Seven Weeks down; ten to go. And the NFL class of 2008 is making its presence felt on Sundays (and Mondays for that matter). Big Week 7 performances from Chris Johnson and Matt Forte showed the fantasy world that these first year guys mean business.

John Carlson caught one for a score for the second straight game and Darren McFadden is still vying to touch the ball in Oakland. The Rams offense woke up in Week 7’s upset over Dallasm which could translate into good numbers for Donnie Avery, while the Jets demise to the Raiders in OT may mean it’s time to give up on Dustin Keller for the rest of ‘08. Read more »

As their inaugural campaign progresses, many of the NFL’s top young talents are beginning to feel the wear and tear of a 16-game professional season. Eddie Royal of the Broncos missed Week 6 action with an ankle injury and Dallas’ Felix Jones left the Cowboys loss at Arizona with a hamstring problem.

Many of those who were healty enough to play, however, contributed greatly to their teams’ success. Matt Ryan didn’t turn the ball over and threw a beautiful 26-yard out pattern to set his team up for the game-winning field goal. He also hit fellow top-rookie Harry Douglas for 96 yards on the day. Even St. Louis had a good weekend as rookie Donny Avery led the team in receiving during their first win of 2008. Read more »

The NFL’s class of 2008 has made its presence felt through the first quarter of the season. Week 5 proved to be no different as many rookies found their way into the endzones and impacted fantasy games everywhere during a time when depth was huge due to bye weeks and injuries.

For the third straight week, Houston’s Steve Slaton looked great. It certainly doesn’t seem like he’s only started three games as a pro. And in Dallas, Felix Jones taught the Cowboys a valuable lesson by following up his zero-touch effort in Week 4 with an impressive showing of 96 yards on nine carries including a 33-yard touchdown scamper. Read more »

As is usually the case, it hasn’t taken long for the values of this year’s crop of rookies to change. Injuries and preseason performances can quickly place a first-year player on the rising or falling lists, perhaps as we overreact to their first NFL action. We’ll take a quick look at seven players whose stock is on the rise in their respective training camps.

Familiar names at familiar positions highlight a short list of could-be fantasy contributors. Just three of the seven we mention were first round picks in June, and just two - Buffalo WR James Hardy and Atlanta QB Matt Ryan - were not running backs. In terms of reality to fantasy drafts, we get further proof that situations and early opportunities dictate success more than talent does. Read more »

Follow all the news and notes from around the NFL right here. From Chad Pennington to Steven Jackson  to who will be Buffalo’s No. 2 receiver. We got it all covered. 

Chad Pennington Update: Lost in the hoopla and fanfare of the Brett Favre trade was the release of Pennington, who drew interest from about a half dozen teams before signing with the Miami Dolphins on Friday. He reunites with the man who drafted him in New York, Head of Football Operations Bill Parcells, and stands a great chance of earning the starting job by Week 1. This move in the aftermath of the Favre trade can have a positive impact on the Dolphins offense and for Pennington, whose relationship with the Jets had run its course, despite an 88.9 career passer rating and winning record as a starter.

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