KACSPORTS 2008 FANTASY TIGHT END/KICKER/TEAM DEFENSE RANKINGS

KACSPORTS 2008 FANTASY RANKINGS - TIGHT ENDS

1. Jason Witten (DAL) – For the first time in a couple of years there is legitimate debate as who the top TE should be. Witten clearly outperformed Antonio Gates laster catching 96 passes for 1,145 yards. The only knock on Witten fantasy-wise is that he has only scored 14 times in his three years in the league, including only once in 2006. Should be good for a late third or early fourth round pick in 12-team leagues.

2. Kellen Winslow (CLE) – His yards per catch last year (13.5) was as good if not better than many wide receivers. The only problem with K2 is that he doesn’t seem to find the end zone much, only 8 TD's over the last two seasons. The motorcycle wreck from a few years back also seems to continue to have an effect, as Winslow needed more knee surgery after the season. It seems like a top NASCAR ride who gets involved in a wreck, he keeps on going to pit road to get fixed. I don’t see Winslow having a particularly long career but for this year he still gets ranked near the top.

3. Antonio Gates (SD) – The reports out of Diego are not promising, Gates vows to be ready by Week 1, but he has been only working out on the side in camp thus far and appears to still be hurting big time. Gates' work may have slipped a little last year, but you can’t argue with the 41 TD's since 2004 – far and away the most in the league during that span. But with the toe rehab Gates is a very risky pick this you and will be selected too early in most formats. Let another owner roll the dice on this one.

4. Tony Gonzalez (KC) – Let’s face it, Tony’s washed up. He’s been in the league for over a decade now and he doesn’t have any quarterbacks to throw to him. Yeah, and Tony went from 70-something catches for 900-something yards the last two seasons to 99/1,172 last year. Lack of TD's are a problem though, he’s only scored 12 times the last three seasons. Still the future HOF’er is the Brett Favre of tight ends, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him continue to perform at a top level for 3-4 more years. I look for Gonzalez to continue to be undervalued in fantasy drafts, and it isn't like KC has anyone else to throw to.

5. Dallas Clark (IND) – Still, he hasn’t reached his full potential, which is what makes Clark so scary. Even though he only caught 58 passes, Clark still scored 11 times – he’s money with Peyton Manning when near the goal lone. If we knew he could get to the 80 catch level he would make a case of being at the very top of this list.

6. Chris Cooley (WSH) – Never in the top tier of fantasy tight ends but always very good when mentioning that second grouping. Cooley is second amongst TE's with 27 TD's over the past four seasons. Cooley has always played in all 64 of his regular season games since coming into the league. The potential downside is Washington drafting three wide receivers this year which could mean Cooley getting a lesser piece of the pie down the road.

7. Todd Heap (BAL) – For the second time in four years Heap ended up missing a significant portion of a season due to injury, but there are a couple reasons to bank on a bounce back this year. First, obviously he's been there before, secondly new OC Cam Cameron loves to feature the tight end (see Antonio Gates). You obviously always worry about the QB play in B-More but Heap should be a nice bargain, especially in salary cap games, this year.

8. Vernon Davis (SF) – Here we go again. I went out on a limb and ranked Davis #2 going into last year, but he did not make me look good. But in the final analysis Vernon was not horrible, he did catch 52 balls in his 14 games and with Mike Martz as the OC the potential is there for Davis to be much more involved in the offense. He hasn't used his considerable talent to it's best use there, but I'm far from ready from writing off Vern as the biggest TE bust since Johnnie Mitchell. Based on the upside he's still worth reaching for after the top six TE's are gone.

9. Alge Crumpler (TN) – Stop if you’ve heard this before. Quarterback has a ton of athleticism but can’t find the broad side of a barn most of the time, his security blanket most often becomes his tight end. Crumpler got to learn that role very well with Michael Vick in Atlanta, and it sounds like he will very much fill that role now with Vince Young. Crumpler's production slumped in the A-T-L last year as the WR’s stepped it up somewhat, but he does have a solid 18 TD's over the past three seasons.

10. Jeremy Shockey (NO) – It doesn’t look good when one's career with a certain organization ends with that team winning it all while the player sits in the press box getting blitzed. Shockey now gets a new started in a fully loaded offense. Even when healthy, Shockey never could seem to quite reach the lofty expectations of the last few seasons. If he has his head in it, Shockey could be a tremendous bargain this year.

11. Heath Miller (PIT) – Slowly, he's getting there. If nothing else you have to like how his yards per catch keep flirting with the 12.0 range. Miller remains a decent pass-catching TE who will get you about six TD's – but anything more than 50 catches would be gravy.

12. Greg Olson (CHI) – The transition from veteran Desmond Clark to Olson began in the middle of last season and should become complete this time around. Olson's rookie #'s (39 catches/391 yards) were solid and the Bears got rid of their most productive receivers, meaning Olson may actually become the #1 receiver. Olson has freakish speed for a tight end, and let’s not forget he is from the U…

13. Owen Daniels (HOU) – Talk about someone who flies under the radar – 63 catches, 768 yards, and a 12.2 average. That sounds like Jeremy Shockey production but one could have had that from Daniels who was picked way later in most drafts. Depth such as Daniels is good reason for fantasy teams being able to go late into drafts before snaring a tight end.

14. Tony Scheffler (DEN) – He isn't the greatest blocker so he isn’t always on the field, but his stats in just 12 games last year project into a 65-catch campaign over the course of an entire season.

15. Donald Lee (GB) – After toiling as a backup for several seasons, Donald finally blossomed as a starter last year. Bubba Franks is no longer in the picture but any more potential upside could be neglected by the Packers QB leaving town.

16. Benjamin Watson (NE) – Ben was very much part of the Pats record-setting frenzy last year, scoring five times in the Pats first five games. But Watson then got hurt and his production fell off significantly. Watson's worth is limited simply because New England has so many weapons and backup David Thomas also figures to get a piece of the action.

17. Randy McMichael (STL) – His numbers fell off sharply, but there is reason to bank on a rebound this season as new OC Al Saunders has a history of featuring the tight end. It wouldn’t be shocking if McMichael could return to a 60-catch level.

18. L.J. Smith (PHI) – Ribs, knee, groin, hernia, just about everything imaginable kept L.J. from performing at a top level last year. Just remember that when healthy in previous years LJ was a borderline top-ten TE. Smith remains with the Eagles after being slapped with the franchise tag in the off-season.

19. Zach Miller (OAK) – Rookie campaign wound up being very solid, catching 44 passes for 444 yards – with those kind of numbers Brett Favre ought to be his quarterback. Unfortunately for Zach, JaMarcus Russell is currently is QB – which will keep him from improving on those numbers too much in his second year.

20. Marcedes Lewis (JAX) – Has not progressed as far as some people would like, but he did finish last year with 37 catches. With the Jags receiving corps beat up, the 6'6" Lewis could be featured as much as anyone on his team this year.

21. Ben Utecht (CIN) – You can argue the former Colt could get used a lot as defenses key on the two Bengals wide receivers. The argument against Utecht is that the Bengals are not known to throw to the TE a lot. Utecht did well enough in Indy to be considered a borderline TE in fantasy formats.

22. Leonard Pope (AZ) – You can't coach 6'8", and Pope has slowly come on in his first two years in the league. Five of his 23 catches in 10 games went for TD’s last year.

23. Kevin Boss (NYG) – Seemed to be involved in a lot of big plays in the Giants championship run, but wound up only catching about two balls per game even after Jeremy Shockey got hurt. But the starting job is obviously his now.

24. Dustin Keller (NYJ) – Incumbent Chris Baker and long-time Brett Favre favorite Bubba Franks is for now ahead of him on the depth chart, but the #30 overall pick has shined during camp and the pre-season, and is a good bet start establishing himself in the real games - a fantastic late-round pick in deep leagues

25. John Carlson (SEA) – Mike Holmgren has always liked his tight ends, which is what makes the Notre Dame product and immediate prospect to start. Be warned that he is not the most athletic of tight ends, think of him as the anti-Vernon Davis, which might not be a bad thing.

26. Anthony Fasano (MIA) – Speaking of the Notre Dame tight end factory – Fasano was stuck behind Jason Witten in Dallas but the Bill Parcells-led braintrust though enough of him to bring him along. He shouldn't have much trouble beating out David Martin.

27. Bo Scaife (TN) – Alge Crumpler may have moved ahead of Bo on the depth chart - but also remember Bo had 46 catches last year and a relationship with Vince Young going back to college. Scaife is a #2 who should still be seeing a piece of the action.

28. Alex Smith (TB) – One of those guys who passes the eyeball test but doesn't perform quite as good in real life. Tampa has other options at tight end but Alex is the best bet to start.

29. Desmond Clark (CHI) – Has been good for about 45 catches the last two years, but his looks figure to decline as Greg Olsen emerges – still a decent late, late round pick.

30. Jeff King (CAR) – Was a desperation, waiver wire pick-up in a couple of leagues I was in last year. He's good for about three catches per game but doesn't do a whole lot with them.

KACSPORTS 2008 FANTASY RANKINGS - KICKERS

1. Nick Folk (DAL) – About all you need to know about drafting kickers, at this time last year Folk was nowhere near most radars, as he had not even secured the starting job in Dallas. Those who drafted late enough and were able to use a last-round choice on Nick was rewarded with a 130-pt season – and now Folk shares company with Brady, LT, Moss and Jason Witten as #1 in their respective positions. But if someone beat you to Folk this year, don't fret too much – there are many, many other avenues to go down.

2. Stephen Gostkowski (NE) – An insane 74 PAT's alone made Gostkowski worthwhile in his second year in the league, but on those rare instances where New England had to settle for FG's Gostkowski also was much more reliable, going 21-24. New England's easy schedule assures another slew of points this year.

3. Nate Kaeding (SD) – Some still think about that playoff miss a few years back, but Kaeding's fine – 71-80 on FG's the last three years – all you need to know.

4. Adam Vinatieri (IND) – Started showing signs last year that he may be on the downside of his career, and did not have even one successful field goal beyond 40 yards. His two year totals in Inday are 113 and 118 points, which is also not eye-popping. But it’s a safe, veteran brand name on a good team.

5. Rob Bironas (TN) – His stats got a little inflated with that record 8 FG game, and he's with an only average at best team offensively. Rob gets ranked high however based on being just a tick under 90 percent last year.

6. Shayne Graham (CIN) – Still remember him (think I say this every year) for biffing a would-be game-winning PAT length FG at Lambeau way back in 2002. But Shayne has averaged 125 pts per year since 2004 and you know the Bengals will score if nothing else.

7. Mason Crosby (GB) – The other last-round wonder from last year, but even after winning the starting job in GB no one would had ever fathomed Mason leading the league in scoring. If Aaron Rodgers could prove he could throw something longer than 10 yards and not get sacked 100 times I would feel a little better about the Crosby show.

8. Josh Scobee (JAX) – Nice thing here is Scobee could last until the final rounds in most drafts, and still be worth your while. He did miss half of last year with injury, but that means he becomes cheaper in salary cap games. Playing in a small market also helps to keep the buzz down. 119 points in 2006 followed by 62 in eight games last year – most owners would take that.

9. Phil Dawson (CLE) – The only kicker Cleveland Browns Mark II have ever known, Dawson finally became fantasy worthy last year along with the rise of the team – hitting a solid 120 points. The case against Dawson this year is a difficult schedule plus the usual concerns of playing a cold-weather kicker come playoff time.

10. Neil Rackers (AZ) – Was numero uno amongst kickers just three short years ago – then his accuracy suddenly became below average – a mere 73 percent the last two years. But Arizona’s solid offense should help get Rackers back into the 110-point range once again.

11. Ryan Longwell (MN) – A solid fantasy kicker his first eight years in the league, Longwell has failed to crack the century mark the last three years. But Minneapolis is the favorite to win the NFC North this year and Ryan kicks indoors, on that alone he should approach 110 this year.

12. Josh Brown (STL) – Sick of seeing him put the dagger in with one of his 55-yard FG's, the Rams got rid of one of their nemesis by signing him. Josh is a cool 13-22 in his career from 50+ yards, impressive for anyone, doubly so in the elements of Seattle. Moving indoors might get negated this year with the sorry current state of the Rams offense. Brown easily becomes a top-ten kicker again when the Rams become respectable.

13. Lawrence Tynes (NYG) – Last seen in my part of the woods double-timing it back to the locker room after hitting a 47-yard FG straight down the middle with plenty to spare, winning the NFC Championship and becoming the first kicker to ever make a 40+ yard FG at Lambeau Field in the playoffs. Good thing he did too, because after missing two earlier attempts Tom Coughlin would have had him walking back to NY in his skivvies had he missed that one. The problem with New York kickers is that four below night in Green Bay is actually considered good in comparison to the windy conditions often encountered in the Meadowlands.

14. Jeff Reed (PIT) – Usually a solid fantasy kicker averaging 111 points the last five years, and was a solid 23-25 last year. One of the misses was from 65 yards the second came on what passed as a field that Monday night v. Pittsburgh. A brutally tough schedule knocks down Reed’s value a peg this year.

15. Matt Stover (BAL) – Even at age 40, still plenty good – has averaged 114 points on so-so team last three years and has been 87 percent on FG attempts.

16. Brandon Couto (SEA) – Looks like he might be able to hold off veteran Olindo Mare. Couto went 5-5 including the OT winner in an exhibition game and also nailed a 56-yarder in a scrimmage. He should be waiver wire robbery when he officially wins the job.

17. Jason Hanson (DET) – If you are anything under the age of 35, you've probably only known Hanson and Eddie Murray as Lions kickers. Jason has actually been fantastic the last two years scoring 117 and 122 points.

18. Taylor Mehlhaff (NO) – This ranking is contingent on the rookie beating vet Martin Gramatica in camp – it's said that Martin has the advantage right now. The Saints could always stash Mehlhaff away by making him a kickoff specialist for a year. Gramatica I would rank lower because he’s always a couple of his classic shanks away from a pink slip.

19. Shaun Suisham – With Mike Vanderjagt out to pasture the best Canadian kicker out there – 29-35 and a solid 116 points in 2007.

20. Kris Brown (HOU) – Became a usable fantasy kicker for the first time in his Houston career last year, posting a more than respectable 115 points.

21. Mike Nugent (NYJ) – Gets ripped a lot, but get drafted in the second round and people expect you never to miss. An easy schedule and possibly improved offense could see Nugent better his already respectable 110 pts from last year.

22. David Akers (PHI) – Not long ago he was a top fantasy kicker, but has been a shade below 75 percent the last three years.

23. Jason Elam (ATL) – 115, 115, and 114 points the last three campaigns, actually some of his lowest output of his 15-year Denver career. Despite moving indoors, Elam may have trouble reaching triple-digits for the first time thanks to Atlanta’s offense.

24. Rian Lindell (BUF) – Just over 90 percent on his attempts the last two years, fantastic anywhere, incredibly exceptional in Buffalo – and remember one of the Bills cold weather games this year will be indoors in Toronto. If he was good for anything more than 100 points he would be considered.

25. Matt Bryant (TB) – 118 points last year, but be warned – only 73 the year before that.

26. John Kasay (CAR) – In his 18th year in the league and still well above 80 percent in accuracy – but only 99 and 100 points last two years.

27. Matt Prater (DEN) – Slated to be Denver’s new kicker, but he’s been kind of shaky missing a 30-yard attempt during the pre-season. He does not exactly have the trust of the Denver staff right now.

28. Robbie Gould (CHI) – He was a top fantasy kicker just two short years ago, but the Bears offense and the Lake Michigan winds make him a less than optimal option.

29. Joe Nedney (SF) – Another classic example of good kicker/bad team, Nedney was 17-19 in FG's last year, but finished with a mere 73 points.

30. Sebastian Janikowski (OAK) – One of football's all-time over-rated kickers, SeaBass checks in at just over 70 percent the last three years. And he's also hurt this year in camp. Bad kicker, bad team, and always hurt – a bad combination, but his job's secure – only in Al’s world.

31. Nick Novak (KC) – Battling Connor Barth for KC's kicking job at this moment, but a veteran leg could be brought in as well.

32. Dan Carpenter (MIA) – No, never heard of him neither – but will likely be the Phins kicker after vet Jay Feely got released.

KACSPORTS 2008 FANTASY RANKINGS - TEAM DEFENSE

1. Minnesota – Already immovable against the run especially up the middle, the Purple now also add DE Jared Allen, who won the league sack title despite missing two games last year. The run defense last year was so stout that opposing QB's attempted a league-high 646 times, so start your QB's w. the Vikings knowing that at least you'll accumulate some yards.

2. San Diego – The Chargers early November game at Minneapolis brought out the good and bad of this unit. Antonio Cromartie returned a missed FG 109 yards, but the defense was shredded to the tune of near-300 rushing yards by Adrian Peterson. Look past that day though when considering SD – Cromartie recorded 10 INT's last year and is on record for having 15 picks as a goal. He and Shawne Merriman are two of the most fun players to own in IDP formats, and Darren Sproles is also capable of kick return scores.

3. Dallas – In most normal years you can't really do well against the Cowboys defense, but depending on when Pacman Jones gets reinstated this year has the potential to be really special, as Pacman (if his head's screwed on straight) is capable of a freakish amount of TD's on punt and INT returns.

4. New England – Recently took the Pats for a second straight year in a draft, when perhaps I should had took Dallas instead. I just had too many wild thoughts on how many picks the Patriots secondary could get against #4 this year. Segments of this unit are aging, but the easy New England schedule should once again make them a solid unit.

5. Jacksonville – Not a spectacular unit, but next to the Vikings perhaps the hardest to get running yards on. If he's not used too much on offense, Maurice Jones-Drew should get a couple of return scores.

6. Pittsburgh – You know what you are going to get most seasons, and Troy Polamalu hasn't been 100 percent the last two years. They should retain their place amongst the top units.

7. Chicago – Six games against division QB's Tavaris Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, and Jon Kitna sounds inviting, but the Bears defense could be a bit over-rated in drafts this year. Obviously Devin Hester's return totals have been historic, but he could see less time their if he plays on offense regularly. Drop the Bears several spots on this list if your league does not factor in special teams.

8. Baltimore – Could Michael Phelps put on about 20 pounds on play some linebacker for B-More??? Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and co. are getting a little up their in years, so the Ravens may be over-valued in some formats.

9. NY Giants – May be a little overvalued based on last year's playoff, and particularly Super Bowl success. The Giants lose Michael Strahan to retirement in addition to two of their top tacklers. Usi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are amongst those returning to a defense that racked up 53 sacks last year.

10. Indianapolis – DE Dwight Freeney is coming off major foot surgery, just one of many of the walking wounded in Colts camp. Still, this is a perennially elite team out of the AFC, yet still often flies under the radar.

11. Green Bay – This is an outfit that has improved immensely over the past two years. DE Aaron Kampman and third-year LB A.J. Hawk are the top IDP candidates. Will Blackmon could be a factor on returns if he can stay on the field.

12. Tennessee – DT Albert Haynesworth is the lynchpin of this unit – he re-signed for one-year/$7.25 million contract with incentives that would keep him from getting slapped with the franchise tag after the season. If Haynesworth is healthy, the Titans could approach 50 sacks.

13. Philadelphia – Tells everything the scouts know about college players into the draft, that DE Trent Cole would be better off moving to linebacker. Cole fell into Round 5, and went on to record 12.5 sacks last year. Asante Samuel and Chris Clemons were part of the free agent bounty to reinforce what was already not a bad unit.

14. Carolina – More has always seemed to be expected out of the Panthers D in recent years with Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins in the fold – but Jenkins had injury problems and is now out of the picture. There is plenty of new blood on the scene and Peppers will be motivated to bounce back from an off-year with his contract up.

15. Arizona – The Ken Whisenhunt regime has started to place it's stamp on this defense. DB Adrian Wilson's successful return from Achilles' surgery is a big key.

16. Seattle – Last seen getting shredded apart in the divisional playoffs, this is nonetheless an outfit on the rise. LB Lofa Tatupo is usually good for 100 tackles and CB Marcus Trufant just cashed in with a huge contract after a seven INT season.

17. Washington – One publication has the Redskins ranked dead last for this year, and overcoming the tragic passing of Sean Taylor will obviously continue to be a challenge. But London Fletcher is a top tackler and S LaRon Landry (#6 pick overall last year) fit in immediately playing alongside Taylor and is an up-and-coming IDP pick. Veteran DE Jason Taylor was quickly acquired via trade after the top two DE's on the depth chart got hurt in the first day of camp.

18. Houston – Remember how much ridicule this organization a couple years ago??? How could you pass up a once-in-a-generation athlete for Mario Williams??? Well who's looking smart now??? MLB DeMeco Ryans has also fast become a centerpiece along with emerging DT Amobi Okoye. The Texans ought to also do well in the return department with Jacoby Jones. One negative is that CB Dunta Robinson figures to miss a chunk of time this season.

19. Denver – Champ Bailey and Dre Bly remain a top corner tandem, but this was a somewhat disappointing defense last year, who like the Redskins, had to deal with a huge emotional and physical loss last year. Major news of training camp was the divorce between the team and veteran safety John Lynch.

20. Tampa Bay – If your league uses special teams scores, the Bucs always had a strike against them since the team had never scored on a kickoff return – but anyone could have a bad 32 years, the Bucs finally got that elusive KO score out of the way last year. Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are approaching the end of stellar careers, but there's a younger core starting to take notice.

21. NY Jets – The Jets transitioned from a 4-3 to a 3-4 the last couple of years, and once touted players such as Dewayne Robertson and Jonathan Vilma proved expendable. #6 overall pick Vernon Gholston will be counted on to become one of the leaders sooner rather than later.

22. Cleveland – For all the improvement the offense showed last year, the defense had to endure an off-season of DirecTV promos showing last year's shootout v. the Bengals 'that had defensive coordinators updating their resumes'. The Browns made a huge investment in the off-season bringing DT's Shaun Rogers (DET) and Corey Williams (GB) on board.

23. Oakland – Maybe you won't draft the Raiders, but think twice before starting a QB against the corner tandem of Naamdi Asomugha and newcomer DeAngelo Hall. Second-year man Michael Huff and FA acquisition Gibril Wilson complete a very strong secondary. MLB Kirk Morrison will be amongst the top tacklers.

24. San Francisco – ILB Patrick Willis was amongst the best rookies at any position of the 2007 crop, recording 135 tackles on the season – he is a top IDP pick. Free agent Nate Clements also justified his huge free agent contract but simply did not get enough help.

25. Buffalo – Paul Posluszny is a name to remember late in IDP formats, he had 22 tackles in just two games last year before getting hurt. DT Marcus Stroud was among the FA acquisitions to help plug up the middle. The return game should be primo with Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish.

26. New Orleans – Rookie USC product Sedrick Ellis should make an immediate impact. FA arrivals include LB Jonathan Vilma and ex-Patriot corner Randall Gay. CB Mike McKenzie is on the mend following off-season knee surgery.

27. Cincinnati – Former USC linebacker Keith Rivers was drafted #9 overall and is among those expected to contribute immediately. Safety Chinedum Ndukwe was very impression in a late-season look late in 2007, winning himself a job.

28. Miami – There will be open auditions all year in the first year of the Tony Sparano regime. Jason Taylor's double-digit sacks will be hard to replace – I'll rank Channing Crowder as the best IDP prospect.

29. Kansas City – Replacing Jared Allen will be extremely difficult for this rebuilding unit. DE Tamba Hali and #5 overall pick Glenn Dorsey should become the lynchpins of the front four.

30. Atlanta – DeAngelo Hall wasn't far behind his coach in bolting out of town. OLB Michael Boley and DE Jamaal Anderson should be the emerging pieces of this defense.

31. St. Louis – MLB Will Witherspoon is not only a top tackler, but also pitched in with seven sacks in '07. DE Chris Long was drafted #2 overall and got his contract done in time for camp – he will get valuble OTJ training.

32. Detroit – Three new faces in the Lions Cover-2 scheme in the secondary, most notably former Brown Leigh Bodden. OLB Ernie Sims is the unquestioned leader of the front seven. The best I can say about Detroit's current front four can be summed up in one word – meow.

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