Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By David Ferris

I've been in and out of the fantasy war room for two full decades now, and here's the playbook that's come out of that, a concise but effective guide to give you the strategic jump on your draft opponents.

Stay Current

Things change pretty fast around the NFL, especially in August when cuts are made, roles are decided, jobs are won and lost. Drafting from a magazine cheat sheet -- a list that was created in May or June -- is a sure way to sabotage your team. Take a news lap around the league and make sure your rankings are updated (something we do every week here) before you hit the war room. And don't assume that an online expert will automatically take care of your ranking needs -- even the best cheat sheets around will have some good players buried and some sketchy players inflated. Be sure to audit any sheet before you put it into play.

Sketch Out Your Plan -- In Pencil

There's nothing wrong with draft planning so long as you stay general -- flexibility is the key. If you put too much of your blueprint down in ink, you won't be ready to adjust when surprise values present themselves at the table. Consider your draft to be a round of golf -- sure, you'll come to the course with a plan of attack, but you won't actually pick your clubs and shape your shots until the in-progress conditions are upon you.

Don't Overvalue Fringe Factors

Strength of schedule analysis sounds helpful in theory, but given the reshuffle nature of the NFL, it's normally a waste of time. Did anyone expect the Saints to roll last year, or the Steelers to start 2-6? Every October the same theme resurfaces -- wow, this is the strangest season ever -- and with that in mind, you shouldn't put a lot of stock into SOS during the summer. Let's get a read on the league first.

Bye weeks are another overplayed angle. OK, it's tricky when some of your key guys have the same time off, understood, but the goal of any draft is to collect the most talent and resources possible.

Balance? We'll work on that later, with trading and free-agent moves.

Understand Supply and Demand

Acquiring depth at running back is very important; at receiver, it's somewhat important; at quarterback, it's worth considering. At the lesser positions, normally you want to go one and done (if your first tight end isn't a Top 10 guy I could see the case for adding a second).

Anyone who picks a second defense or spends a premium on a kicker is wasting the pick -- the free-agent wire will be teeming with legitimate options all season, and these are context, team-dependent positions to begin with. Don't fritter away your resources here.

Keep Up With the Neighborhood

While you don't want to obsess over what the other teams are doing at the draft, you do need to at least consider their game plan. As the night goes along, I'm constantly asking myself the same question: How are my opponents assembling their rosters? What are they likely to do next? What positions are drying up quickly? What positions are still rich?

At times you can put off a position fill because the teams picking around you are already set there -- and unlikely to grab your targeted area.

Other times, you may need to step in front of your opponents, knowing they're probably looking to fill the same needs as you.

Take What the Draft Gives You

At the end of the day, it's really not about the players at a draft, it's about the prices you pay for those players. Sleepers are fun when they click, sure, but the idea is to get those commodities at a realistic cost -- don't aggressively target those names on your sleeper list, take them when they slide to you. Conversely, just because you dislike a certain player, doesn't mean you can't grab him as a value if the entire room decides to pan him.

Two examples: San Diego WR Vincent Jackson, off a strong 2006 finish and a trendy sleeper this summer, can no longer be had at a decent price in most leagues. Conversely, Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis, stumbling veteran, has turned into a surprise value, essentially because so many fantasy owners are sick of him. If he slides to me as a third running back, I'll gladly write the ticket.

Stay Focused

More and more leagues are drafting online these days, which is great for convenience -- and terrible for distractions. Cut yourself a break on draft night and eliminate anything that will vie for your attention; keep your e-mail and message programs closed, turn your phone off, put a kibosh on Web surfing. The organized owner with the clearest mind has a tremendous advantage over the final third of the night, while the scattered donators are looking for a needle in a haystack by that point.

Beginning next week and throughout the preseason, we will feature this cheat sheet every Wednesday.

By David Ferris

*--Check status

Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning, Colts
2. Carson Palmer, Bengals
3. Tom Brady, Patriots (finally has legit stable of wideouts.)
4. Drew Brees, Saints
5. Vince Young, Titans (UPGRADE: Rushing TDs are gold at this position.)
6. Marc Bulger, Rams
7. Jon Kitna, Lions (UPGRADE: Perfect set-up: Martz offense, tons of weapons
8. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
9. Tony Romo, Cowboys
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (UPGRADE: Ready for heavier role in offense.)
11. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
12. Philip Rivers, Chargers
13. Matt Leinart, Cardinals
14. Eli Manning, Giants
15. Jake Delhomme, Panthers (NOTE: At least he's chucking it to Smith most of the time.)
16. J.P. Losman, Bills
17. Brett Favre, Packers
18. Jay Cutler, Broncos
19. Alex Smith, Niners
20. Jason Campbell, Redskins (NOTE: Played better than most realized.)
21. Matt Schaub, Texans
22. Jeff Garcia, Bucs
23. Rex Grossman, Bears
24. Chad Pennnington, Jets
25. Trent Green, Dolphins (NOTE: Hand-picked by Cam Cameron.)
26. Steve McNair, Ravens
27. Byron Leftwich, Jaguars
28. Joey Harrington, Falcons
29. *Daunte Culpepper, Raiders
30. *Brady Quinn, Browns
31. *Croyle/Huard, Chiefs
32. Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings

Running Back
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
2. Steven Jackson, Rams
3. *Frank Gore, Niners (NOTE: Hand injury unlikely to cost any real games.)
4. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks
5. Joseph Addai, Colts
6. *Larry Johnson, Chiefs (HEADS-UP: Nasty holdout a far way from over.)
7. Brian Westbrook, Eagles
8. Rudi Johnson, Bengals
9. Travis Henry, Broncos
10. Willie Parker, Steelers
11. Reggie Bush, Saints
12. Willis McGahee, Ravens (UPGRADE: Gets change of scenery at perfect time.)
13. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
14. Edgerrin James, Cardinals
15. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (NOTE: Unfortunately, still has to share with Taylor.)
16. Cedric Benson, Bears
17. Thomas Jones, Jets
18. Clinton Portis, Redskins (DOWNGRADE: Dealing with knee tendinitis, presence of Betts.)
19. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (NOTE: Solid back but team reached on him.)
20. Ahman Green, Texans
21. Marshawn Lynch, Bills
22. Jamal Lewis, Browns (NOTE: Market trends down, but a steal as your third back.)
23. Deuce McCallister, Saints
24. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
25. Julius Jones, Cowboys (NOTE: New regime makes him a sleeper.)
26. Carnell Williams, Bucs
27. LaMont Jordan, Raiders
28. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
29. Jerious Norwood, Falcons
30. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
31. Tatum Bell, Lions
32. Ladell Betts, Redskins
33. Marion Barber, Cowboys (DOWNGRADE: Don't pony up for last year's TDs.)
34. Kevin Jones, Lions
35. Chester Taylor, Vikings
36. Fred Taylor, Jaguars
37. Brandon Jackson, Packers
38. DeShaun Foster, Panthers
39. *Warrick Dunn, Falcons (DOWNGRADE: Off knee surgery, might never get ball back from Norwood.)
40. Vernand Morency, Packers
41. LenDale White, Titans (NOTE: Avoid this backfield until the late rounds.)
42. Reuben Droughns, Giants
43. Leon Washington, Jets
44. Adrian Peterson, Bears
45. Michael Turner, Chargers
46. Anthony Thomas, Bills
47. Michael Pittman, Bucs
48. Sammy Morris, Patriots
49. Chris Henry, Titans
50. Mike Bell, Broncos

Wide Receiver
1. Steve Smith, Panthers
2. Chad Johnson, Bengals
3. Torry Holt, Rams
4. Marvin Harrison, Colts
5. Reggie Wayne, Colts
6. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
7. *Terrell Owens, Cowboys (HEADS-UP: Almost never plays full 16 games.)
8. Lee Evans, Bills (UPGRADE: He's always had the goods, now Losman does too.)
9. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals
10. Marques Colston, Saints
11. Roy Williams, Lions
12. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
13. Javon Walker, Broncos
14. Andre Johnson, Texans (NOTE: Probably offered to drive David Carr out of town.)
15. Donald Driver, Packers
16. Randy Moss, Patriots
17. Plaxico Burress, Giants
18. Reggie Brown, Eagles (UPGRADE: Andy Reid's system is a star maker.)
19. Hines Ward, Steelers
20. Joey Galloway, Bucs
21. Deion Branch, Seahawks (NOTE: A No. 2 who's paid as a No. 1.)
22. Santana Moss, Redskins
23. Laveranues Coles, Jets (NOTE: Cotchery similar and comes much cheaper.)
24. Chris Chambers, Dolphins
25. Calvin Johnson, Lions
26. Braylon Edwards, Browns
27. Bernard Berrian, Bears (NOTE: He'll get open, but can Grossman find him?)
28. *Darrell Jackson, Niners
29. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets
30. D.J. Hackett, Seahawks (SLEEPER: Has decent shot to be Hasselbeck's first option.)
31. Ronald Curry, Raiders
32. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (NOTE: Justly on everyone's sleeper list; there goes the value.)
33. Greg Jennings, Packers
34. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
35. Jerry Porter, Raiders
36. *Terry Glenn, Cowboys
37. Muhsin Muhammad, Bears
38. Devery Henderson, Saints (NOTE: Tasty upside but job isn't guaranteed.)
39. Mark Clayton, Ravens
40. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
41. Donte Stallworth, Patriots
42. Isaac Bruce, Rams
43. Derrick Mason, Ravens
44. Drew Bennett, Rams
45. Joe Horn, Falcons
46. Eddie Kennison, Chiefs
47. Matt Jones, Jaguars (DOWNGRADE: Club has drafted terribly at this position.)
48. Michael Jenkins, Falcons
59. Brandon Marshall, Broncos
50. Drew Carter, Panthers
51. Wes Welker, Patriots (SLEEPER: Underrated slot machine and Stallworth no sure bet.)
52. Amani Toomer, Giants
53. Arnaz Battle, Niners
54. Mike Furrey, Lions
55. Bobby Wade, Vikings
56. Malcolm Floyd, Chargers
57. Troy Williamson, Vikings (NOTE: Eyes are fine now; must rebuild confidence.)
58. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys (SLEEPER: Much needed given nicked-up teammates.)
59. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts
60. Joe Jurevicius, Browns
61. Bobby Engram, Seahawks
62. Marty Booker, Dolphins
63. Ted Ginn, Dolphins
64. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
65. Bryant Johnson, Cardinals

Tight End
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers
2. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
3. Todd Heap, Ravens
4. Chris Cooley, Redskins (UPGRADE: The best value at the position.)
5. Jeremy Shockey, Giants
6. Kellen Winslow, Browns
7. Vernon Davis, Niners
8. Alge Crumpler, Falcons (DOWNGRADE: Vick absence would hurt him the most.)
9. Jason Witten, Cowboys
10. Ben Watson, Patriots
11. Dallas Clark, Colts
12. Heath Miller, Steelers
13. Randy McMichael, Rams
14. Eric Johnson, Saints (SLEEPER: Drew Brees believes, and so do we.)
15. *L.J. Smith, Eagles
16. Marcus Pollard, Seahawks
17. Alex Smith, Bucs
18. Owen Daniels, Texans
19. Chris Baker, Jets
20. Desmond Clark, Bears (DOWNGRADE: He'll lose targets to rookie Greg Olsen.)

Kicker
1. Adam Vinatieri, Colts (NOTE: Never attack this position early.)
2. Jeff Wilkins, Rams
3. Neil Rackers, Cardinals
4. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
5. Shayne Graham, Bengals
6. David Akers, Eagles
7. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
8. Jason Elam, Broncos
9. Olindo Mare, Saints (SLEEPER: Indoors and tied to a strong offense.)
10. Robbie Gould, Bears (DOWNGRADE: Dream seasons at kicker seldom repeat.)
11. Josh Brown, Seahawks
12. John Kasay, Panthers
13. Matt Stover, Ravens (DOWNGRADE: Seldom trusted with long kicks anymore.)
14. Jason Hanson, Lions
15. Josh Scobee, Jaguars
16. Mike Nugent, Jets
17. Joe Nedney, Niners
18. Rian Lindell, Bills
19. Jeff Reed, Steelers
20. Phil Dawson, Browns

Defense
1. Bears (NOTE: The clear top dog, but normally overpriced.)
2. Ravens
3. Chargers
4. Patriots
5. Cowboys
6. Eagles
7. Packers (SLEEPER: Unit quietly got nasty down stretch in 2006.)
8. Seahawks
9. Panthers
10. Dolphins
11. Broncos
12. Steelers
13. Jaguars
14. Vikings
15. Raiders (NOTE: If only they weren't tied to lousy offense.)
16. Rams
17. Cardinals
18. Bills
19. Niners
20. Bengals

Football differs from other team sports most significantly in the impact the team environment has on individual performance.

A major part of this environment, of course, is fellow players. But less obvious is the impact that the play-calling tendencies of coaches have on player performance. So let's focus first on coaching changes in our attempt to predict which players will perform significantly better or worse than in 2006.

We don't expect fundamental philosophical changes on offense when a team promotes a coordinator from the prior staff, or when the head coach changes but the coordinator stays in place.

So expect similarly styled attacks in San Francisco and Dallas (new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett reports to assistant head coach Tony Sparano, who called plays in Dallas last year).

San Diego's offense is unlikely to change substantively despite losing its head coach and offensive coordinator. Norv Turner takes the reigns of the team and especially the offense. He's guaranteed to employ a similar power-running, downfield passing attack.

But significant changes are likely afoot in Pittsburgh, Carolina, Arizona, Miami, Oakland and Atlanta. Let's examine why.

New Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has a defensive background and hands the offensive reigns to holdover WR coach Bruce Arians, who once served as Peyton Manning's QB coach. Expect the Steelers to continue their transition in 2007 to becoming a decidedly more pass-heavy team (17th in percentage of pass plays and more aggressive in the first-half of games than overall).

The expectation in Carolina is that new coordinator Jeff Davidson, whose background is on the offensive line, will reemphasize the running game. Carolina was ninth in overall percentage of pass plays last year (56 percent) and called passes about as frequently in the first half of games. But Davidson is a protégé of Charlie Weis. So assume he'll implement a Weis-styled offense, which generally finished near the top of the league in passing TDs -- a good indicator of aggressiveness.

Everyone is high on the Cardinals' personnel in the passing game. But new head coach Ken Whisenhunt helmed a Steelers offense that, in 2005, was most extreme in running overall and on first down. He stated his top priority in Arizona is the implementation of a power running game.

New Dolphins coach and former Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will be heavily involved with the offense. His was not fantasy-friendly for the passing game last year, but had been in years past. He will likely look to build the entire attack around a feature running back.

Former USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is ultimately in charge of Oakland's offense. But he probably had more offensive talent on his 2005 USC team than he'll have this year in Oakland, where he'll nonetheless try to implement the Trojan's downfield passing offense.

Now let's make some related player recommendations.

Buy

Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons: New head coach Bobby Petrino can't possibly install a big-strike passing game with QB Joey Harrington. Warrick Dunn (back surgery) is about done (at 32). That leaves Norwood (6.4 per carry in '06) as the building block by default.

Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers: Down last year, but usually near the top of the all-important yards-per-attempt rankings. Remember, he tossed 53 TD passes in '04 and '05. Backup David Carr has zero pocket awareness and is no threat.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: He's got the skills, as a former No. 2 overall pick. Now, Cameron wants him to be Tomlinson 2.0. Cameron tries to transform an offense that threw second most frequently overall and about as frequently in the first half of games.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers: Hines Ward (31) doesn't have a step to lose. Holmes is ascending and was quite productive down the stretch (17 catches, 388 yards in December). QB Ben Roethlisberger struggles in '06 were likely related to his multiple, massive concussions.

Hold

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: Looks Troy Aikman-like in his ability to win raves without big-time scoring or yardage numbers. LaDainian Tomlinson is in the Emmitt Smith role as the TD maker. And now former Cowboys coordinator Norv Turner calls the plays.

Sell

Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals: He needs the Cardinals to throw a lot to be effective because Larry Fitzgerald looks like the alpha male in the Arizona passing game. Perhaps Edgerrin James will spit the bit again and thwart Whisenhunt's running plans.

This week, thanks to our friends at the great site FantasyAuctioneer.com, let’s make recommendations in light of players’ concrete average auction values (AAV) in thousands of preseason leagues that have already assembled rosters. I realize that most leagues draft, so I will also indicate the corresponding draft slot for each value.

The assumption here is a 12-team league with a $200 budget for 16 players. Assumed scoring is 1 pt/20 yds passing; 1 pt/10 yards rushing/receiving; 4 pts passing TD, 6 pts all other TDs. Upgrade means we think he’s going to earn more relative to cost; downgrade, less.

Upgrade

Carnell Williams, RB, Bucs ($22.24, 41st overall): Last year, he was taken in the middle of Round 1 everywhere and I warned you that was too high. Now the price has dropped to the point where I’d be a buyer. He’s reportedly going to be firmly integrated into the passing game, which helps in point-per-catch leagues. Maybe 33-year-old Mike Alstott holds up and siphons off the goal-line carries again. (UPDATE: Alstott announced his retirement on Thursday, leaving FB B.J. Askew as the only competition for goal-line carries.) But expect Williams to double his red zone plays (just 28 last year, including times targeted as a receiver). Given his talent, Williams should be able to generate a half-dozen scores here and maybe one or two more long ones.

Julius Jones, RB, Cowboys ($11.31, 58th overall): When the committee situation can go either way, it usually pays to grab the runner who is seeded second at your draft. Last year, that Cowboy running back was Marion Barber. This year, it’s Jones, who is still very explosive and has a new coaching staff on which to make a positive first impression. If Terrell Owens tails off at age 33 (unlikely), the Cowboys will desperately need Jones’s playmaking ability.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers ($7.28, 77th overall): He’s had a rough start to camp. Vernand Morency seems entrenched as the starter. But Morency is a journeyman for a reason (Green Bay is his third team in less than a year). Jackson was drafted in the second round to be a starter and rookie RBs tend to make a quick impact. Expect him to be the man by Halloween. I’d always rather sign for the a guy right out of the showroom than the other RBs available in middle rounds who are mostly retreads and nearly deads.

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys ($6.58, 82nd overall): Why take a QB early when you can get a guy like Romo nearly halfway through your draft? Romo averaged 8.61 yards per attempt, which, if he does it this year, will very likely give him over 30 TD passes. Last year, his 18 TD passes in 10 starts translates to a 29-TD pass pace. For a QB, a 7.5 YPA is a magic number; 8.5 and over is off-the-charts good. In addition, Owens is still in town and there was still no better WR weapon in football last year than him. Assistant Head Coach Tony Sparano returns as the Cowboys playcaller.

No Change

Randy Moss, WR, Patriots ($22.24, 39th overall): I feel like I’m fence-straddling with these “holds” in the preseason. But they do serve their purpose during the regular season. Moss seems perfectly priced to me, as he can earn $40 or, conceivably, $0. I’d swallow hard if someone took Moss off the board here because I know he’s a guy who can beat me and that kind of upside is always a bargain once three rounds have passed in any serious 12-team draft.

Downgrade

Peyton Manning, QB, Colts ($43.94, 12th overall): He’s an inner-circle Hall of Famer and the best QB I’ve ever seen. But you can’t win fantasy championships in standard leagues paying this kind of price for a QB. There are 10 or 12 guys every year who throw 25-TD passes (or maintain a 25-TD pace once elevated due to a benching or injury). Half of those guys get you to within arm’s length of Manning. And your fellow fantasy owners get these QBs late or even in free agency (Tony Romo). Here’s the strategy for every draft: be the last team to take a starting QB and the first team to take a backup. You’re almost certain to get a 25-TD QB this way, and maybe two. Meanwhile, the Manning owner very likely will be hunting for a running back all year.

Reggie Bush, RB, Saints ($43.50, 14th overall): This is a good price in a distance-scoring league. But few leagues use this scoring system (unfortunately). If you’re in a point-per-catch league, you can think about this kind of investment, too. But again, those leagues are in the minority. In standard scoring, Bush scores the hard way (from a distance), while Deuce McAllister gets the easy ones in close. Last year, McAllister had 21 goal-line rushes, Bush seven. The sad thing is that McAllister is generally very poor in this role (converted just 33 percent last year) and Bush isn’t half bad (3-for-7). But McAllister on the goal line is the chalk pick. Perhaps not as it should be, but very probably as it will be.

Jon Kitna, QB, Lions ($11.77, 57th overall): I’ve been down this road before. Crappy QB. Great situation. Tommy Maddox went bust. So did Kurt Warner (twice, once for the Rams and once for the Cardinals). Drew Bledsoe says, “Me, too!” It’s so easy to foresee Kitna getting benched for Michigan State rookie QB Drew Stanton (a second-round pick) after suffering through a barrage of sacks and interceptions during a typical 1-5 Lions start. I’d happily take Kitna in my last/first QB strategy. But 57th overall is way too early for that. Yes, the Lions could be explosive with the supremely gifted Roy Williams and even more talented Calvin Johnson manning the WR spots (plus pesky Mike Furry in the slot). Kitna’s 7.0 YPA seems like a positive indicator until you realize that’s about as bad as it gets in a Mike Martz offense. Of course, that YPA doesn’t factor yards lost due to those unconscionable 63 sacks. Yes, some may not have been his fault. But most probably were. And these sacks say Kitna is probably ill-suited to a Martz-styled attack.

By The Associated Press

A look at offseason changes in the NFL that could affect fantasy football rosters, with rookies designated by (R):

ARIZONA: ADDED: FB Terrelle Smith, OL Mike Gandy, C Al Johnson, OT Levi Brown (R). Hired Former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as head coach and former Cowboys receivers coach Todd Haley as offensive coordinator. GONE: T Leonard Davis, G Milford Brown, OL Chris Liwienski, FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo.

ATLANTA: ADDED: WR Joe Horn, QB Joey Harrington, QB Chris Redman, RB Arlen Harris, FB Ovie Mughelli, OL Toniu Fonoti. Hired head coach Bobby Petrino, the former offense-minded coach at Louisville, and former Cincinnati receivers coach Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator. GONE: QB Matt Schaub, FB Justin Griffith, WR Ashley Lelie, G Matt Lehr.

BALTIMORE: ADDED: RB Willis McGahee. Rick Neuheisel promoted to offensive coordinator, although coach Brian Billick will still call plays. GONE: RB Jamal Lewis, FB Ovie Mughelli, T Tony Pashos, G. Edwin Mulitalo.

BUFFALO: ADDED: RB Marshawn Lynch (R), G Derrick Dockery, T Langston Walker, OL Jason Whittle. GONE: RB Willis McGahee, QB Kelly Holcomb, G Tutan Reyes, G Chris Villarrial, OL Mike Gandy.

CAROLINA: ADDED: WR Dwayne Jarrett (R), former Cleveland assistant Jeff Davidson as offensive coordinator to replace the fired Dan Henning. GONE: WR Keyshawn Johnson, TE Kris Mangum, OL Jeremy Bridges suspended for first two games of the season.

CHICAGO: ADDED: TE Greg Olsen (R), FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo. GONE: RB Thomas Jones, WR Justin Gage.

CINCINNATI: ADDED: OL Alex Stepanovich, TE Erik Jensen. GONE: WR Kelley Washington, QB Anthony Wright. WR Chris Henry suspended for first eight games.

CLEVELAND: ADDED RB Jamal Lewis, QB Brady Quinn (R), OL Eric Steinbach, OL Seth McKinney, T Joe Thomas (R), WR Tim Carter. Hired former San Diego tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator. GONE: RB Reuben Droughns, WR Dennis Northcutt, FB Terrelle Smith, OL Joe Andruzzi, OL Ryan Tucker suspended for first four games of season.

DALLAS: ADDED: OL Leonard Davis, QB Brad Johnson. Hired former Miami QBs coach Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator and former Chicago QBs coach Wade Wilson as QBs coach. GONE: QB Drew Bledsoe, OL Jason Fabini, C Al Johnson, G Marco Rivera.

DENVER: ADDED: RB Travis Henry, TE Daniel Graham, WR Brandon Stokley, QB Patrick Ramsey, WR David Terrell, OL Montrae Holland, FB Paul Smith. GONE: RB Tatum Bell, QB Jake Plummer, OL George Foster, OL Cooper Carlisle.

DETROIT: ADDED: WR Calvin Johnson (R), RB Tatum Bell, RB T.J. Duckett, WR Shaun McDonald, WR Marcus Robinson, WR Kevin Kasper, OL George Foster, OL Edwin Mulitalo, QB Drew Stanton (R), QB J.T. O’Sullivan. GONE: QB Josh McCown, WR Mike Williams, TE Marcus Pollard, OL Rick DeMulling, G Ross Verba, FB Cory Schlesinger.

GREEN BAY: ADDED: RB Brandon Jackson (R). Offensive assistant Joe Philbin promoted to replace outgoing offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. GONE: RB Ahman Green, TE David Martin.

HOUSTON: ADDED: QB Matt Schaub, RB Ahman Green, WR Keenan McCardell, OL Jordan Black, WR/KR Bethel Johnson. Promoted assistant coach and former Green Bay coach Mike Sherman to offensive coordinator. GONE: QB David Carr, RB Domanick Williams (formerly Davis), WR Eric Moulds.

INDIANAPOLIS: ADDED: WR Anthony Gonzalez (R), OL Rick DeMulling. GONE: RB Dominic Rhodes, WR Brandon Stokley, OL Tarik Glenn.

JACKSONVILLE: ADDED WR Dennis Northcutt, QB Tim Couch, TE Jermaine Wiggins, T Tony Pashos. Hired former Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator, replacing the fired Carl Smith. GONE: TE Kyle Brady, WR Cortez Hankton.

KANSAS CITY: ADDED: WR Dwayne Bowe (R), OL Damion McIntosh. GONE: QB Trent Green, WR/KR Dante Hall, OL Will Shields, OL Jordan Black.

MIAMI: ADDED: QB Trent Green, WR Ted Ginn Jr. (R), WR Az-Zahir Hakim, TE David Martin, TE Courtney Anderson, FB Cory Schlesinger, OL Chris Liwienski, OL Jonathan Ingram. Hired former San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron as head coach. GONE: QB Joey Harrington, QB Daunte Culpepper, TE Randy McMichael, RB Sammy Morris, WR Wes Welker, WR Kelly Campbell, OL Seth McKinney, OL Bennie Anderson, OL Damion McIntosh, G Jeno James.

MINNESOTA: ADDED: RB Adrian Peterson (R), WR Sidney Rice (R), WR Bobby Wade, WR Cortez Hankton. GONE: QB Brad Johnson, WR Travis Taylor, TE Jermaine Wiggins, T Mike Rosenthal, OL Jason Whittle.

NEW ENGLAND: ADDED: WR Randy Moss, WR Donte’ Stallworth, WR Kelley Washington, RB Sammy Morris, WR Wes Welker, TE Kyle Brady. GONE: RB Corey Dillon, TE Daniel Graham.

NEW ORLEANS: ADDED: WR Robert Meacham (R), WR David Patten, TE Eric Johnson. GONE: WR Joe Horn, TE Ernie Conwell, OL Montrae Holland.

NY GIANTS: ADDED: RB Reuben Droughns, WR Steve Smith (R), QB Anthony Wright, G Zach Piller. Promoted Kevin Gilbride to offensive coordinator. Hired Chris Palmer as QB coach. GONE: RB Tiki Barber, WR Tim Carter, T Luke Petitgout, T Bob Whitfield.

NY JETS: ADDED: RB Thomas Jones, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, RB Tony Hollings. GONE: QB Patrick Ramsey, RB Kevan Barlow, RB Derrick Blaylock, RB Cedric Houston, FB B.J. Askew.

OAKLAND: ADDED: RB Dominic Rhodes (suspended for first four games), QB Daunte Culpepper, QB JaMarcus Russell (R), QB Josh McCown, WR Mike Williams, WR Travis Taylor, FB Justin Griffith, QB Josh Booty, OL Jeremy Newberry, OL Cooper Carlisle, OL Cornell Green. Hired former USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as head coach. Hired offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, who formerly held same position in Atlanta and San Francisco. GONE: WR Randy Moss, QB Aaron Brooks, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, TE Courtney Anderson, T Langston Walker, OL Brad Badger, OL Adam Treau.

PHILADELPHIA: ADDED: WR Kevin Curtis, QB Kelly Holcomb, QB Kevin Kolb (R). GONE: QB Jeff Garcia, WR Donte’ Stallworth.

PITTSBURGH: ADDED: OL Sean Mahan, RB Kevan Barlow. Former Minnesota defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin hired as head coach. Former Cleveland offensive coordinator Bruce Arians hired as offensive coordinator. Ken Anderson hired as QBs coach. GONE: C Jeff Hartings.

SAN DIEGO: ADDED: Hired Norv Turner as head coach. Promoted RBs coach Clarence Shelmon to offensive coordinator. WR Craig Davis (R). GONE: WR Keenan McCardell.

SAN FRANCISCO: ADDED: WR Darrell Jackson, WR Ashley Lelie. Promoted QB coach Jim Hostler to offensive coordinator. GONE: Offensive coordinator Norv Turner, WR Antonio Bryant, TE Eric Johnson, OL Jeremy Newberry, WR Eric Parker out up to 10.

SEATTLE: ADDED: TE Marcus Pollard. GONE: WR Darrell Jackson, TE Jerramy Stevens, C Robbie Tobeck.

ST. LOUIS: ADDED: WR Drew Bennett, TE Randy McMichael, WR/KR Dante Hall. GONE: WR Kevin Curtis, WR Shaun McDonald, RB Tony Fisher, G Adam Timmerman.

TAMPA BAY: ADDED: QB Jeff Garcia, WR David Boston, TE Jerramy Stevens, FB B.J. Askew, OL Luke Petitgout, OL Matt Lehr, rights to retired QB Jake Plummer. GONE: QB Tim Rattay, T Kenyatta Walker, OL Sean Mahan.

TENNESSEE: ADDED: RB Chris Henry (R), WR Eric Moulds, WR Justin Gage, QB Tim Rattay. GONE: RB Travis Henry, WR Drew Bennett, WR Bobby Wade, TE Erron Kinney, G Zach Piller.

WASHINGTON: ADDED: WR Corey Bradford, OL Jason Fabini, OL Ross Tucker. GONE: WR David Patten, RB T.J. Duckett, T Jim Molinaro, G Derrick Dockery, TE Christian Fauria.

By BILL KONIGSBERG
AP Sports Writer

Oh, the purple mountain travesty that is Coors Field.

In past seasons, fantasy owners would load up on players with upcoming trips to Colorado. The thin air meant big numbers, transforming the Ryan Freels of the world into Ryan Howards for a few days.

It also had a way of making someone like Josh Beckett look more like Josh Towers.
It’s not entirely in the past: just ask Yovani Gallardo. The Brewers’ rookie hadn’t allowed more than four runs in any of his first seven major league starts. Then he went to Coors Field and was rocked for 11 runs and 12 hits in 2 2-3 innings in a 19-4 drubbing on Wednesday.

It used to be all pitchers could expect problems at Coors, but things are different now. The humidor changed some things, and the improvement of the Rockies did the rest.

No smart owner is picking up players solely because of a series in Denver anymore. But owners certainly are loading up their lineups with Colorado batters when they are at home. Colorado pitchers, too.

Coors Field has changed from a pitcher’s nightmare to a visiting team’s nightmare, and your fantasy team can benefit for the rest of this season and in the future from knowing about it.

The Rockies have once again assembled a team that rules at Coors. They are 19-4 in Colorado since June 6, and haven’t lost a home series since May.

They are doing it with a combination of good hitting, typical at home for the team, and surprisingly good pitching, which is much more unusual.

In 2004, the Rockies hit .303 at home with 111 home runs. Unfortunately, their pitchers allowed 110 home runs and an opponent batting average of .307, with a home ERA of 6.27.

Through 54 home games this year, the Rockies are batting .301 and are on pace for 102 homers. But their opponents aren’t faring nearly as well. Foes are hitting .279 and are on pace for just 75 home runs. The Rockies home ERA is a completely acceptable 4.55.

The point is, watch where your players are playing when making out your weekly lineups. And have updated information, such as how the Coors effect has changed.
Otherwise, you could miss out on a gem like Jeff Francis.

HOME COOKING

Jeff Francis, RHP, Rockies

When he was coming up and dominating in the minors, some compared Francis to a young Greg Maddux, a cerebral pitcher with pinpoint control. He’s had his growing pains, but he’s improved in each of his four seasons and has emerged as legitimate ace. The 26-year-old Francis (13-5, 4.06 ERA) is 12-1 since May 7, and has begun to strike out more batters this year (6.8 per 9 innings), making him a pitcher who can help in multiple categories. And his 4.55 ERA at home means he’s safe to keep activated at all times.

Jhonny Peralta, SS, Indians
Peralta is an elite shortstop, half of the time. He has been gold at Jacobs Field (.327-13-40), but hasn’t found his swing on the road (.226-3-16). His career average is 36 points higher at home (.286 to .250), which points to a significant difference in approach depending on where Peralta is playing. If you own Peralta and you’ve been wondering why some weeks he’s lights out and others not so much, now you know. You need to platoon Peralta with another shortstop to make him a valuable part of your team.

Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox
It’s not that hard to understand why Lowell is so much better at Fenway Park (.362-10-45) than on the road (.248-5-30). The Green Monster is a friend to a right-handed line drive hitter like Lowell, who regularly plunks singles off the wall in left. Overall, Lowell has turned into a very dependable option at third. Other than June, when he hit .227, Lowell has been money all year long.

ROAD TO NOWHERE

Nomar Garciaparra, 3B, Dodgers
The disappearance of Nomar from fantasy relevance has been one of the more mind-boggling trends of the season. Even stranger is the fact that the veteran is doing just fine at home in a pitcher’s park (.325-5-35) but has been awful on the road (.232-1-22). Only three qualifying players — Tony Pena Jr. of the Royals, Miguel Olivo of the Marlins and Julio Lugo of the Red Sox — have lower slugging percentages on the road than Garciaparra. Frightening. Drop him and find another answer for your corner infield slot.

Wandy Rodriguez, LHP, Astros
One absolute fantasy must is to make sure Rodriguez isn’t in your lineup when he’s on the road. If you do nothing else, do this. He pitches like a Cy Young candidate at home (6-2, 1.69 ERA), and is a complete disaster on the road (1-8, 8.16). The flip side of this is you need to pick him up if he’s available in your league and make sure to play him when he pitches in Houston. In his last five home starts, he is 4-0 with an incredible 0.70 ERA.

QUICK HITS: Taking closer Francisco Cordero out of your lineup when the Brewers are on the road may seem a bit extreme, but so are his home and road splits. Cordero has an 0.58 ERA at home, and an 8.62 on the road, where he’s blown five of 16 save opportunities. ... Athletics SS Bobby Crosby, out since July because of a broken hand, has six RBIs in 170 road at-bats. Not so good for a guy who was supposed to have a live bat.

Beginning today, we hope this blog will be a crucial source for information as you prepare to draft and manage your fantasy sports teams.

Columnist Michael Salfino will write about football from today through the end of the season. Every week during the season, you will be able to find Salfino's Football By the Numbers, a list of players to buy, sell and hold (by Tuesday); his Matchup Meter, a ranking of all players based only on the coming week's matchup (by Wednesday); his Fantasy Football Stock Watch, who to upgrade, who to maintain and who to downgrade for the coming week (by Thursday); and an updated Matchup Meter, based on injury and news reports from the week (by Saturday).

We will also provide tips from fantasy enthusiasts here at the projo, as well as fantasy content from the Associated Press. For now, our main focus will be football -- with Draft season approaching -- with some baseball thrown in. We'll have much more on other sports as we continue forward.