One of my favorite young, sleeper offenses, the Jaguars attack will have even more playmakers in 2010. Maurice Jones-Drew leads a talented receiving corps that will also include 2nd year man Rashad Jennings and rookie Deji Karim. Mike Sims-Walker enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2009 and has a supporting cast around him that includes 2nd-year receivers Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard, as well as, veteran Troy Williamson and special teams ace/newcomer Kassim Osgood. Marcedes Lewis and Zach Miller form one of the games better young duos at tight end. The main question mark will be whether or not David Garrard will be good enough to make the most of the offense’s young talent.

QB: David Garrard : 321-of-518, 3695 yards, 19 TD, 10 INT, 69 carries, 312 yards, 3 TD – Garrard seems to be underrated every single year because most people seem to overlook rushing yards for quarterbacks. Considering that you get 1 point for every 10 rushing yards in most formats, this is a mistake. Garrard won’t light it up passing the ball, but he does manage the game well and makes up ground in fantasy circles with those rushing points and by avoiding turnovers. He has a good chance to be a top 12 QB in 2010 as long as he doesn’t struggle early and lose his job to Luke McCown.

Mike Thomas caught just about everything thrown his way during his rookie season and is in for an expanded role in 2010.

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew : 295 carries, 1297 yards, 13 TD, 75 targets, 55 receptions, 442 yards, 2 TD – Jones-Drew will approach 350 touches again this season and isn’t likely to make it out of the top 4 picks in 99.9% of formats. Even when struggling in the running game, Jones-Drew often will steal a touchdown or rack up points via 4-5 receptions. No one could fault you for taking him first overall in your draft.

WR: Mike Sims-Walker : 123 targets, 66 receptions, 905 yards, 7 TD – Sims-Walker was up and down all last season, but had enough big games to put him on the fantasy map. In 2010, he is a borderline WR2 option and could be even better depending on how well Garrard plays. The fact is, unless Dillard or Williamson step up and take on a prominent role in the offense, Sims-Walker will be targeted early and often by Garrard. He should be a starter in your league.

WR: Mike Thomas : 80 targets, 59 receptions, 622 yards, 2 TD – Thomas had one of the highest catch% marks in the NFL last season and he was only a rookie. Right now, he is penciled in as the team’s WR2, but the team would be best served if Dillard or Williamson play on the outside so Thomas can work from the slot. Thomas is barely inside my top 50 right now because he won’t be much of a touchdown threat, but the 2nd-year speedster could be in for a breakout season.

WR: Jarret Dillard : 59 targets, 34 receptions, 482 yards, 2 TD
WR: Troy Williamson : 43 targets, 23 receptions, 305 yards, 1 TD – Sims-Walker and Thomas seem to be locked into regular playing time, which means only one of Williamson or Dillard has a chance to make at least a small fantasy splash in 2010. Like in the Just for Men commercial, Dillard has the youth (and upside), while Williamson has the experience (and scary injury resume). One would imagine that the team would want Dillard to force his way onto the field with good play, but note that Williamson was penciled in as a starter along side Torry Holt in week 1 last season before suffering a season-ending injury. This is a camp battle to watch.

TE: Marcedes Lewis : 48 targets, 26 receptions, 323 yards, 2 TD
TE: Zach Miller : 43 targets, 31 receptions, 323 yards, 3 TD – Some people are projecting a breakout season from Lewis. Others say 2nd-year man Miller will explode onto fantasy radars this season. Although both have the talent, opportunity is half the battle. Because they are going to be stealing targets from each other, it’s unlikely that either one of them can earn TE1 status this season. That being said, no one could fault you for taking them as sleeper pick late in your draft.

Indianapolis Colts

Quote Head Coach Jim Caldwell:
“(On Anthony Gonzalez)He looks good. I’ve had the chance to watch him here the last few weeks actually. He’s moving well, and certainly catching the ball well, but also I just think he looks like he’s well equipped to start right where he left off. I think he’s done very well at this point.”

Returning from an injury that cost him the entire 2009 season, Anthony Gonzalez will compete with Austin Collie for time in the slot.

The Spin:
Reports claim that Gonzalez has the same speed that he had last year and looks like he is 100%. Gonzalez almost exclusively played the slot in 2008. I think we will see that again. I expect Garcon to be lining up on the outside and Gonzalez in the slot. It appears the odd man out in this situation could be Austin Collie if Gonzalez performs up to expectations.

Other news:
Pre-OTA reports show Donald Brown getting all of the first team work. However, Addai was held out of practice. To me, really what the starting gig comes down to is who can protect Peyton Manning better. If Brown shows he can be a solid blocker for Peyton, Brown is the back that I want. The more work he gets with Manning, the more likely it becomes that Brown could be a good blocker and get more playing time.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quote Head Coach Jack Del Rio:
“Well, I think the one guy we have that is clearly the best guy in the group is Mike Sims-Walker. He had a nice mini-camp this weekend. I think after that you’ve got Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard; they would be two and three in my book from last year, and those guys are now here working every day with David and getting the timing down.”

The Spin:
Jack’s comment at first glance seems to lay out the depth chart pretty cut and dry for us. But as all good coach speak implies, nothing is ever set in stone. Jack informs us of the depth chart from last year and tells us that the same guys are working with David Garrard. Troy Williamson was on IR for much of the year so it is easy for Jack to not mention him. Right now Williamson is on the outside looking in, but I do think Williamson has a chance at the starting gig opposite Mike Sims-Walker. Team reports claim that Dillard has really impressed to date. Mike Thomas is currently penciled in as the WR2.

Quote General Manager Gene Smith:
“(On Deji Karim)He can mismatch a linebacker, a safety, a third corner,” said. “He’s smart. He graduated from college. You can do things with a guy like that.”

The Spin:
6th round rookie RB/KR Deji Karim is a name to get familiar with. He has impressed and from all indications it appears he has the lead for the job as the kick returner.  Karim has also voiced that the Jaguars have told him they do intend him to be a change of pace back at some point. So far in camp he has not had too much work as a RB but he has impressed when given the chance. Rashad Jennings meanwhile looks as if he has added weight and strength. I think Karim could actually help Jennings value in 2010. Karim being the return specialists allows Jennings to focus solely on the offense. I think that Jennings will end up getting more carries than last year. Look for Jones-Drew to be rested more in an effort to keep him fresh.

Houston Texans

Quote Head Coach Gary Kubiak:
“(Arian Foster) went from first year to second year a big jump, just watching him practice,” said Kubiak. “Foster is taking advantage of rookie Ben Tate’s absence. He showed enough late last season to believe he has at least a puncher’s chance of starting in Week 1.”
“(Tate) is way behind everybody right now, but we’ve got to be smart and get him well before he competes.”

The Spin:
Arian Foster’s stock does get a boost with him getting work over Steve Slaton, but I would not entrench Foster as a stud (or starter) just yet. Ben Tate has been out with a hamstring injury. Ryan Moats is out with family issues. Slaton is working with the second team and has lost 11 pounds from last year. Slaton is looking to reclaim some of the quickness he had in 2008. This could be a situation in which Slaton is gearing up for more of a 3rd down role. If Tate proves that he deserves carries this year as he is expected too, it could leave Arian Foster with limited carries in a running back by committee situation. Kubiak claims that Houston really needs Slaton to have an impact this year. In a pass happy offense like Houston, the 3rd down back might have the best value. Slaton still could end up being the best back to have this year even with his surgery.

Other news:
6th round rookie return specialist Trindon Holiday has impressed the staff. Holiday posted the 2nd best overall 40 time in the 2010 combine. Return leaguers should obviously take note and Jacoby Jones owners take note as well. If Holiday takes over the punt and kick returning duties, we could likely see the coaching staff get Jones more involved in the offensive game plan. This bodes well for Jones’ value as a receiver.

Tenneessee Titans

Quote Head Coach Jeff Fisher:
“Because of the fact Bo is not here and Alge will not be returning, right now Craig [Stevens] and Jared are our tight ends. Cookie [Jared Cook] can get open as we all know. He has a much better feel for the line of scrimmage now.”

The Spin:
This news was before Bo Scaife returned to camp so we can’t take too much from it. However, it is good to see that Jeff Fisher appreciates Jared Cook’s receiving ability. This is a situation to watch, but I would not put to much stock in this unless there is an injury to Scaife. Fisher loves to go with veteran guys and likes to run the offense with multiple tight ends. Add the fact that Titans are a run first team and I just don’t see Jared as having much of a chance of a breakout in 2010.

Quote Head Coach Jeff Fisher:
“Clearly Justin [Gage] and Nate [Washington] with the experience can make the plays. They have shown in and are reliable. Then the rest of the group is bunched up there. We will see what happens.”

The Spin:
As expected, Gage and Washington are the starters right now. This does not bode well for Damian Williams. Considering Fisher’s likeness for veterans, I just don’t see how Damian will get on the field very much in 2010 without injuries ahead of him.

Other News:

Stafon Johnson has been getting most of the recent work with the first team and the staff has been impressed with his quickness. It is always good to hear the staff is impressed with someone, but don’t buy too much into this. Chris Johnson, Javon Ringer and LeGarrette Blount were all out for various reasons. At best, Johnson is 3rd on this depth chart and still may not make the team.

Recommended by ‘The Fifth Down’ blog on the website of the New York Times.

Some player notes from around the NFL:

Quinton Ganther/Marcus Mason – Ganther and Mason appear to be rotating as the spell back in Washington while Rock Cartwright is the feature back. Neither has much value, especially considering Portis should return over the next few weeks.

Devin Thomas – Another Redskin who is seeing an increase in playing time, Thomas has been targeted 17 times over the last 3 games and is quietly taking over as the 2nd most productive WR in Washington. Keep an eye on him, but he is unlikely to be fantasy relevant this season.

Matt Moore – Moore is the new starting QB in Carolina with Delhomme gone to the bench. Considering Moore’s inexperience and the fact that Carolina is the 3rd run-heaviest team in the NFL, you shouldn’t expect him to be relied on much, which means he isn’t even worth a bench spot in most leagues.

Dante Rosario – 7 targets each of the last 2 weeks for the tight end, but he’s still sharing the tight end load with Jeff King and Gary Barnidge. Also consider that the team throws the ball very little and they are making a change at quarterback. He’s not worth your time.

Jermichael Finley – Fellow TE Donald Lee scored the only touchdown by a Packers’TE in week 12, but Finley was targeted more (6-to-4) and is averaging around 7 looks a game when healthy. The Packers offense is on a roll and Finley will be a big part of it down the stretch. Unless you have a top tight end, he’s someone to consider starting.

Kahlil Bell – Bell burst onto the scene when he put up 81 yards on 4 carries 2 weeks ago, but he carried it just once in week 12. His only value right now is as a handcuff to Matt Forte.

Justin Forsett – Forsett is now owned in most leagues, but consider that Julius Jones will be back at some point. It’s hard to say whether or not the team will give Jones his starting job back, but you have to imagine Forsett has earned a bigger share of the workload. Keep an eye on each player’s looks once Jones returns.

Sam Aiken – Aiken was actually the team’s leading receiver in week 12 with 10 targets, 7 catches, and 80 yards, but note that Julian Edelman was inactive and that Wes Welker and Randy Moss are both still on the roster. Aiken is unlikely to approach those numbers again this season, but will continue to have at least some value as the slot receiver in this pass heavy offense.

Lex Hilliard – 13 total looks over the last 2 games isn’t much, but consider that the only thing between him and the starting RB job on the league’s 2nd-run heaviest team is an injury to 32-year-old Ricky Williams.

Considering his situation, Lex Hilliard should be considered for a spot on your bench in most leagues.

Mike Thomas – Will continue to be overshadowed by Mike Sims-Walker and Torry Holt, but consider that he’s caught 83% of passes thrown his way (best in the NFL for WRs with 30+ targets) and is only a rookie. He’s seeing 5-6 looks most weeks and should be considered a sleeper to explode if he sees more action late this season.

Larry Johnson/Bernard Scott – Johnson put up 100 rushing yards in week 12 and Scott has over 200 rushing yards the last 2 weeks, but don’t kid yourself. When Cedric Benson is healthy and returns to action, he will a majority of the carries. At that point, you should expect only 3-6 carries a game for each, which means very little fantasy value.

Chris Jennings – Jerome Harrison was active in 12 after spending a few weeks as a health scratch so that Jennings could have a shot at the RB2 role. This bumped Jennings back to the RB3 role and it’s anyone’s guess what Mangini will do going forward. Regardless, Jennings is not a player you should be rostering.

UPDATE: (Wednesday Dec 2) – It appears that Jamal Lewis will be heading to IR, which means Jennings could now be the starter in Cleveland. Snatch him up before someone else does if you’re in a deep league or desperate for RB help.

Chris Chambers – Chambers is probably owned in your league, but it’s worth noting that he has caught 74% of the 23 balls thrown his direction since joining the Chiefs and has scored on almost 18% of those catches. Although the fact that he was targeted a total of only 9 times over his first 2 games in KC was a concern, Cassel has now thrown his way 14 times total over the last 2 games.

Malcom Floyd – The man who replaced Chambers as a starter in San Diego is not seeing the same success that Chambers is enjoying in Kansas City. Floyd is being targeted only 3-5 times a game and although he did put up 85 yards in week 12, it was on only 3 catches (4 targets). Floyd has potential in this potent offense, but right now he’s not seeing enough looks.

Darren McFadden/Justin Fargas/Michael Bush – The Raiders running back situation might be the hardest unit to dissect in the league. Fargas wasn’t even active early in the year when McFadden and Bush were carrying most of the workload, but now Fargas seems to be the top runner of the group (sounds a lot like 2008-09) having carried it a team-high 20 total times over the last 2 games. McFadden has been the better bet in PPR leagues, however, over the last 2 weeks, racking up 9 looks and 7 catches despite only 12 carries. Bush, meanwhile, has only 7 looks (all carries) over the last 2 weeks.

Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning injures his back during a DIRECTV commercial. Possibly the new “Madden Cover Curse?”

Jim Sorgi- Being the backup quarterback for the Colts is a pretty easy job, unless the unthinkable happens and Manning gets hurt. The Colts have some weapons but Sorgi’s lack of experience will limit his fantasy potential. You can find a better option for your fantasy team.

Joseph Addai, Donald Brown- An injury to Manning will put a lot of pressure on the running game. Addai struggled last season and Brown is a rookie. There will be a heavy workload for both of these guys. With other weapons on the offense, there will still be some production from the running backs.

Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon- Of course without Manning there will be a drop in fantasy production. However, I believe Gonzalez will take the biggest hit. Many in the fantasy community expect a breakout season from Gonzalez, but with Sorgi throwing the passes he may have to wait until next year. Reggie Wayne will still put up decent numbers, but nothing like his capabilities with Peyton behind center.

Dallas Clark- Clark will remain one of the top tight ends. With less big plays, expect more catches and touchdowns for Clark. He will be their go-to guy in the red zone.

Adam Vinateri- Vinateri will see an increase in field goal attempts. Sorgi and the offense will move the ball but struggle in the red zone.

Indianapolis Defense- The defense will see extended time on the field, but not enough to make a major difference in fantasy production.

Tennessee Titans

Coach Fisher and the Titians realize that Kerry Collins doesn’t have Benjamin Button disease and he is in fact getting older. It’s time to give Vince another shot.

Vince Young- Young has potential, but will he fulfill it? The Titians improved their offense by adding some playmakers. Young will take the offense to another level and be a waiver wire hit in fantasy leagues.

Chris Johnson, LenDale White- Jeff George could be the starting quarterback and I would still take either of these guys on my team.

Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Kenny Britt- This group is going to surprise a lot of people this year. With Young at quarterback and playing well, the Titians will open things up providing more opportunities for the wide receivers.

Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler- Scaife proved last year he can put up some fantasy numbers. Crumpler is aging but has some gas left in the tank. Again, I am predicting that if Collins gets injured Young will come in and play better. Both tight ends will get opportunities, but Scaife will be the only major fantasy option.

Rod Bironas- No major change in the kicking game.

Tennessee Defense- Expect the same production from the defense.

Houston Texans

When isn’t Matt Schaub hurt? Well, it looks like Dan Orlovsky and the stick of an 0-16 Lions team will be leading the way.

Dan Orlovsky- There’s a lot of offensive weapons on this team but Orlovsky will not put up big fantasy numbers.

Steve Slaton, Chris Brown- Slaton was a big surprise last season. He has a chance to put up similar numbers even with Orlovsky running the offense.

Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis- Johnson is a beast and will have another fantastic season. His numbers will be a lot better with Schaub but he will still be productive without him. Having Orlovsky throwing the passess is going to destroy Walter’s fantasy numbers.

Owen Daniels- With or without Schaub, Daniels will be a main target and put up top 10 fantasy tight end numbers.

Kris Brown- The offense will have less production so that means less field goal and extra point attempts for Brown.

Houston Defense- The defense will be on the field more but that just means more opportunities for sacks.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last year was the offensive linemen, now this year it’s the quarterback – the Jags just can’t catch a break. Due to a Garrard injury, Todd Bouman is now the starting quarterback.

Todd Bouman- Not a shot to help your fantasy team.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones- Everyone is already going to be keying in on the running game. With a quarterback as useful as a trash bag, it’s going to be tuff getting yards. I already feel Jones-Drew is going to be a fantasy bust…now with Garrard injury, it’s a guarantee.

Torry Holt, Troy Williamson, Mike Walker- Torry Holt struggled to put up decent numbers last year with Marc Bulger and now he is dealing with Bouman. Williamson has never put up respectable fantasy numbers – don’t expect him to start now.

Marcedes Lewis- Everyone is still waiting for Lewis to live up to his hype and we will all have to wait another year.

Josh Scobee- Bouman is a decline from Garrard but the Jaugar offense was never going to put up huge numbers, therefore Scobee’s overall numbers won’t differ much with Bouman or Garrard.

Jacksonville Defense- I don’t expect much of a change in defensive production.

The Detroit Lions have acquired wide receiver Dennis Northcutt from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The trade continues the revamping of the Jaguars receiving core, which includes veteran newcomers Torry Holt and Troy Williamson, as well as, rookies Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood. Mike Walker will be back from the 2008 squad.

Meanwhile, the Lions add Northcutt to a core of receivers, which will include Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Ronald Curry, John Standeford, Adam Jennings, and rookie Derrick Williams.

Full Detroit Lions Fantasy Depth Chart

Full Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Depth Chart