Depth Chart Analysis IV

I started going through the depth charts, taking a look at the note worthy movements and camp battles now that they are nearing their end. Just a few nuggets for you to digest. I will take a look at half the AFC today, an continue through the next few days.

Atlanta:
- Tony Gonzales has been a fantasy force for a decade, consistantly a top TE, scoring at a #3, or even #2 WR level, quite an advantage in a in mandatory TE leagues. Will the Atlanta offense provide the same kind of numbers? Simple answer, Gonzales is too good a talent for it not to.

Carolina:
- Don't bank on DeAngelo Williams. He has an awesome seaon last year, surprising everyone, but I doubt he can do it again, and is certainly not worth the top ten ADP he this year. Solid back, sure, not elite.

New Orleans:
- Jeremy Shockey is done, he has lost all fantasy relevance due to injuries and attitude. Put him on the scrap heap.

Tampa Bay:
- Byron Leftwich will have a nice year, 3200 yards and about 20 TDs.
- RBBC! Talent at tail back, Cadilac Williams, Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham. Good backs, but all that talent has to play and they will steal carries and fantasy points from each other.

Arizona:
- Kurt Warner will have some great games this year, but not consistently, either due to injury or himself. Folks regard this guy as a great historical quarterback since his Super Bowl appearance, but look at the facts, he has only gone when he has had unbelievable options around him. Luke McCown could have had 4000 yards with that offense and those receivers. Just kidding... kinda.

San Francisco:
- Josh Morgon is the #1 WR in San Francisco. What does that mean? I am not sure he has a QB to get him to #2 WR level in fantasy leagues.
- Frank Gore is a top ten fantasy RB this year.

Seattle:
- Matt Hasslebeck will have a tier 2 quarterback performance this year. He is healthy for the first time in three years, and actuallly has rest, due to those same injuries. 3800+ yards and 25 TDs should be your expectation.

St. Louis:
- Steven Jackson, if he stays healthy, will have a monster year, shades of a few years ago. Consider their weak WR and TE crews, not only will he be the primary ball carrier, but he will also be their best receiver. Could be awesome!

Opening Night Observations.
Pittsburgh could not run the ball, not very Steeler-like. And Big Ben put up over 350 yards. Could that be a peek into the future this year for them? I think yes. I have also not been sold on Santonio Holmes, but based on Thursday's great performance, I might have to eat some crow there. As for Tennessee, I give them a pass. Playing the Steeler defense was not a good predicter of the year. Wait til next week to pass judgement.
Note: The Steeler defense drops from elite to average with Troy Polamalu out for 3-6 weeks.

Today's Hottie: Kelly Marie Szabo