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| Latest Top Player News |
 Chris Johnson - The Tennessean reports that Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is confident that RB Chris Johnson can still post solid stats this year even after the incredible numbers he accrued in 2009. Last year, Johnson became the first player in NFL history with at least 2,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season, rushed for over 100 yards in 11 straight games and led the NFL with a franchise-best 2,006 rushing yards. "It would be very hard to do the same type of things, since no one has done it in the history of the game," Heimerdinger said. "But I know the type of goals C.J. sets for himself. He's the type of guy who likes to prove people wrong, so we'll see. But someone with his talent and ability, you have to at least expect him to have another great year." Heimerdinger said Johnson will continue to see plenty of carries in 2010. "When you hand it to a guy and he's averaging 6 yards a carry, it's easier to give it to him again," Heimerdinger said.  ( 7/27/2010 ) 
Fantasy Analysis: There is a lot to like about Johnson this year, which is why he's ranked No. 1 overall coming into the season. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 14 rushing touchdowns last season, and he finally ended his contract situation by restructuring his deal for this year. But Johnson also has a new offensive line in front of him. Center Kevin Mawae and tight end Alge Crumpler are gone, with Leroy Harris shifting to left guard and Eugene Amano stepping in for Mawae at center. "I don't think it will have a big effect on him," Heimerdinger said. "The thing you lose with those guys is the leadership, so someone will have to step up. But I don't think it will affect our running game." That should give you some reassurance, and we think Johnson will be a star. He's worth taking with the first or second overall pick on Draft Day.
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 Adrian Peterson - Peterson has indicated there have been talks between his representatives and the Vikings about a contract extension, Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.  ( 7/25/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: Peterson also reiterated that he did not miss the Vikings' June minicamp for contract-related reasons (a day in his honor in Palestine, Texas had already been set up for that time-frame before the minicamp) and confirmed that he will be at training camp on time.
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 Steven Jackson  - Jackson (back) should be close to full participation when the Rams begin training camp practices later this week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.  ( 7/27/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: "We want the doctors to look at him one more time," head coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "But he feels great. We want to get him ready. And we'll have him ready for the opening game. We'll be smart about it." The Rams' decision not to add another proven veteran to their backfield this offseason seems to be a vote of confidence in Jackson's health, although Spagnuolo said that the team is still in contact with Brian Westbrook even as training camp gets closer. If the offensive line improves this season and the Rams' offense as a whole can make strides with rookie quarterback Sam Bradford under center, Jackson should be able to improve on the four touchdowns he tallied last season.
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 Michael Turner - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Falcons RB Michael Turner has worked hard in preparation for this season. After dealing with an injury-plagued 2009 where Turner opened the season out of shape, Turner is determined to prove that the 1,700-yard season in 2008 was not a fluke. The report says Turner has basically lived at the team facilities this offseason. If he does get off to a slow start, fitness will not be the issue. ( 7/27/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: We're excited about Turner in 2010, and he should return as an elite Fantasy option. We expect Turner to post outstanding stats, and he's worth drafting as a No. 1 Fantasy RB in the first round. He should be considered a Top 5 overall selection in standard leagues.
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 Reggie Wayne - Wayne appears to have indicated he'll report to training camp on time, the Indianapolis Star Tribune reports. ( 7/28/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: Wayne skipped the Colts' mandatory minicamp in June as he seeks to re-work the final two years of his contract. He was noncommittal about reporting to camp on time when asked earlier in July, but now it looks like this may not be an issue for training camp.
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 Brandon Marshall - The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall is not expected to be significantly limited when camp opens on July 30. The paper speculates that while the team will be anxious to get Marshall and QB Chad Henne on the same page, the coaching staff will want to monitor Marshall's reps early on just to make sure his surgically repaired hip doesn't slow him down. Marshall has made positive progress on rehabbing his hip all offseason long. ( 7/27/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: Marshall should be an impact player with the Dolphins, though we doubt he'll get to 100 catches again with them since they'll run the ball quite a bit. He should still lead the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and work in Fantasy as a No. 1 option. He should be drafted as early as Round 3 or 4 in all leagues as long as his hip is 100 percent.
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 Tom Brady - Brady and the Patriots have reportedly made enough progress in contract extension talks that it's possible a long-term deal to keep him in New England beyond 2010 could be completed this summer, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. ( 7/26/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: While Brady hasn't said much about his contract situation, his actions -- he reported to the Patriots' training camp along with the squad's rookies on Sunday -- speak louder than written and printed media speculation that he might hold out. In any case, it doesn't look like this is going to be much of a distraction for either Brady or the Patriots in the coming months, with the main impediment to finalizing a deal probably being the uncertainty surrounding the NFL's next collective bargaining agreement, rather than major issues between the team and Brady's camp.
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 Miles Austin - Miles Austin insists he is the same as always, despite his quick rise from relative unknown to Pro Bowl receiver, the cover of the latest Sports Illustrated and Kim Kardashian companion. "I've been doing the same things. It's just that more people are paying attention now," Austin said Sunday, trying to convince reporters and cameras surrounding him that he feels no different from when people didn't even notice him less than a year ago. "I've got the star on my helmet. But that's about it." Yet, Austin no longer comes on the field at Dallas Cowboys training camp without fanfare. There are plenty of cheers when he emerges from the tunnel and catches passes from Tony Romo. "It's like taking somebody working at The Container Store in the closet and now he's the American Idol," teammate Bradie James said. "That's only in America and only on America's Team that you can do that. ... Miles is still levelheaded. Miles is still the same guy. People like him now, more people." ( 7/25/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: Going into his fifth NFL season, the former undrafted receiver from tiny Monmouth College is no longer primarily a kick returner who occasionally gets a pass thrown his way. Austin has emerged as Romo's favorite target, and a problem for defensive coordinators league-wide. Plus, he's in line for a big new contract. The 26-year-old Austin signed a $3.168 million contract in June, but owner Jerry Jones repeatedly has said the Cowboys want to sign the receiver to a long-term deal. Austin finished the 2009 season with 81 catches for 1,320 yards, sixth-best in team history and the sixth-best by any undrafted receiver ever in the NFL. "I pretty much have the same confidence (as before). Don't get me wrong, I was getting more opportunities last year, and hopefully I'll get as many opportunities this year," he said. "Obviously other people are probably going to hold some sort of standard, but my standard really is just work." We like Austin to remain a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 2 or 3 in all leagues.
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 Ryan Mathews - The Chargers opened training camp Monday without Ryan Mathews, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers rarely have their top draft pick signed by the time rookies report, and Mathews is no exception. The 12th pick overall out of Fresno State, Mathews is San Diego's only draft pick who hasn't signed. "I like the young guys to be here," coach Norv Turner said after the opening practice. "I'm anxious for Ryan to get here. He knows it's important to get here. There were three or four things that came up today that I would have liked to have him see. So yeah, he's missing things. Those things he can make up, also." ( 7/26/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: We expect Mathews to sign his deal soon, and then his rookie season can get underway. He has a lot of hype this year since he's replacing Tomlinson, and we like Mathews as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB. He's worth drafting as early as Round 2 in all leagues as long as he doesn't have a lengthy holdout.
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 Steve Smith - Smith is no longer wearing a cast on his broken arm, the Associated Press' Mike Cranston reports. ( 7/28/2010 )
Fantasy Analysis: His expected return date is still something of a moving target -- Smith was noncommittal when asked Wednesday about about it -- but the removal of the cast counts as a sign of progress. The Panthers remain hopeful that he'll be ready for their final preseason game.
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