Brandon Marshall in the fold, Forte's running lanes should be a bit wider. He's one of the few remaining workhorses in the league and merits a late first-round pick.
7. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
It now appears that Beast Mode will avoid prosecution/suspension during the season for his June DUI arrest. That means he should pick up where he left off as the alpha back of the soft NFC West.
8. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys
Before breaking his ankle, Murray was on track to earn rookie-of-the-year honors. The Cowboys expect him to return to the form that made him a threat to take it to the house on every run.
9. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
Nearly a year removed from anterior cruciate ligament surgery, Charles appears to be in fine form and has already survived a hard hit on his knee in the preseason. But his offense looks moribund. How much time will it spend in the red zone?
10. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
I fully expected the diminutive back to wear down last year, then he went out and claimed the NFL rushing title. Can his body really keep taking that much pounding? He ended his 38-day holdout Sunday. Could he possibly miss a game or two? Is he this year's Chris Johnson?
QUARTERBACKS
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Not quite in a category by himself - but not far from it, either. He should be the first QB off the board in every league.
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
Another no-lose proposition, he arguably has the deepest receiving corps in the biz, with Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez. Gets a nod over Drew Brees because of a less-experienced RB corps.
3. Drew Brees, Saints
The only other fantasy QB consistently in Rodgers' and Brady's league, he should have little trouble moving on without suspended head coach Sean Payton.
4. Matthew Stafford, Lions
He joined the elite ranks last season, and should continue to be a fantasy force to be reckoned with, as long as Megatron (a.k.a., wide receiver Calvin Johnson) is on the same field. An injury to his nonthrowing hand shouldn't be a factor in the regular season.
5. Cam Newton, Panthers
His rushing TDs made him formidable in 2011. Can he keep up his amazing pace this season? Not sure I'd bet on it.
6. Tony Romo, Cowboys
If he can just get his receivers back on the field, Romo can approach elite status again. The problem is, they're dropping like flies, and there's still no solidified No. 3 wideout.
7. Michael Vick, Eagles
The Eagles (and Vick) finished 2011 strong, and they should again be formidable competitors this season. But you have to be worried after the QB was knocked out of two consecutive preseason games (finger, ribs).
8. Matt Schaub, Texans
Just as he appeared to put the "injury-prone" label behind him, he suffered another string of problems that kept him out of six games in 2011. Healthy again, he has a chance to return to lofty heights. Love him as a borderline No. 1 QB.
9. Peyton Manning, Broncos
The ultimate high-risk, high-reward candidate, Manning finally took (and survived) his first meaningful hit since his series of neck surgeries. He looked sharp in Week 3 of the preseason, so optimism reigns in Denver.
10. Eli Manning, Giants
The two-time Super Bowl champ never gets his due, but with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks on the wings, Eli should continue to be a strong fantasy QB.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Calvin Johnson, Lions
The only WR worth a first-round pick this season, Megatron's biggest worry is having his picture on the cover of Madden '13.
2. Wes Welker, Patriots
He's not happy about his contract, but that won't keep him from remaining Brady's go-to target.
3. Greg Jennings, Packers
He suffered a concussion in a team scrimmage, so he didn't see much preseason action. He remains Rodgers' favorite weapon, though Jordy Nelson detracts from his value. Nelson is a better value one or two rounds later.
4. A.J. Green, Bengals
Last year's rookie sensation has a year under his belt with fellow sophomore Andy Dalton. They should build on their success this season.
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
Tell me Kurt Warner is returning, and Fitz shoots to No. 2 on this list. Since you can't tell me that, I won't be spending a first-round pick on him this year.
6. Andre Johnson, Texans
He's only suited up for 20 games over the last two seasons, so injuries are a real bugaboo. When healthy, there's no one better.
7. Victor Cruz, Giants
Cruz and Nicks are arguably the second most potent WR tandem in the league. I love Cruz's game-changing potential - and his salsa moves.
8. Jordy Nelson, Packers
As much as I love Jennings, I'm targeting Jordy in every draft this year. For starters, it's always nice to own a big piece of the Packers' offense. In addition, his big-play potential makes him a threat to be among the top five WRs again this season.
9. Julio Jones, Falcons
That's right, you heard it here first: Jones will surpass Roddy White in the Falcons' pecking order this season. Maybe not in reception count, but in yards and TDs. Bank on it.
10. Marques Colston, Saints
With Robert Meachem gone, Colston will have to share a little less of Drew Brees' attention this year. Barring injury, he should easily return to the top-10 ranks.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
Last year's fantasy MVP is ready to defend his crown. I wouldn't bet against him.
2. Jimmy Graham, Saints
He suffered a back injury at training camp but is expected to return well before the opener. He will push Gronk for TE supremacy this season.
3. Antonio Gates, Chargers
Fully healthy, he'll be Rivers' go-to guy again, with V-Jax gone and less-than-elite talent to replace him.
4. Jermichael Finley, Packers
Any starting receiver in Green Bay gets an elite grade from me.
5. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots
It's hard to believe two TE's on the same team can be fantasy studs, but New England is no ordinary offense. Hernandez is a versatile player who will get some carries, and possibly even some return opportunities, as well as being split out wide.
6. Vernon Davis, 49ers
He's slipped a bit since his 2009 season at the top of the TE heap, but he's still Alex Smith's most dangerous weapon.
7. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions
Stafford likes him, and he's arguably the second-best receiver on the team.
8. Jason Witten, Cowboys
Romo's BFF drops out of the elite camp, and could drop further, due to a worrisome spleen laceration that could cost him a game or more.
9. Fred Davis, Redskins
He has stolen the starting job from Chris Cooley. RG3 could help him finally fulfill his potential.
10. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
The grizzled veteran will get his catches - and his TDs - in the Falcons' high-octane offense.
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
1. Packers
2. 49ers
3. Eagles
4. Texans
5. Lions
6. Ravens
7. Steelers
8. Raiders
9. Redskins
10. Cowboys
KICKERS
1. Mason Crosby, Packers
2. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
3. Jason Hanson, Lions
4. Garrett Hartley, Saints
5. Alex Henery, Eagles
6. Dan Bailey, Cowboys
7. David Akers, 49ers
8. Matt Bryant, Falcons
9. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
10. Matt Prater, Broncos
