NFL Fantasy Preview: Who's Hot and Who's Not

It's that time of year again. Everyone is getting ready to put together their legendary fantasy team that will bring home the title of being number one. For some, fantasy means more interaction with close friends as you discuss football players and decide who really knows football the best—well at least for that year. For others, fantasy means a possible pay day, lots of trash talk, and paying a lot of attention to useless statistics about your favorite NFL stars. Whatever fantasy may mean to you, I'm sure you are looking for any kind of insight to ensure you have the upper hand come draft day. Here are some suggestions if you are having a little trouble deciding who should make your roster.

Can't Miss Players:

Adrian Peterson - Please don't be the guy that passes on A Pete. You will regret it.
Matt Forte – If you thought Forte was effective with no passing games, he will be even better with Cutler at QB.
Tom Brady – If you let the season-ending injury steer you away from Brady, you’re a fool.
Larry Fitzgerald – This guy is carrying a lot of momentum. He went from being a top-tier receiver at the beginning of the season, to arguably the best receiver in football by the end of the season. Expect him to keep dominating.
Michael Turner – Last year was no fluke. Turner is legit.
Steelers Defense – You all saw what the Steelers defense did last year. I shouldn’t need to explain.
Redskins Defense – With the addition of Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakopo, look for the Skins to dominate on the defensive end of the ball.

Sleepers:

Devin Hester - Hester officially made the transition to number one wideout last year. His statistics were far from spectacular, but after an offseason of getting prepared, and a new QB in town, expect Hester to become a game-breaker again.
Derrick Ward - Ward is coming off a 1,000 yard season as a backup in New York. He has found a new home in Tampa, which has an interesting situation a QB. I'm predicting that Tampa will focus on running the ball a lot this year. Ward should excel.
LenDale White - White has lost 30 pounds this offseason. He said he is in the best shape of his life and clearly he’s dedicated to getting better. Even with a lot of focus on Chris Johnson, White is still the goaline and short yardage back. After producing 15 touchdowns last season, LenDale should pick up where he left off—in the end zone.
Dwayne Bowe – Bowe had a solid season last year with 86 receptions, 1022 yards and 7 TD’s. Expect even better with Matt Cassell at QB.
Donovan McNabb – On paper this could be the Eagles’ year. They have a strong defense as usual, and a lot more weapons than Donovan is used to on offense. I expect a big year from McNabb.
Chad Ochocinco – After an off year, I think Chad is ready to return as a premier wide receiver. Look for Chad to be back to his old self.

Players to Stay Away From:

Tony Romo – I don’t have faith in Romo. T.O. is gone, Roy Williams has become Romo’s new best friend. I wouldn’t trust him.
Brian Westbrook – Without a doubt, Westbrook is one of the top talents in the NFL…when healthy. Unfortunately, Westbrook is also one of the most injury-prone players in the NFL. I don’t suggest using one of your top picks on him.
Brandon Marshall – Marshall is full of talent but he is also unhappy in Denver. Not to mention, Kyle Orton will be throwing him the ball. That doesn’t exactly sound like a huge season in the making.
Braylon Edwards - This is truly a sad situation. It appears Edwards is ready to move on and rejuvenate his career, but unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Maybe Eric “Mangenius” will be able to get Braylon focused, so he can produce the big season we are expecting from him. All this sounds good, but I don’t see it happening.

There you have it. Can’t say I didn’t warn you…