Green
Bay Packers
Favorite: Robert Ferguson
Contenders: Javon Walker
Fantasy Impact
Throughout his career, Brett Favre has turned ordinary
receivers into extraordinary receivers. Players like
Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman and
Donald Driver have provided fantasy owners with acrobatic
touchdown receptions and lofty yardage statistics for
more than a decade. Therefore, it should come as no
surprise that the battle for Green Bay’s starting
position opposite Driver will be among the most highly-discussed
competitions in the 2003 preseason. Count on the winner’s
name to grace the sleeper lists of fantasy experts
across the Internet. And, more importantly, don’t
be afraid to gamble a mid- to late-round pick on Green
Bay’s number two receiver. Whoever it is will
have the potential for 50-60 receptions and seven touchdowns.
The Latest (updated 7/30/03)
Head Coach Mike Sherman has given the early edge in this
position battle to Ferguson. "It's Robert's job to
lose," says Sherman. "He has an edge because
he's been here a year more than Javon and was productive
last year. But there's a battle." When Ferguson suffered
a minor tailbone injury and missed practice, Walker looked
impressive working with the first team offense. Don’t
expect this position battle to be settled until the third
preseason game. It’s worth noting that Walker plays
flanker only, Ferguson is a split end only, and Driver
plays both interchangeably. Driver's position will depend
on who wins the starting job opposite him.
Miami Dolphins
Favorite: Derrius Thompson
Contenders: James McKnight and Orande Gadsden
Fantasy Impact
With third-year wideout Chris Chambers seemingly entrenched
as the Dolphin's primary receiver, the team will use
the preseason to determine who will start on the opposite
side of the field. The offseason retirement of Cris
Carter leaves the door open for veterans James McKnight,
free agent acquisition Derrius Thompson and Orande
Gadsden, who was re-signed by the team. Because they
depend so much on Ricky Williams, don't expect Miami's
second wideout to contribute anything more than five
or six touchdowns to your fantasy team. However, the
winner of this battle will provide an attractive starting
option when there's a favorable matchup or when you
need an injury or bye-week replacement.
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While McKnight and Gadsden have experience on their side,
let's not forget Thompson spent his first two years
in the NFL under the tutelage of Offensive Coordinator
Norv Turner while the two were together in Washington.
Expect the coaching staff to give Thompson and his
fresh, young legs every opportunity to win the starting
job.
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