[Hyperdrive]

QB: Robert Griffin III, Jay Cutler
RB: Doug Martin, DeAngelo Williams, Chris Ivory, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bilal Powell
WR: Calvin Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Michael Floyd, Tavon Austin, Kenbrell Thompkins
TE: Jimmy Graham
PK: Sebastian Janikowski

Overview:

In a competitive league, almost every team has a weakness. It's almost impossible to build a team that is strong at all three core positions (quarterback, running back and wide receiver). Your backs and receivers look just fine. And while it's probably not accurate to describe a team with Robert Griffin III as weak at the position, we do think you're dangerously thin. As Tom Brady reminded us of in 2008, even quarterbacks with spotless health records can go down at any time. Thus the lack of depth at QB is what's keeping this team from getting our full endorsement.

So although this team isn't perfect (few are), it should still be a strong contender.
Bottom line:

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 80 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With good inseason management, we think you have about a 70 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With average inseason management, we think you have a 55 percent chance of making the playoffs.

In any event, we wish you the best of luck. Here's hoping all your weeks are like week 11 of 2012:
Robert Griffin III vs. PHI: 200 passing yards, 84 rushing yards, 4 TD
Calvin Johnson vs. GB: 143 receiving yards, 1 TD
Bilal Powell vs. STL: 60 combined yards, 2 TD
BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. KC: 108 combined yards, 1 TD
Doug Martin vs. CAR: 161 combined yards

QB Summary:

We expect Robert Griffin III to be a solid starter. According to our projections, he's the #6 QB, so you should be better off than most teams in the starting quarterback slot.

We're not excited about Jay Cutler (our #22 QB) as a backup, but he'll probably be adequate.

Incidentally, Cutler has what we project as a good matchup (NO) during Griffin III's bye.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Jay Cutler as high as #13, which would make him an above average second quarterback. Mark Wimer's take: "Cutler has gained a new offense more suited to his skills, and a new outlet tight end in Martellus Bennett who should complement Brandon Marshall. I think the Bears' passing attack is on the rise and plan on rostering Cutler fairly often this year as a fantasy QB #2 with QB #1 upside. If Alshon Jeffery develops during 2013 this attack could be very, very effective. "

RB Summary:

Obviously, Doug Martin is a great way to anchor any RB group. We've got him ranked #2 at the position, and by our reckoning he gives you about a 1.1 point advantage over an average team in the first RB slot.

DeAngelo Williams is a little below average as a second running back; he's a likely flex starter. But Chris Ivory should be a fairly good RB3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis should serve as a very solid fourth running back. Bilal Powell should also be solidly above average at RB5.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have DeAngelo Williams as high as #20, which would make him a fine second running back. Mark Wimer's take: "With Jonathan Stewart still struggling with an ankle injury as training camp closed, I think it is reasonable to expect DeAngelo Williams to be the starter for September (at a minimum) and perhaps for most of the season. Williams has moved up my board a lot, and Stewart has fallen significantly. The news on 8/27/13 that Stewart's 8/26 medical evaluation did not go well - and that Stewart likely starts the year on the PUP list - reinforces my belief that Williams will be the focal point of Carolina's rushing offense this year (in tandem with Cam Newton). Unfortunately, their OL hasn't looked strong during preseason so mid-fantasy-RB #2 numbers are about the best we can hope for from Williams even though the lack of Stewart will create clarity in this backfield for the first time in years. "

WR Summary:

Your starting receiver group is a strength, particularly Calvin Johnson as a top receiver. We figure them at a combined 1.9 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Johnson is our first ranked WR, and we have DeSean Jackson at #25.

Michael Floyd is a little below average as a third receiver. But Tavon Austin should be a fairly good WR4. Kenbrell Thompkins should serve as a very solid fifth receiver.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have DeSean Jackson ranked as high as 11th, which would make him a great second receiver and even a legitimate WR1. Heath Cummings defends his high ranking as follows: "Jackson gets a bump with the injury to Jeremy Maclin's knee. He's now the clear #1 in Philadelphia and Chip Kelly will find a way to use his talents. Jackson will probably never reach the heights he once did, but he should be a solid WR2."

Michael Floyd is ranked #31 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine third receiver. Anthony Borbely reasons, "Floyd had a disappointing rookie season but I expect him to take a big step up in Bruce Arian's offense. Having Carson Palmer helps and Floyd is simply much more talented than Andre Roberts. I consider Floyd to be a mid-WR3 with huge upside depending on his development. Floyd is one of the most undervalued players at any position in drafts. "

Some of our staffers have Kenbrell Thompkins as high as #43, which would make him a great fifth receiver and even a legitimate WR4. Matt Waldman's take: "I've written plenty about Thompkins. He looks a week away from being locked in as the WR2 in this offense. But in the past the WR2 in the Patriots system ranges from Deion Branch production to Randy Moss. I'm thinking what Brandon Lloyd did last year is probably Thompkins' absolute upside, which means WR3 fantasy production - at best. Worth picking late, but as much as I like him, don't go overboard. "

TE Summary:

As you are well aware, Jimmy Graham is an elite tight end. We have him ranked first overall at the position. He's about 3.8 points per game better than an average starting TE in this league.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

Kicker Summary:

We don't think Sebastian Janikowski is starter quality in this league. Keep a sharp eye on the waiver wire.

[Hyperdrive]

QB: Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew, DeMarco Murray, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Vincent Jackson, Vincent Brown, Greg Jennings
TE: Jason Witten, Rob Housler
PK: Stephen Gostkowski

Overview:

Your receivers are the strongest part of this team and you look good at tight end as well. While no team can be expected to be above average at all three core positions (QB/RB/WR), you are in the precarious position of being a bit weak at two of them.

Although you should not be counted out yet, you may need to be active on both the waiver wire and in trades to turn this team into a legitimate contender. The best way to achieve that might be to sacrifice some of your wide receiver strength to gain multiple players than can help your roster now. It's generally easier finding quarterbacks and wide receivers on the waiver wire than quality running backs.

Keep an eye out for quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck from last year, Cam Newton the year before, Michael Vick and Josh Freeman in 2010, and Matt Cassel and Kurt Warner in 2008. All were available cheap in August, and all contributed to fantasy championship teams. Likewise, running backs like Alfred Morris and Vick Ballard all could be had dirt cheap at the draft or shortly after. You are likely going to need to land some of this year's top waiver plays, so pay close attention to increased workloads, targets, injuries, etc.

Players we particularly like on this team include Demaryius Thomas, Vincent Jackson, Vincent Brown, Danny Woodhead, and Shane Vereen. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.
Bottom line:

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 65 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With good inseason management, we think you have about a 50 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With average inseason management, we think you have a 29 percent chance of making the playoffs.

In any event, we wish you the best of luck. Here's hoping all your weeks are like week 15 of 2009:
Maurice Jones-Drew vs. IND: 140 combined yards, 2 TD
Vincent Jackson vs. CIN: 108 receiving yards, 2 TD
Greg Jennings vs. PIT: 118 receiving yards, 1 TD
Philip Rivers vs. CIN: 308 passing yards, 3 TD

QB Summary:

We have Russell Wilson rated #9 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. And we're not crazy about Philip Rivers (ranked #24 among quarterbacks) as a backup. If Wilson turns in the season we expect, this position won't ruin you, but it probably won't be a strength either. And if things go wrong, it could be a long year at QB.

Incidentally, Rivers has what we project as a neutral matchup (KC) during Wilson's bye.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Russell Wilson ranked as high as fourth, which would make him an above average first quarterback. Matt Waldman defends his high ranking as follows: "Wilson was a high-end QB2/low-end QB1 for me entering last season and he delivered. For most, the loss of Percy Harvin Wilson will likely hurt Wilson's upside as a top-five passer. Still I'd take Wilson after the stud QBs leave the board and hope he drops below Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford. I still think he's a strong QB1 in the bottom half of that tier because if he can be an elite fantasy passer down the stretch without Harvin last year then I think he makes the jump to consistent top-5 production in 2013. He spreads the ball around as well as anyone and his confidence in trusting the open man over a specific player is the common trait he shares with the elite players in the game. I think Seattle is on the verge of a huge season offensively and it makes Wilson a bargain once again this year. "

Some of our staffers have Philip Rivers as high as #17, which would make him an above average second quarterback. Maurile Tremblay's take: "The up-temp, no-huddle offense should help Rivers accumulate more fantasy stats, and the shorter dropbacks and quicker patterns should help mask the weakness of the offensive line."

RB Summary:

We have Maurice Jones-Drew ranked #14 at the position, so we don't even necessarily see him as being RB1 worthy in this league.

DeMarco Murray should be a good second running back; he's a likely flex starter. Shane Vereen should also be solidly above average at RB3. Danny Woodhead should serve as a very solid fourth running back.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

A quick note about the same-team Murray/Jason Witten duo you've got here. Though the effect is probably negligible, this kind of pairing is likely to make your team more (not less) consistent than a comparable-scoring different-team pair.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Maurice Jones-Drew as high as #4, which would make him an above average first running back. Jeff Tefertiller's take: "I am very high on Jones-Drew this season, even with the recent news off the field. he should be fully recovered from the foot injury and ready to produce. The Jaguars will rely on their stud back once again."

DeMarco Murray is ranked #12 by some of our writers, which would make him a great second running back and even a legitimate RB1. Anthony Borbely reasons, "Murray has a lot of talent, plays for a great offense, and has no real competition for carries. The one knock on Murray is his inability to stay healthy. But I think the reward outweighs the risk and I have Murray ranked at the bottom of the RB1 tier. I think he is one of the most undervalued RBs in drafts. "

WR Summary:

Nice work here. We like both your starting receivers, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 2.5 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Demaryius Thomas is our third ranked WR, and we have Vincent Jackson at #8.

Your bench also looks good. Vincent Brown should be a good third receiver. Greg Jennings is also a very nice WR4.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.
TE Summary:

We like the choice of Jason Witten to start at tight end. We have him ranked third overall at the position. He's about 0.8 points per game better than an average starting TE in this league. We don't see Rob Housler as an adequate second tight end. An upgrade here would be nice, but if Witten holds up, it won't matter.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Rob Housler is ranked #18 by some of our writers, which would make him an above average second tight end. Jeff Pasquino reasons, "The Cardinals acquired a much better starting quarterback in Carson Palmer over the offseason, which greatly improved the fantasy outlook for all of the Cardinal receivers. Housler will be the starting tight end once again this year for Arizona, and given that Palmer is a significant upgrade over the previous pass throwers out in the desert he should be able to find the end zone at least a few times this season. Given Housler's solid reception numbers (45 catches, 417 yards) despite zero touchdowns, Housler has good upside in 2013 and beyond now that he has a legitimate quarterback under center."

Kicker Summary:

With Stephen Gostkowski, you should be above average at the position.

[Hyperdrive]

QB: Andrew Luck, Brandon Weeden
RB: David Wilson, Giovani Bernard, Montee Ball, Bernard Pierce, Vick Ballard
WR: Julio Jones, T.Y. Hilton, Rueben Randle, Ryan Broyles
TE: Martellus Bennett, Tyler Eifert
PK: Dan Bailey

Overview:

Your starting lineup is respectable, but the lack of depth is a serious problem. If you're lucky enough to avoid the injury bug, you might be OK. But that's a tough thing to have to count on.
To make this team into a serious contender, you are going to need to be extremely active in trades and on the waiver wire. You esentially need to turn over significant parts of this roster. Last year running backs like Alfred Morris and Vick Ballard all could be had dirt cheap at the draft. Additionally, wide receivers like James Jones and Cecil Shorts were available after a lot of the drafts. Quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck last season, Cam Newton the year before, Michael Vick in 2010, and Matt Cassel in 2008 could all be had cheap just after draft time. You are likely going to need to land many of this year's top waiver plays to make any significant noise, so pay close attention to increased workloads, targets, injuries, etc.

Bottom line:

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 35 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With good inseason management, we think you have about a 20 percent chance of making the playoffs.
With average inseason management, we think you have a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs.

QB Summary:

We have Andrew Luck rated #10 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. And we're not crazy about Brandon Weeden (ranked #29 among quarterbacks) as a backup. If Luck turns in the season we expect, this position won't ruin you, but it probably won't be a strength either. And if things go wrong, it could be a long year at QB.

Incidentally, Weeden has what we project as a neutral matchup (KC) during Luck's bye.

A quick note about the Luck/T.Y. Hilton hookup you've got here: while we think the effect of the quarterback/receiver hookup has largely been exaggerated in fantasy football circles, it does have a tendency to make your team somewhat more inconsistent than comparable scoring duos from different NFL teams. But if you like the players at both ends of the connection, we do not see any need to make a change because of it.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Andrew Luck is ranked #6 by some of our writers, which would make him an above average first quarterback. Jeff Tefertiller reasons, "My top dynasty quarterback, Luck produced solid rookie numbers and looks to improve in year two. Yes, he did not play especially well down the stretch last season, but should take a huge step forward with the offseason to work on his accuracy woes. Still very young, Luck could have a Peyton Manning-like career"

Brandon Weeden is ranked #23 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine second quarterback. Matt Waldman reasons, "Brandon Weeden gets another year in Cleveland to grow into the starter role and to be honest, a 3385-14-17 performance from a rookie is good by first-year quarterback standards when you consider that Greg Little can't catch and both Josh Gordon, Travis Benjamin, and Josh Cooper were all rookies. I have never been high on Weeden as a top-flight fantasy option, but I think he has enough skill to reach Andy Dalton's level of performance with the right pieces in place. I think the addition of Davone Bess and Norv Turner is at least a step in the right direction. "

RB Summary:

We have David Wilson ranked #13 at the position, so we don't even necessarily see him as being RB1 worthy in this league. And we also have some doubts about whether your depth at running back is going to make up for it, so we feel this is an area of concern.

Giovani Bernard is a little below average as a second running back; he's a likely flex starter. But Montee Ball should be a fairly good RB3. Not only do we like Bernard Pierce as a fourth running back, we love that you stole him from the Ray Rice owner. Vick Ballard is practically criminal at RB5.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

David Wilson is ranked #8 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine first running back. Andy Hicks reasons, "David Wilson has all the cards falling in his lap heading into this season. Last years dominant back, Ahmad Bradshaw is on another team. The only other viable guy to see touches has a mild broken leg in Andre Brown, leaving David Wilson as the primary and every down back. That's not to say he is a certain RB1, history teaches us that there is no such thing, but Wilson is likely to break out in a big way this year."

Some of our staffers have Giovani Bernard as high as #21, which would make him a fine second running back. Andy Hicks's take: "Giovani Bernard will initially be a change of pace back and possible 3rd down back, depending on his pass blocking. What he does here will reflect where his 2013 season is headed. There is no doubt that he is in a good situation for fantasy success. The Bengals have numerous weapons on the receiving end and an explosive back who excels as a receiver will add another dimension that propels this offense into the elite tier. If Bernard can be this explosive back, then he'll be a wonderful ride for his fantasy owners. Be careful though, as reality often has a way of dampening expectation."

Montee Ball is ranked #21 by some of our writers, which would make him a great third running back and even a legitimate RB2. Adam Harstad reasons, "Willis McGahee is the second oldest RB in the league (behind Fred Jackson), and doesn't have much left in the tank. Knowshon Moreno was inherited by the current coaching staff, and they clearly are not believers of his; they've drafted two RBs in the first three rounds, and had Moreno as a game-day inactive in half of their games last season. Denver's brass has discussed their belief that Hillman is more of a change-of-pace back. Into this void steps Montee Ball, a hyper-productive college back whose stock slipped a little as some questioned his athleticism. Despite a slow 40 time, Ball is a perfect schematic fit for Denver's offense, which is loaded with talent at every position and figures to remain elite for years to come."

WR Summary:

Your starting receivers should, as a unit, be adequate but not great. In particular we like Julio Jones as a top WR. Jones is our #5 ranked receiver, and we have T.Y. Hilton at #32.

Rueben Randle is a very weak third receiver. Ryan Broyles also looks somewhat weak as a fourth WR.

We might suggest adding a bit more depth here.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

T.Y. Hilton is ranked #21 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine second receiver. Mark Wimer reasons, "The Colts' attack is still developing, but whatever happens overall I think Hilton will be a key target for Andrew Luck - Hilton is one of my favorite candidates for WR 3/4 on my fantasy teams this year as I think he is being undervalued. Darrius Heyward-Bey is struggling with injury (again), opening the door for Hilton to claim the #2 job in Indianapolis this year."

Some members of our staff have Rueben Randle ranked as high as 30th, which would make him an above average third receiver. Heath Cummings defends his high ranking as follows: "Randle is someone to watch in New York, especially if the Giants continue to struggle working out contracts with Hakeem Nicks. If Nicks falls out of the picture Randle could instantly become a borderline WR2."

Ryan Broyles is ranked #32 by some of our writers, which would make him a great fourth receiver and even a legitimate WR3. Mark Wimer reasons, "He's said to be coming on strong during OTAs/training camp practices, and Nate Burleson is ancient in NFL terms. I think Broyles will win the starting job across from Calvin Johnson, which would mean a lot of single-coverage for Broyles. "

TE Summary:

This is a pretty motley crew. We don't see Martellus Bennett as a viable starter or Tyler Eifert as an above average backup. Help is needed.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by David Dodds's projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Martellus Bennett as high as #4, which would make him an above average first tight end. Mark Wimer's take: "I'm excited by the big opportunity for Bennett in Chicago's new offense - he acquitted himself well in New York last season and has a lot of fantasy potential playing with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall this year - Bennett may be the second or third target on this team, depending on how Alshon Jeffery develops (or doesn't) during his second NFL campaign. I've been drafting Bennett consistently and plan to continue to do so until the last fantasy draft of the preseason."

Some members of our staff have Tyler Eifert ranked as high as 11th, which would make him a great second tight end and even a legitimate TE1. Mark Wimer defends his high ranking as follows: "Jermaine Gresham hasn't fulfilled his NFL potential. He stunk during the Bengals' playoff loss last winter, and I think that the team has decided to move on with 6'5 Tyler Eifert. If I invest a draft pick in a Bengals' tight end this year, it'll be Eifert, not Gresham. I like Eifert's play-making abilities and think he can put Gresham on the pine permanently, even though Eifert has struggled at times during preseason. "

Kicker Summary:

Dan Bailey, our 13th ranked kicker, is below average but probably adequate.

[platini]

Das heißt laut FFG hätten wir ein Ranking das so aussieht.

1. Cologne Steeler 73% Chance in die Playoffs zu kommen
2. Biloxi Baywarriors 61%
3. St. Erpel Hooligans 55%
4. Reinheim SilverSharks 53%
5. Otzberg Allstars 47%
6. Touchdownteufel Süderelbe 29%
7. Reinheim BlueLions 24%
8. Rheingau Rebels 15%
9. Rheinhessen Roughriders 11%
10. Newtown Patriots 3%
11. H-Town Jets 3%
12. Rheingauner Spirits 1%

[GermanSpirit]

Hehe - klasse - vom Champ und last Pick zum First #Pick im nächsten Jahr

[TdT]

Macht nichts....ich drafte dann statt dieses mal ein Pick vor dir..einen Pick dahinter rofl

LG Jürgen

[Käsekopf]

Danke für die Mühe! Ich werde es wohl schaffen die 15% zu unterbieten nachdem ich gestern Peyton Manning aus falschem Respekt vor dem Baltimore Backfield auf die Bank gesetzt habe....

[platini]

Danke für die Mühe! Ich werde es wohl schaffen die 15% zu unterbieten nachdem ich gestern Peyton Manning aus falschem Respekt vor dem Baltimore Backfield auf die Bank gesetzt habe....

Das ist eben das Problem wenn man 2 sehr starke QBs in seinen Reihen hat. Da immer den richtigen auszuwählen ist nicht einfach.

[platini]

Das heißt laut FFG hätten wir ein Ranking das so aussieht.

1. Cologne Steeler 73% Chance in die Playoffs zu kommen
2. Biloxi Baywarriors 61%
3. St. Erpel Hooligans 55%
4. Reinheim SilverSharks 53%
5. Otzberg Allstars 47%
6. Touchdownteufel Süderelbe 29%
7. Reinheim BlueLions 24%
8. Rheingau Rebels 15%
9. Rheinhessen Roughriders 11%
10. Newtown Patriots 3%
11. H-Town Jets 3%
12. Rheingauner Spirits 1%

Also das bedeutet wohl nichts gutes für mich in der "Paul" Division. Ist es übertrieben sie dann wohl als die momentan stärkste Division der Liga einzuschätzen?

[opafritz]

Puh, hätte ich nicht gedacht, baut natürlich ganz schön Druck auf. Sehe mein Team aber irgendwie überhaupt nicht so stark wie die Footballguys es sehen rofl