Clinton Portis backed up his recent promotion to Imaginary Gridiron’s No. 1 player in fantasy in a big way this week, rushing for 175 yards and a score in a win over Cleveland. He symbolized a shakeup last week, as we attempted to get a better grasp on the current state of fantasy football affairs. Less has changed in this week’s edition of The Fantasy NFL 101, but the Top 10 did get a small facelift in light of Week 7 happenings.

No player had a bigger week than St. Louis’ Steven Jackson, who finally “arrived” with 160 yards and three scores in a stunning win over the Dallas Cowboys. Even with a bruised thigh, Jackson moves up to No. 6 in the rankings because he has such a bright outlook in the season’s second half. Reggie Bush quickly plummeted after suffering a meniscus injury in his left knee, one that required surgery and at least three weeks of recovery time. Read more »

Time to shake it up.

No more standing by and watching top dogs Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson get out-produced by the likes of Clinton Portis, Frank Gore and Marion Barber. That trio is no doubt a placeholder until A.P. and L.T. break out of their funks, but the body of work still deserves the recognition.

Philosophically, we’ll be treating this poll just like an AP Top 25 in college football. Just because a team keeps winning, it doesn’t mean it has chance after chance to retain the No. 1 ranking. Peterson was the equivalent of, say, Georgia eking past Alabama-Birmingham, Jacksonville State and Troy: while he technically didn’t lose a ton of ground, he didn’t gain any of it, either. Read more »

Some new faces crack our top 101 rankings, but the list has the same distinct look to it with a virtually unaltered top 10. That could change next week, though, because Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is officially on probation as our top-ranked player. The only question standing in the way of a Week 6 demotion is, who else deserves the top spot?

LaDainian Tomlinson has issues of his own and comes off a lackluster Week 5 effort. Frank Gore is having a fine, fine season, but his game just doesn’t scream “best player in fantasy football.” Clinton Portis is ever-so-slowly inching his way there, but doesn’t have half the big-game explosion of Peterson. We knew going in that Peterson would be inconsistent, so he gets at least one more week to prove just how good he can be. Read more »

Consider player rankings in the same light as your typical college basketball or football rankings. Once the early adjustments are made to take care of teams and players we underestimated and overestimated, only big events should spur big changes. While a multitude of upsets took place last week in college football, there were far fewer landscape-altering events in fantasy football.

Brett Favre’s six-touchdown effort against Arizona was the closest thing to Oregon State’s shocking upset of USC last Thursday. With that outburst, Favre surged to the top of fantasy quarterback rankings and took the NFL lead with 12 touchdown passes. The big boys in our top 10 held down the fort, even Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook, who has caused owners headaches with a nagging right ankle injury, and Dallas’ Marion Barber, who carried just eight times in a loss to the Redskins. Read more »

At the quarter-point of the season, we have started to learn some things about many of the young players making their professional debuts. And with major injuries and plenty of scores to be had, the rookies were busy in Week 4.

Sunday proved to be full of surprises, as Felix Jones got zero touches in the Cowboys loss to Washington, and Darren McFadden took a back seat to Michael Bush as he attempted to play through a case of turf toe. Facing one of the league’s great run defenses, Chris Johnson managed to score his first and second career rushing touchdowns. Read more »

Youth movement has been a good theme for 2008, with an influx of rookie running backs, dominant performances by young quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Philip Rivers, and lost confidence in some of the game’s best veterans LaDainian Tomlinson, Randy Moss and Peyton Manning. There are no signs of halting the movement, so youth have continued their invasion of our pre-Week 4 edition of the Fantasy NFL 101.

Second-year back Adrian Peterson narrowly fended off a healthy-looking Tomlinson for No. 1 honors, while Frank Gore and Marion Barber jumped Brian Westbrook, who is questionable this week with an ankle strain. Two more young backs are waiting in the wings in Marshawn Lynch (No. 6) and Joseph Addai (No. 8). Read more »

Welcome to the first edition of our weekly rookie rankings, where Oakland’s Darren McFadden and Chicago’s Matt Forte lead a group of 20 fantasy stars and would-be producers.

Just as the NFL Draft in April told us when no wide receivers were taken in the first round, this year’s group of fantasy wideouts is pretty thin. Only two receivers - Denver’s Eddie Royal and Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson - are worthy of starter status, but both have gone well beyond expectations. Read more »

Alright, fantasy owners, it’s time for some useful yet arbitrary rankings heading into Week 2 action. We’ve touched up our preseason top 200, narrowed it down to 101, and added notes for each player. The same drill will follow each and every week of the season.

The list of suspects who improved on their preseason draft stock is well known by now. Willie Parker, Donovan McNabb, Michael Turner, Reggie Bush, Matt Forte and Chris Johnson are some of the hottest commodities in fantasy football. But, take a look at Bills running back Marshawn Lynch and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo; while their stat lines didn’t blow anyone away, there are signs for better-than-expected gains. Read more »

They say in real football circles that nobody cares about kickers until you need them, and the same is true in fantasy. As much as all kickers’ statistics generally level off by the end of the year, kickers can determine the outcomes of fantasy matchups on a week-to-week basis. The sad part is that it’s nearly impossible to gauge when a kicker will have a good season or game. How can you possibly predict when a kicker’s offense will be good enough to drive down the field, but not good enough to capitalize in the red zone?

The answer to this quandary is to just play the percentages. You want to find kickers that either play in a good offense, play in a good weather or domed stadium, or have demonstrated a powerful and/or accurate leg. The best kickers have a combination, if not all, of these attributes. Read more »

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego: Closed the season with a bang, scoring 8 TDs in final 5 games.
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England: Pursuit of perfection had Brady slinging the rock until final whistle blew.
3. Randy Moss, WR, New England: Caught an NFL record 23 of Brady’s 50 TD passes.
4. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia: Eagles took it easy on him after playoffs became out of reach.
5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota: Offensive ROY averaged just 36 ypg in Vikes’ final 4 games.
6. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis: Colts protected a lot of nicked up players, none moreso than Addai.
7. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas: Sprained ankle forced him to leave Week 16 early and miss Week 17.
8. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington: Put ‘Skins on his back with 306 rushing yards and 4 TDs over last 3 weeks.
9. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas: Tom Brady Lite struggled late with 1 TD/5 INTs in last 3 games.
10. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis: Only healthy for half the year and still eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing.
11. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore: Missed most of final 2 games with broken ribs, was held scoreless over his last 4.
12. Edgerrin James, RB, Arizona: Closed strong (24-102, TD) after 5 straight scoreless games.
13. Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh: Pursued NFL rushing title, but managed just 2 TDs before landing on IR (broken leg).
14. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis: As supporting cast got healthier, so did passing numbers (15 TDs last 5 full games).
15. Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland: Maintained high level of play all season, finished as No. 3 fantasy WR.
16. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh: Was NFL’s 2nd most efficient QB, despite taking 2nd most sacks.
17. Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland: Had best pro season (1,304 yards, 9 TDs) since 2,066-yard campaign in ‘03.
18. Marion Barber III, RB, Dallas: Success of Cowboys passing game led to inconsistent work load.
19. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis: Led NFL in receiving (1,510 yards), went over 1,000 yard mark for 4th straight year.
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati: Had 10 TD catches in first 8 games, 2 TD catches in final 8.
21. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona: Had monster second half (9 TDs in final 8 games) to finish as No. 5 fantasy WR.
22. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants: Only AP and LT averaged more yards per game than Jacobs’ 91.7.
23. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans: Caught at least 8 passes on 8 occasions, ranked 2nd in NFC with 98 catches.
24. Wes Welker, WR, New England: Tied for NFL lead with 112 catches, but had just 1 TD in final 7 games.
25. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco: Was decent late in the year, but not good enough to shed “Bust” tag.
26. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo: Was same old self late in season after missing 3 games with sprained ankle.
27. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville: Taylor’s career year kept MJD in second fiddle role all season.
28. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans: Huge number of pass attempts (74 more than next closest QB) saved his season.
29. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego: His four games with just one catch were largely a product of Philip Rivers’ inconsistency.
30. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati: Didn’t show up as Bengals fell out of playoff race, but got usual numbers - 1,440 yards, 8 TDs.
31. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans: Looking like a bust in both fantasy and real NFL drafts.
32. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Giants: Bum ankle made for lots of peaks and valleys in his production.
33. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas: Had 1,145 yards, 7 TDs to edge out Tony Gonzalez for top TE honors.
34. Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland: Poor second half: had 12 TDs and 4 sub-200 yard passing efforts in last 8 games.
35. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City: Led all TEs with 98 catches - imagine his production with a decent QB.
36. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle: Set new career-highs in completions, attempts, yardage and TD passes.
37. Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver: Preseason sleeper woke up in a big way with 102 catches, 1,325 yards, 7 TDs.
38. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati: Colossal disappointment: had three games with 0 TDs and just three with 3 or more.
39. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston: Consistently dominant, had at least one TD catch in 7 of his 9 games played.
40. LenDale White, RB, Tennessee: Big man wore down by midseason, but came through with a good finish.
41. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland: WR in a TE’s body — led all TEs with 13.5 ypc average.
42. Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis: Season numbers nothing short of miraculous with sore knee and Rams’ offensive struggles.
43. Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay: Free Agent Pick-up of the Year scored in 6 straight to close season.
44. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay: Injuries hampered production, but protected his 2008 sleeper status.
45. Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay: Was a dynamo with 10 TDs until Bucs secured a playoff berth.
46. Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona: Battled through hip injury to score career-high 10 TDs in just 12 games.
47. Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland: Sprained MCL brought an end to surprising 1,000-yard season in Week 15.
48. Laurence Maroney, RB, New England: Most productive 3 weeks of the season came in Pats’ last 3 games (306 yards, 4 TDs).
49. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina: Rallied late, but couldn’t find paydirt in the absence of QB Jake Delhomme.
50. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City: Chiefs misled for 8 weeks about the severity of his foot injury.
51. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay: Had highest yards per catch average (17.8 ypg) of any receiver with 1,000+ yards.
52. Jay Cutler, QB, Denver: Combines poise, confidence and big arm as game’s most promising young QB.
53. Chargers D/ST, D/ST, San Diego: Explosive, yet inconsistent unit was fantasy’s highest scoring defense.
54. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville: Earned much deserved first Pro Bowl bid; finished season with 6 straight 100-yard games.
55. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona: Nearly led Cards to playoffs, yet enters 2008 as team’s No. 2 QB.
56. Roy Williams, WR, Detroit: Departure of Mike Martz not likely to have big effect on him next season.
57. Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia: Interesting offseason coming up - he either gets more help or finds a new home.
58. Patriots D/ST, D/ST, New England: Disciplined D lacked playmakers, but tied for 2nd-most defensive TDs (6).
59. David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville: Got to air it out late with 12 TDs, 3 INTs in his last 6 games.
60. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants: May be turning over a new leaf as Giants perform into the playoffs.
61. Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh: Had 732 yds, 7 TDs despite injuries and lowest career receiving average (10.3 ypc).
62. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis: Peyton’s favorite red zone option led all tight ends with 11 TDs.
63. Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore: Incredible season (103 rec., 1,087 yards, 5 TDs) considering Ravens’ QB woes.
64. Chris Cooley, TE, Washington: ‘Skins most reliable pass catcher set career-bests with 786 yards, 8 TDs.
65. Jon Kitna, QB, Detroit: Mike Martz first got the axe after disappointing finish; Kitna could be next.
66. Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets: A year he and the Jets would like to forget - averaged 3.6 ypc and scored 1 TD.
67. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh: Big season could have been bigger had he not been hobbled by bum ankle.
68. Vince Young, QB, Tennessee: Edged Cleo Lemon out as the NFL’s 26th-highest rated passer.
69. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, New York Jets: Improved production rates across board, just couldn’t find paydirt (2 TDs).
70. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta: Who saw career season coming with QBs Joey Harrington and Chris Redman?
71. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle: Hard fall for former MVP and 1st round fantasy pick - shared carries by season’s end.
72. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay: Did dirty work while others scored the TDs (0 TDs after Week 3).
73. Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: Most dangerous opposition each week was Mike Martz’s game plan.
74. Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati: Hamstring issues limited him to 170 carries and 2.9 ypc.
75. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo: Annual 2nd half surge was halted by inconsistent QB play.
76. Laveranues Coles, WR, New York Jets: Perhaps would have played through injuries if Jets were playoff contender.
77. Santana Moss, WR, Washington: Hot dog act was on full display as ‘Skins got bumped from playoffs.
78. Selvin Young, RB, Denver: Latest in a long line of no-names to lead Denver in rushing (729 yards, 5.2 ypc).
79. Bears D/ST, D/ST, Chicago: Hester’s return TDs and league-high 8 blocked kicks made up for flaws.
80. Bobby Engram, WR, Seattle: Possession WR had career year at tender age of 34.
81. Kevin Curtis, WR, Philadelphia: Fact he was Philly’s best wideout doesn’t say much.
82. Travis Henry, RB, Denver: 5-year deal he signed in Denver got off to turbulent, injury-plagued start.
83. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit: Showed flashes of brilliance (756 yards, 4 TDs), despite lingering back troubles.
84. DeShaun Foster, RB, Carolina: Averaged just 3.5 ypc and lost touches to DeAngelo Williams as the season wore on.
85. Minnesota Vikings D/ST, D/ST, Seattle: Showed flashes of brilliance (756 yards, 4 TDs), despite lingering back troubles.
86. Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego: Was solid after midseason trade — had 35 catches, 555 yards, 4 TDs as a Charger.
87. Warrick Dunn, RB, Atlanta: With new coach and old age, not likely he starts over Norwood in ‘08.
88. Kenny Watson, RB, Cincinnati: Ultimate sub, scoring 7 TDs and catching 52 passes in limited time.
89. Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle: Hit or miss, but scored 6 TDs in Seahawks’ last 7 games.
90. Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota: Season boosted by 4-week push (412 yds, 6 TDs) while AP was hurt.
91. Ron Dayne, RB, Houston: Reliable and productive when given the chance to play.
92. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego: Eliminated some ups and downs late - had 10 TDs, 3 INTs in final 6 games.
93. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina: Averaging 5.0 ypc is a good way to shove Foster out the door.
94. Bernard Berrian, WR, Carolina: Bright spot in Bears offense stayed productive with rotating QBs.
95. Maurice Morris, RB, Seattle: Provided much needed shot in the arm to struggling Seahawks run game.
96. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City: Top rookie WR performed without legitimate NFL QB.
97. Adrian Peterson, RB, Chicago: One of top receiving RBs performed admirably in Cedric Benson’s absence.
98. Shaun McDonald, WR, Detroit: An underrated pass catcher among Lions’ high-profile wideouts.
99. Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay: Not the sexiest pick of QBs each week, but you knew what you were getting.
100. Seattle Seahawks, D/ST, Seattle: Enigmatic defense had back-to-back double digit fantasy performances just once during the year.
101. Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia: Considerably better after Eagles’ Week 5 bye - averaged 58 ypg, scored 4 TDs in last 12.