1.)   San Diego Chargers (DEF)
The Chargers finished fifth amongst National Football League defenses last year in points allowed per game (17.8) and sacks (42). Plus, they were first in interceptions (30) and tied for third with five defensive touchdowns. The dominant presence of linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips will resonate a feeling of cold fear through the bellies of opposing offenses all season. The Chargers should once again be one of the fiercest defensive units in the game.

2.)   Minnesota Vikings (DEF)
Minnesota sported the league’s stingiest run defense last year while allowing a paltry 74.1 yards per game to opposing ground attacks. Plus, they forced 21 fumbles, which placed them tied for second amongst NFL squads. In addition, they scored a league leading eight defensive touchdowns. The presence of newly acquired defensive end Jared Allen and his 15.5 sacks from last year with the potent mixture of defensive linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams pits Minnesota’s defense in an esteemed seat amongst NFL teams. They are one of the safest grabs in fantasy.

3.)   New England Patriots (DEF)
The Patriots finished fourth amongst NFL squads last season in points conceded per game (17.1) and total yards allowed per game (288.3). Plus, they were tied for second in defensive scores (six) and finished second in sacks (47). They are anchored by the likes of defensive lineman Richard Seymour and linebackers Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas. The addition of rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo will prove to be vitally important and the mixture of safeties Rodney Harrison and John Lynch should be electric. Expect the Patriots to be atop the league in all defensive categories once again this season.

1.) Nick Folk (K) – Dallas Cowboys
I’m a huge fan of Folk, his bionic leg was the deciding factor in two of my leagues last season, which gives proof to the fact that kickers do matter. Last season, Folk nailed 26-of-31 field goal attempts and hit 9-of-12 from 40-plus yards. The 23-year-old University of Arizona alum is a mentally sound athlete, which is a crucial trait for a kicker on a team that scores at the pace the Cowboys do. Also keep in mind that he converted 53-of-53 PATs, which is a testament to his accuracy, consistency and demeanor.

2.) Stephen Gostkowski (K) – New England Patriots
The key to garnishing your roster with the perfect kicker is to draft a guy on a team that either scores a ton or consistently gets stopped in the red zone. Last year, Gostkowski converted 21-of-24 field goal attempts and was 3-of-5 from 40-49 yards. He nailed 74-of-74 PATs and was second amongst National Football League kickers with 137 points. He has sufficiently replaced former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri admirably and should continue to mature under a system that will continue to utilize his leg on a regular basis.

3.) Adam Vinatieri (K) – Indianapolis Colts
With his 118-point showing in 2007, Vinatieri ran his streak of 100 or more points to 12 consecutive seasons. Last year, he converted 23-of-29 field goal attempts and nailed 49-of-51 PATs. However, in three attempts from 40 or more yards, Vinatieri laid a fat goose egg, which is worrisome since he was 9-of-11 from 40 or more yards during the 2006 campaign. Vinatieri is once again one of the safest bets in the kicking industry; draft him with utmost confidence even though he’s a traitor to the hometown garb.

1.) Jason Witten (TE) – Dallas Cowboys
In 2007, Witten finished second amongst National Football League tight ends with career highs in receptions (96) and receiving yards (1,145). He also added a career-high seven touchdown grabs. Witten is a determined pass-catcher that isn’t afraid to play smashmouth football, and opposing secondaries know it. Last season, Witten caught six or more passes 10 times and notched 100-plus receiving yards on four occasions. In my mind, he has officially taken the crown from tight end king Antonio Gates, so to expect anything less than a stellar year from Witten would be foolish on your part. Draft the 6-foot-5, 265-pound bruiser with confidence, because Dallas quarterback Tony Romo loves him and won’t hesitate to throw his way 15-20 times a game if he has to.

2.) Antonio Gates (TE) – San Diego Chargers
Unfortunately for Gates, the surgery he had on his toe in late February will likely keep him off the practice field for most of training camp. However, word out of San Diego is that Gates is adamant about playing in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers. There is no doubt that Gates will slip in drafts this season due to his ailing toe, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use an early draft pick on the 6-foot-4, 260-pound superstar. In four consecutive seasons, Gates has recorded 900-plus receiving yards and at least nine touchdown grabs. Although Gates’ reception totals have been down over his last two campaigns, his presence in the red zone is still legendary. Plus, with quarterback Philip Rivers feeling better, a healthy LaDainian Tomlinson and wide receiver Chris Chambers in the mix, Gates’ presence on the field and on fantasy rosters should loom larger than ever.

1.)    Randy Moss (WR) – New England Patriots
All I can say about Moss is that he’s the best wide receiver that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. During his record-setting 23-touchdown 2007 campaign, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound slinky more than doubled his touchdown total (11) from his two seasons with the lowly Oakland Raiders. He also registered two or more touchdown catches in eight games and notched seven or more receptions in six contests. Moss is an anomaly, a king amongst peasants, his game is superior and his skill set is supernatural. Although, I expect some serious adjustments on the part of opposing defenses, don’t be surprised if you see 90 catches for 1,300-plus yards and 20 touchdowns from the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer.
 
2.)    Terrell Owens (WR) – Dallas Cowboys
We saw a brighter side of the enigma that is Owens when he lent a helping hand to ESPN’s Page 2 scribe Sam Alipour who was hit by a car after ESPN’s ESPY Awards Show. Is Owens a different man? We shall see, at least we know he’ll shed a tear for quarterback Tony Romo when needed. At 34, it seems that Owens gets better with age. In 15 games last season, he caught 81 passes for 1,355 yards (a career-high 16.7 yards per catch) and 15 touchdowns. He recorded 125 or more receiving yards in five contests and caught seven or more passes on five occasions as well. Owens’ connection with Romo is what people base novels on, well maybe not, but you get my drift. Expect Owens to put up another big season in Dallas with at least 12-15 touchdown grabs for his gleefully grinning fantasy owners to chew on.

1.) LaDainian Tomlinson (RB) – San Diego Chargers
The 5-foot-10, 221-pound ball of fury is an easy choice here. How can’t you grab a man that has rushed for 1,200-plus yards in every single season of his seven-year career, which includes two seasons with 1,600-plus yards and one year with 1,800-plus yards? In addition, he has notched 360-plus receiving yards in every season as well. He is the ultimate fantasy player and has built a legend on his multi-faceted repertoire of disgustingly satisfying talent. He is clearly the No. 1 pick in all formats; you can’t screw this one up.

2.) Adrian Peterson (RB) – Minnesota Vikings
A rookie season with 1,341 rushing yards on 238 carries (5.6 yards per carry) with 12 touchdown scampers is enough to make a believer out of me. He also added 268 receiving yards on 19 receptions (14.1 yards per catch) with one touchdown grab. He only played in 14 games due to a knee injury, which likely resulted in him conceding the National Football League’s rushing title to Tomlinson. Although he notched a mere 144 combined rushing yards on 54 carries (2.7 yards per carry) over his last four contests, his potential for earth shattering bursts of speed and wrecking ball treks through the opposing defense is glaring. Expect to see Peterson go No. 2 overall in most drafts, he could be the next Tomlinson.

1.) Tom Brady (QB) – New England Patriots
In each of his last six seasons, Brady has been good for 3,500-plus passing yards and 23 or more touchdown passes. Last season, he notched a career-high 4,806 passing yards and set the National Football League record in touchdown passes with 50. He has never hurled more than 14 picks in a season and has the arm candy to prove his monumental stature in the game. Brady is undeniably up there with the greats at the position no matter what the buffoons in New York or anywhere else say. That’s why he’ll be drafted before Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his bum knee this year. Don’t forget, Brady has maintained his durability by playing in every single game since 2002. Plus, having wide receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker can’t hurt his already supreme value.

2.) Peyton Manning (QB) – Indianapolis Colts
Although my hatred runs deep for Manning, he’s still one of the best signal callers to ever grace the field. However, his health this year will be worth monitoring since he had an infected bursa sac removed from his left knee Monday, July 14. Word out of Indianapolis is that the commercial star will be out four to six weeks, which likely means that there may be some significant rust for the University of Tennessee alum to shake off as the season commences. Other than some concern over his knee procedure, Manning is the quintessential stallion. Armed with the likes of wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, he has dominated the game for a decade. He has thrown for 4,000-plus yards in eight of his 10 NFL seasons and has never thrown less than 26 touchdown passes in any given year. He sports a lifetime 64.2 completion percentage and boasts a nasty 260.2 yards per game over his career. In addition, like Brady, he is a picturesque vision of durability in one of the toughest games on earth having played in every contest since his inaugural campaign with the Colts in 1998.

Some of you geniuses probably caught on weeks ago. But now, the inevitable frenzy to snag Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey is upon us like a medieval plague. Over his last four outings, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-hander is 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings. On the season, he has consistently exhibited his pinpoint precision while whiffing 54 hitters and walking just nine. Another sign of his developing dominance is that he sports a lifetime WHIP of 1.21 and boasts a career total of 20 walks in 139 1/3 innings.  If for some odd reason you’re not sold yet, take into consideration that the 24-year-old control freak has two complete games this year with his most recent nine-inning rumba against the Milwaukee Brewers presenting itself in the shutout variety. Although his surname signifies his mound demeanor, don’t sleep on adding him, because he’s rapidly flying off waiver wire shelves at a discounted price.

I’m guessing that some of you are scared off by the fact that Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is a rookie and could possibly be just another young and unpredictable hacker. If you think that, drop your whole team, because you should not be participating in the world of fantasy, you’re already living in one. On the year, Longoria is hitting a progressively ascending .267 with 15 dingers, 47 RBIs, 41 runs scored, four stolen bases and a gorgeous .864 OPS in 262 at-bats. Over his last 10 contests, the 22-year-old, Long Beach State alum is hitting a ridiculous .357 with four home runs, 12 RBIs and eight runs scored in 42 at-bats. Plus, in the month of June, he is cranking at a dastardly .300 clip with eight dingers, 19 RBIs, 19 runs scored and a gargantuan 1.024 OPS in 100 at-bats.  The only real knock the kid has against him is that versus left-handed hurlers he’s hitting a horrendous .224 and has a grand total of 69 strikeouts on the campaign. However, he is a developing stud on a nasty team, just ask the Sox. Not to mention, he shares a last name with one of America’s supreme beings.

Last week on XM Radio, I was asked to predict which guys this year will be the fantasy football difference makers – players correlating closely with making the playoffs and winning league championships. I’ve expanded on this topic below.

Players are listed in the order they’re currently being drafted in thousands of drafts hosted by MockDraftCentral.com. Their Average Draft Placement (ADP) is courtesy of our friends there and duly noted. We start with pick No. 25 because we don’t really choose our first player as much as settle for whoever our fellow owners passed on when it comes time for us to kick off our draft (unless we’re lucky enough to draft first, which may not be so lucky this year). The second round is also mostly a matter of slotting given how draft rounds snake back and forth.

It’s guys who are drafted in the third round and later who everyone has a chance to grab. Here are the players I think justify even a little reach relative to these ADPs.

Andre Johnson, WR, Texans (ADP: 25th): Big, fast and with a very underrated QB in Matt Schaub running a Broncos-themed offense (courtesy of head coach and former Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak). Johnson also he has the luxury of an overrated but effective backup QB in Sage Rosenfels, just in case more misfortune befalls Schaub. Johnson’s bugaboo has always been injury and his knee was scoped in May. That’s not enough to dissuade me from gambling on his prodigious talent (8 TDs in 9 games last year).

Let’s conclude our 2008 Fantasy Football Early Bird Special in advance of regular weekly coverage beginning in August by examining players who I think are overvalued based on their Average Draft Placement (ADP) in hundreds of summer drafts run by our friends at MockDraftCentral.com.

Starting at the top at running back, let me be clear that I would gladly own Brian Westbrook (Eagles) and Steven Jackson (Rams). There’s nothing wrong with either player. But they’re both going ahead of Joseph Addai (Colts) and that’s a mistake. This trend developed before world leaked of Peyton Manning’s knee surgery that could possibly, but probably not, sideline him Week 1. Addai should be the No. 3 pick in every draft.

I’d pass on Clinton Portis (Redskins), ADP 11^th overall. Always be wary of veteran players who rise dramatically from one season to the next. Portis was a fourth-round pick in most leagues last year. Has anything fundamentally changed about him or his situation to warrant a three-round bump? I don’t think so. Ledell Betts isn’t as much of a threat, presumably, and new head coach (and former Seahawks QB coach) Jim Zorn helped turn Shaun Alexander into a goal-line monster; but Alexander is a better inside runner than Portis, who is game but undersized and a year older with chronic shoulder woes.

When contemplating your next waiver wire pickup, make sure you take a hard look at San Francisco Giants outfielder Fred Lewis. On the year, the 6-foot-2, 198-pound Southern University alum is hitting .292 with six long balls, 23 RBIs, 49 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 257 at-bats. Not to mention, the career .294 hitter has sufficiently maintained a solid .845 OPS on the season. Plus, Lewis is in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak. Can you get any hotter? However, with his skyrocketing positives, come the negatives. For instance, against left-handed hurlers, Lewis has hit an abysmal .194 in a limited 36 at-bats thus far, and is cranking at a crummy .254 clip when away from the comfortable confines of AT&T Park. But you have to admit, it’s quite hard to ignore the fact that the 27-year-old speedster hit a salty .341 in 91 April at-bats and has now reprised his electric bat with a nasty .347 mark in 72 June at-bats. Do yourself a favor and grab Lewis before he finishes the season with 30 steals and 100-plus runs scored, because I can almost guarantee you that he will. You saw it here first.

The shortage of quality catchers in fantasy baseball is prevalent and blatantly evident, and that’s why I suggested Oakland Athletics backstop Kurt Suzuki in my annual All-Sleeper Team article. I know many of you wrote the 24-year-old off when he cranked a nauseating .213 in the month of May. But I really hope you didn’t react too quickly folks, because like I’ve said before, you have to measure average fantasy catchers by at-bats, especially the ones that aren’t named Brian McCann or Russell Martin. Suzuki for instance, ranks fourth amongst Major League Baseball catchers in at-bats with 251. Plus, he’s now back where he should be with an elite .367 average and a .985 OPS in the month of June. Although he won’t crank 25 dingers and register 100 RBIs, I’m sticking very close to the prediction I made back in April. Oh, and by the way, he’s hitting .299 inside the home confines of McAfee Stadium this season.

I told you once before about Washington Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge (Fantasy Phenom Lineup Card: 2008 All-Sleeper Team) back in April, and once again I’m recommending that you utilize his services. Over his last 10 contests, the 23-year-old former 2003 12th overall pick by the Mets has gone 14-for-40 (.350) with two long balls, five RBIs, seven runs scored and two stolen bases. In addition, he has hit safely in 19 of his last 22 contests. I know he’s only batting .258 on the season, but you must remember that the once highly touted prospect has found a fulltime gig in Washington and encompasses the potential to hit 20 bombs and swipe 20 bags. I’m not telling you to make Milledge the centerpiece of your “highly” decorated roster, but give the kid a chance. This season is the first campaign that he has logged 200-plus at-bats, so the maturation process for the fiery talent is in full swing.

San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley joined the Padres Sunday, June 15, and is expected to be activated Tuesday, June 17. While his stay should be long-term, his arrival comes at a crucial time as outfielder Scott Hairston has been having elbow trouble and outfielder Brian Giles has been suddenly stricken with a sore shoulder. The 24-year-old uber prospect will likely see most of his at-bats in left field with some hacks coming as a designated hitter during interleague play. The University of Tennessee alum has only logged 18 career at-bats in the bigs in which he went 4-for-18 (.222) with a putrid .611 OPS during the 2007 campaign. This season for the Portland Beavers, San Diego’s Triple-A affiliate, Headley was hitting .305 with 13 long balls, 40 RBIs, 49 runs scored and a .930 OPS in 259 at-bats. In addition, he spanked 24 doubles and one triple. I personally don’t think that Headley will have the same sort of impact that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce has had, but if the 6-foot-2, 195-pound masher gets comfortable fast, it’s safe to expect very big things from the young slugger.

Scouring the waiver wire this time of year tends to be a daunting endeavor if you’re hoping to cultivate a gem to decorate your roster with. For instance, I was perusing through the wire in one of my leagues, and as I filtered the pitching categories that I find relevant, I came across San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. The 25-year-old southpaw is surprisingly tied for fourth amongst National League pitchers with 71 strikeouts on the year. Not to mention, he’s tied with the likes of New York Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana and Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley. In addition to his 71 whiffs, the former 2004 27th round pick by the Giants is 4-3 on the year with a relatively high 36 free passes, a 4.08 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 68 1/3 innings. But the reason I’m suggesting the 6-foot-2, 189-pound hurler is that over his last four starts, he’s 2-1 with 25 strikeouts, 12 walks, a 2.77 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in 26 innings. His recent surge in consistency is a glaring trait as the 162-game Major League Baseball season wanes on. His only fault is his control, which will undoubtedly get him into some serious problems on occasion down the road. But the fact that he has harnessed his stuff to the point where he can piece together a four-game string of solid outings is promising and noteworthy. If you have the room and are starved for a little heat in your rotation, take a flier on Sanchez, he just might be the missing piece to your fantasy puzzle.

I never thought I’d be sitting here slouched in my office chair writing about how you should scour your waiver wire for Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Bartolo Colon. Yes, you read it correctly; I’m suggesting that you wake the 5-foot-11, 245-pound bundle of joy out of hibernation. Don’t forget, it wasn’t that long ago when the 35-year-old right-hander posted a 21-8 record with 157 strikeouts, 43 walks, a 3.48 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 222 2/3 innings for the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem enroute to claiming the 2005 American League Cy Young award. Now, in two starts for the Red Sox, he’s 2-0 with eight whiffs, three walks, a 2.25 ERA and a legit 1.17 WHIP in 12 innings. Granted, it’s a very small sample size for a very large man, but the fact of the matter is that he has shown greatness in the past and when I see a once nasty pitcher that was previously near retirement touching 95 on the gun routinely, my eyes open wider than the Grand Canyon. The Sox know they have a former Cy Young award winner in Colon, and likely won’t think about taking him out of the rotation with him pitching like the Colon of old. However, it’s a situation to monitor, because as his age has escalated, his consistency has suffered. For instance, with the Angels in 2007, he went 5-0 over his first six starts, and then proceeded to win one game the rest of the season to finish 6-8.

I want to start this column off by congratulating Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester for his no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals May 19. So, without further adieu, congratulations Jon!

On the season, Lester is 3-2 with 42 strikeouts, 31 walks, a 3.41 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 66 innings. Over his last five starts, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound southpaw is 2-0 with 26 strikeouts, 12 walks, a 1.57 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP in 34 1/3 innings. His pitches are electric, his velocity has been dominant and his overall tenacious demeanor has morphed the once tentative hurler into a breakout stud. I’m not going to lie to you, I didn’t really see Lester’s rise to stardom coming. But when he tossed the no-hitter against the Royals, I saw a 24-year-old pitcher transforming right in front of my eyes. Lester should maintain his streak of solid starts, so grabbing him from a fellow owner is highly recommended as he has solidified himself as a definitive fourth option on any fantasy roster. Not to mention, he has been absolutely dominant inside the vibrant walls of Fenway Park this year while maintaining a solid 2.72 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and a staunch .204 clip hit off him by opposing hackers in 39 2/3 innings.

Baseball has had its mind-boggling issues in the past with drugs, steroids and bench-clearing brawls. But their latest opponent is a manifestation of their own skeptical brilliance. What would you say if someday soon someone were to get hit over the head with a bat, or even impaled by one? Back in the day, you would probably say I’m full of a certain substance and to aim my critique elsewhere. But there is no denying that the use of maple bats to promote home runs is a very dangerous endeavor and should be banned immediately. I mean, the bat snaps and spews shrapnel like a fragmentation grenade across the infield, and this even happens when a player makes contact with the sweet spot. It’s an unneeded spectacle that shouldn’t be happening. The league must go back to the safer bats that are made of ash, because they can’t afford a tragedy due to a love affair with the long ball. It’s not safe, it’s not right and most of all it’s just a game. Wake up Major League Baseball!

Sorry for my rant folks, but after watching games all weekend and seeing a virtual fireworks display of kindling in every contest, I had to say something.