2008 fantasy football picks

Last year in this space, I gave everyone my fantasy football picks. Some were good suggestions, while others, I’ll admit, were pretty pitiful.

Still, just like all you other fantasy players out there who drafted strong last year only to have your season blow up in smoke, I’m back at it again for the 2008 season.

But before I get to my picks, I want to let you know what I’m working with in my two fantasy leagues.

The State News fantasy league
(Two running backs, three wide receivers)
QB: Marc Bulger, Kurt Warner, J.T. O’Sullivan
RB: Frank Gore, Thomas Jones, Selvin Young, Deuce McAllister
WR: Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Patrick Crayton, Greg Jennings, Jerry Porter
TE: Kevin Boss
D/ST: Tampa Bay, Tennessee
K: Rob Bironas

Notes: I didn’t take a QB until the ninth round, so I’m hoping the St. Louis offensive line bounces back on a subpar year. I’m excited at the running back position. I’m happy with my defenses, but not their week-one matchups, so I’m hoping to drop O’Sullivan for the New York Jets, who play Miami.

Onto the week-one predictions (I apologize for not getting this up before the Redskins and G-Men played Thursday night)

Three to play
New York Jets D/ST vs. Miami — If you don’t like any of your matchups (like me), then jump on the team playing one of the league’s worst teams.
San Francisco wide receiver Bryant Johnson vs. Arizona — The former Cardinal is a top-two wide out in Mike Martz’s pass-happy system.
Green Bay wide receivers — The Vikings ranked dead last against the pass in 2007.

Three to sit
Houston QB Matt Schaub vs. Pittsburgh — The Steelers have been a top-tier defense forever. Nothing changes in 2008.
Kansas City RB Larry Johnson vs. New England — This might just be because I’m still bitter from last season, but I would like to see Johnson do some things before anointing him as a top-tier fantasy back again.
Tampa Bay D/ST vs. New Orleans — The Saints offense is going to explode all season.