The 2010 Buccaneers will sport a veteran attack at running back and tight end and quite a bit of youth at quarterback and wide receiver. Second-year man Josh Freeman will be back at quarterback and most of his passes will be directed at rookies Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams and fellow sophomore Sammie Stroughter. Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward highlight the rushing attack, while Kellen Winslow returns to lead the tight ends.

Rookie wide receiver Mike Williams is expected to start as a rookie.

QB: Josh Freeman : 291-of-502, 3289 yards, 17 TD, 20 INT, 43 carries, 215 yards, 1 TD – Freeman will enter his second NFL season with a few more young playmakers on the receiving end of his passes. It may take some time for them to develop and Freeman still lacks game experience, however, so fantasy expectations shouldn’t be too high in 2010. Freeman is a low-end QB2 in 12-team leagues.

RB: Cadillac Williams : 202 carries, 787 yards, 5 TD, 36 targets, 25 receptions, 178 yards, 1 TD – Williams was surprisingly given most of the carries in 2009 and was not as productive as the Bucs hoped. This year Derrick Ward should be more involved, but a healthy Williams will still lead the way in touches. The timeshare and less-than-stellar offense means Williams is a borderline RB3 at best.

RB: Derrick Ward : 155 carries, 587 yards, 3 TD, 31 targets, 23 receptions, 184 yards, 1 TD – After a 1,000 yard season with the Giants in 2008, Ward was barely given a chance to produce in his first season in Tampa Bay. He sat behind Williams for the entire season and that is right where he will be again in 2010. Still, we should expect him to see a larger chunk of the carries and he’s worth a bench spot in most formats.

WR: Arrelious Benn : 93 targets, 53 receptions, 686 yards, 3 TD – Benn will enter his rookie season as the top wide receiver on the Buc’s depth chart. Rookies are always risky fantasy picks, but the 39th overall pick in April’s draft should end up among the top 50 receivers due to a significant amount of playing time.

WR: Mike A. Williams : 88 targets, 46 receptions, 684 yards, 4 TD – Williams is a first round talent who fell to Tampa Bay in round four due to character questions. If he can stay out of trouble, he has a chance to be the steal of the draft. Like Benn, Williams is expected to start as a rookie and is a borderline WR4. Benn will be more of a possession receiver, while Williams will be a down-field threat. Although Benn is a safer play, Williams has the most upside of any receiver on this team.

WR: Sammie Stroughter : 62 targets, 36 receptions, 393 yards, 1 TD – Stroughter saw a lot of playing time as a rookie in 2009, but will be relegated to more of a slot role in 2010 with Benn and Williams taking over most of the snaps at split end and flanker. The 2009 7th round draft pick doesn’t have much fantasy value.

TE: Kellen Winslow II : 109 targets, 63 receptions, 726 yards, 5 TD – Winslow was heavily relied on in 2009 and that shouldn’t change in 2010. The Buccaneers will look the run the ball with Ward and Williams and Freeman’s other receiving options are inexperienced. Winslow will be the sophomore’s top target most weeks and is a borderline TE1 in 12-team leagues.

Running Backs –

Maurice Morris – I’m fairly certain that I was the only one talking this cat up all week and it paid off with a huge effort on Sunday. I speculated that Morris could touch the ball close to 20 times and he responded with 17 carries for 126 yards and a rushing touchdown along with 6 looks, 5 receptions, and 35 receiving yards. That’s a solid 20+ point effort in most formats.

Advice: I see no reason why anything would change in weeks 16 and 17. Morris should continue to approach 20 touches each week unless the team decides to give Aaron Brown a chance to show what he do. I can’t guarantee Morris will go over the century mark again, but he’s a solid RB2 play in 12 team leagues.

Jerome Harrison – Not many people had Harrison in their lineup this week and rightfully so. There was no telling if Harrison would see most of the looks, or if it would be Chris Jennings, who saw 20 carries in week 14, compared to just 7 for Harrison. Still, even has the backup, Harrison should’ve been considered a very deep sleeper up against the porous Chiefs. He showed up big time with 34 carries, 286 yards, and 3 touchdowns in what is the biggest fantasy performance by a running back this season. This is not Harrison’s first big game of the season. Back in week 4 he went for 152 yards on 34 touches, but the next week he touched the ball just 8 times with Jamal Lewis back in the fold. Lewis is gone now, but Jennings is still in the mix in Cleveland.

Advice: You almost have to consider Harrison in your flex spot for week 16, but you shouldn’t feel comfortable about it and you won’t hear me recommending it. The Browns run offense has been anything but effective for a majority of the season and the split in carries has been off the charts inconsistent. He has upside, but don’t be shocked if he ends up with 28 total yards on 9 touches.

Michael Bush – An injury to Justin Fargas allowed Michael Bush to rush for 133 yards and a score on 18 carries against Denver on Sunday. Prior to that game, Bush had carried the ball only 8 times since week 11. Fargas’ injury seems to be minor and if he is back in the fold next week, Bush cannot be relied on for double-digit looks once again. Although you’d expect him to see more looks after such a strong effort, it’s still a three-headed monster in Oakland.

Advice: Unless Fargas is out or Coach Cable says otherwise, Bush is third in line for carries and should not be considered in any format. If Fargas is out or Bush is named the RB2, those of you in very deep leagues who are desperate for help at your flex spot can consider his services.

Jason Snelling – Michael Turner made his return in week 15, which led to the masses dropping Snelling. Turner lasted only 1 carry before sitting out the rest of the game and it’s unknown whether he will suit up for the rest of the season, especially considering that Atlanta has been eliminated from the playoffs. Snelling ended up with only 64 yards, but did have an intriguing 21 looks, which was 10 more than seen by Jerious Norwood.

Advice: Snelling has done an okay job filling in for Turner when he’s missed time and that, coupled with the fact that he could start the team’s final 2 games, means he’s worth consideration as a flex play going forward. That said, if Turner plays, Snelling should not be in your lineup.

Derrick Ward – Whenever I’ve had an empty roster spot this season, Ward has been a player I’ve consistently turned to. Cadillac Williams has stayed relatively healthy so it hasn’t quite paid off as I’d hoped, but consider that in week 15, Ward carried the ball 19 times compared to 12 for Williams. Williams did, however, rack up 88 total yards on 13 touches, which was more efficient than the 73 yards on 20 touches for Ward. Neither has been overly impressive this season, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the timeshare.

Advice: You can’t rely on 20 touches for Ward unless news breaks that he is the new starter. If you have a roster spot to fill, he’s a good speculative pick for your bench, but nothing more right now.

Wide Receivers –

Lance Moore – Moore was back in the fold in week 15 and took advantage by scoring a touchdown despite only 2 looks. Despite the score, two looks should concern you if you’re considering using him in week 16 for several reasons. (a) It’s two looks. That’s not a lot (b) The Saints threw the ball 45 times, which is almost a dozen more pass attempts than they average a game this season and (c) The percentage of passes going to his teammates was about the same as in recent weeks. I’d mention that Jeremy Shockey was out as another reason to be skeptical of Moore, but David Thomas filled in with a whopping 10 targets, which is more than even Shockey is accustomed to.

Advice: Moore will always have decent potential because of the outstanding offense he is a part of, but he’s going to have trouble finding playing time with all the stars around him. At this point, he’s only worth a desperate play in a deep league.

Malcom Floyd – Floyd didn’t exactly light it up after Chris Chambers was cut loose, but he’s now been targeted a total of 16 times over the last 2 games. That is a healthy number for a player not being used in most leagues, but part of the reason for that is the fact that he’s caught only 7 of those 16 balls.

Advice: Any player seeing 8 targets a game in an above average offense is worth keeping an eye on. Floyd isn’t the safest play, but he has a ton of upside and is worth consideration in WR-deep leagues.

Josh Morgan has now been targeted at least 8 times in 3 of the 49ers last 4 games.

Josh Morgan – One of the most popular sleepers heading into this season, Morgan has been a disappointment for fantasy owners who reached on him in their draft. He’s quietly been picking it up over the last few weeks, as he’s now been targeted 8 times in 3 of the 49ers last 4 games. His numbers from the last four games (which includes a 3-catch, 14-yard week 14 effort) total to 29 targets, 22 receptions, 174 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Morgan is the third option in San Francisco with Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis keeping Alex Smith busy, but he’s a talented receiver yet to break out who is now seeing almost double-digits in looks every game.

Advice: Definitely worth considering in deeper leagues and someone you should definitely snag for your bench if you’re in any type of dynasty league. The Gore-Crabtree-Morgan-V Davis offense has tons of potential.

Tight Ends –

Bo Scaife – Although Scaife is anything but a gamebreaker, he’s been extremely consistent over the last 6 games and is worth a mention. In those six games, he’s been targeted 42 times, has 25 receptions, 261 yards, and 1 score. He was targeted 10 times on one occasion and has caught 5 balls three times. His high for yardage is 68. What does that all mean? It means he’s a safe play for close to 8 points in PPR formats and considering all the targets, it’s only a matter of time before he gets into the endzone again.

Advice: Again, he doesn’t have a ton of breakout potential, but he’s safe for 4 catches, 50 yards. If you’re desperate for tight end help and looking around on the Waiver Wire, he’s worth a look.

Quick Hits and Follow Ups –

Arian Foster / Ryan Moats / Chris Brown – I’ve been preaching this and preaching this. Stay away from Houston running backs. Everyone was excited about Foster this week and I just didn’t understand it. All it takes is one fumble and the “starter” gets sent to the bench for the rest of the game. Anyone who owned Steve Slaton or Ryan Moats knows all about this. If you played Foster in week 15, now you do, too.

Felix Jones – His touches continue to increase over the last month or two and it’s something worth keeping an eye on. Since week 11, he’s seen no fewer than 9 looks in any given week. His latest effort was 15 looks (14 touches) against the Saints. He racked up 68 yards on those touches and is still averaging just under 6 yards per carry.

Greg Camarillo – Mentioned him last week after he was targeted 17 times in 2 games. Make it 27 times in 3 games after 10 more looks this week. He only caught 5 of them for 46 yards, but bump him up a few notches on your watch list.

Devin Aromashodu – Devin Hester was out again so another guy I mentioned last week saw significant action. Aromashodu saw 10 more targets, but disappointed in the execution part of the deal with only 2 receptions for 10 yards. Hard to recommend him going forward, but if Hester is out again in week 16, those double-digit targets in back-to-back weeks make him worth consideration in deeper leagues.

Bernard Berrian – 7 targets, 5 catches, 36 yards. 6 targets , 4 catches , 43 yards . 5 targets, 3 catches , 25 yards. Those are Berrian’s stat lines from his last three games. Add to the equation that Brett Favre and the running game are struggling and that 6-4-35 average line feels even worse.

Kevin Curtis – Back in the fold in week 15, but was targeted only twice. Jeremy Maclin should still be out in week 16, but there is no reason to believe Curtis will see more than 4-5 looks a game going forward with Jackson, Celek, Avant, and Brown ahead of him for looks. He has potential because this offense is so stellar, but he’s not worth the gamble this week.

Carolina Panthers

Jake Delhomme is jumping up and down complaining to the referee that a pass interference penalty should have been called. His left knee gives out and he is lost for the season. Josh McCown is now the starting quarterback. How does this affect your fantasy team? Below is a player by player break down.

Jake Delhomme- He is injured and out for the season.

Josh McCown- McCown doesn’t have impressive numbers. In 9 games in 2007 for the Oakland Raiders he only threw for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. McCown has good arm strength but limited accuracy. With the Panthers main strength being the running game I wouldn’t consider McCown as a productive fantasy starter.

DeAngelo Williams- With a less effective quarterback Williams will be called on a lot. I expect Williams to get a lot more touches than Jonathan Stewart. The reason behind this is due to Williams’s big play and pass catching ability as well as his better than average pass blocking ability. However, an injury to Delhomme will have a negative affect on Williams’s overall fantasy numbers.

Jonathan Stewart- There will be a lot more focus on the running game but as I talked about earlier I expect it to lower Stewart’s touches and time spent on the field. Williams is a much better pass receiver and blocker.

Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett, Jeff King- I don’t expect a drastic drop in Steve Smith’s numbers. McCown’s strong arm will provided Smith with the opportunity to capitalize on the deep pass. Muhammad, Jarrett, and King will suffer from McCown’s lack of accuracy because these three are more possession receivers.

John Kasay- I don’t expect a major change in the kicking game’s production.

Carolina Defense- Expect the same numbers to be put up by the defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This is going to be one of the more interesting quarterback battles. Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown, and rookie Josh Freeman all have legitimate shots at starting. I am going to leave the breakdown of each quarterback for another time but ill discuss how each may affect the other players.

Derrick Ward, Ernest Graham, Cadillac Williams- Best case scenario for the running backs would be Leftwich or McCown starting. These two are veteran quarterbacks that may strike more fear into defenses. Of these two Leftwich would scare the defenses more due to his powerful arm. However, there is not going to be much change in production either way.

Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall- Bryant would benefit more from Leftwich starting due to his strong arm and Bryant’s deep threat ability. Clayton is more of a possession receiver and would benefit from McCown’s better accuracy and ability to keep plays alive with his legs.

Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Stevens- Winslow is going to be a major focus point of the offense no matter who is the starting quarterback.

Matt Bryant- I don’t expect a major change in the kicking game’s production.

Tampa Bay Defense- Expect the same numbers to be put up by the defense.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan walks into the locker room to find Michael Vick wearing his uniform. A fist fight occurs and Ryan breaks his hand and is lost for the season. How does this affect your fantasy team? Below is a player by player break down.

Matt Ryan- injured

Chris Redmond- Redman is not going to put up starting fantasy quarterback numbers. He is able to keep a team afloat until a starter returns but is basically useless for a fantasy owner.

Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood- With Redman at quarterback Turner will receive more than expected carries. Expect more total yards and touchdowns because Turner now becomes the offenses best weapon. I expect Norwood to get more opportunities. The Atlanta offense will need more player makers on the field and Norwood’s speed makes him a playmaker. Norwood will see a lot more touches in both the running and passing game.

Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas- The Atlanta offense will be more run oriented with Redman at the helm. Roddy White is still a must start most weeks but Jenkins fantasy value will drop significantly. Overall I see a drop in production from this group.

Tony Gonzalez- Gonzalez will become the best receiving option for the Falcons. Redman’s limited big play ability will slow the down field passing game. Look for more intermediate routes which favors more production for Gonzalez.

Jason Elam- I expect about the same amount of points for the kicking game. There will be more field goal attempts but less extra point attempts. This will even out keeping Elam’s projected stats and actual stats at about the same.
Atlanta Defense- Expect the same numbers to be put up by the defense.

New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees slips while getting out of the tub and breaks his wrist. 38 year old Mark Brunell is now he starting quarterback. How does this affect your fantasy team? Below is a player by player break down.

Drew Brees- Taking showers from now on!

Mark Brunell- Not an option to start for your fantasy team. The New Orleans offense has a lot of weapons but it’s doubtful that Brunell could take advantage.

Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush- The New Orleans offense depends on Brees and now this already weak running game will get worse. Defenses will creep closer to the line of scrimmage because they do not fear Mark Brunell. I expect Bush to still get a lot of opportunities in the passing game but again not what they would have been with Brees running the show.

Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson- Henderson will be the one to suffer the most from the loss of Brees. His deep threat ability will be neutralized due to Brunell’s lack of arm strength. Colston and Moore will have their opportunities but I expect a significant drop in Moore’s numbers from last year. Colston has a shot at putting up #2 fantasy receiver numbers (if he can stay healthy). His size and ability demands that balls be thrown his way.

Jeremy Shockey- Shockey will get plenty of attention from Brunell. I think his overall numbers will suffer without Brees but I still think he will be a top 10 fantasy tight end.

Garrett Hartley- The kicking game fantasy totals will have a major drop. With Brees at the quarterback position the New Orleans offense is a well oiled machine. With Brunell it moves as fast as an old man slipping into a hot bath (Seinfeld reference).

New Orleans Defense- If they are your starting defense you’re in trouble but I don’t expect much of a difference in the defensive production.

Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Derrick Mason has announced his retirement, opening up the window for Mark Clayton to take over as the top receiver on the depth chart. Demetrius Williams, Kelley Washington, Yamon Figurs, Marcus Maxwell, and Marcus Smith will battle for reserve jobs.

Full Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Depth Chart

The New York Jets have cut reserve tight end Bubba Franks, leaving the job to Dustin Keller and James Dearth.

Full New York Jets Fantasy Depth Chart

The Buccaneers have cut quarterback Brian Griese. This was no surprise as they already have three quarterbacks in Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown, and rookie Josh Freeman.

Full Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Depth Chart

Last Update: 9/5/2009

Quarterbacks:

Byron Leftwich
Josh Freeman*
Josh Johnson

Runningbacks:

Derrick Ward
Earnest Graham
Cadillac Williams
Clifton Smith
B.J. Askew (FB)

Wide Receivers:

Antonio Bryant
Michael Clayton
Maurice Stovall
Sam Stroughter*
Brian Clark

Tight Ends:

Kellen Winslow II
Jerramy Stevens
John Gilmore

Kickers:

Mike Nugent

*Rookie