Player trends

Willis McGahee down - Mcgahee is one of the leagues top running backs according to ... well Willis Mcgahee. But on careful observation one must note that he is a running back always looking for the homerun and does not like to run hard inside. Last year's Bills offensive line was no world beater but Mcgahee must share some responsibility in that paltry 3.4 YPC. He may not be that great inside the 5 in his new Baltimore home which means a decrease in TDs.

Peyton Manning - up - No matter how you cut or slice it he is just better and never misses games. You are always in the hunt for a title when this guy is on roster.

Ladanian Tomlinson - up - See Peyton above. Also, that offensive line is still in tact from last year and there is no reason, other than superstition to doubt that he cannot duplicate last year.

Frank Gore up - It is just very difficult to find running backs that are good in all phases of the game and is still young and hungry. He wants 2000 yards rushing this year. He has surprised before already.

Marshawn Lynch up - I love talented rookie or young first year starter running backs. They often outproduce their overpriced counterparts and usually come at a bargain price because people are afraid to step out on a limb. He was known for 2 things in college: Being a very hard runner, and being an excellent receiver. This bodes well for his goal line chances and extra receiving yards making him an all purpose threat. That offensive line has been overhauled also and JP Losman should be better in his second full season as a starter.

Vick down - One more incident and he may not be around and he will have less opportunity to run in the new offensive scheme. This means his points will rely much more on TD tosses. - ouch.

Steve Smith down - I am sold on Smith having a great bounce back year but there is just not enough separation in stastical output of receivers to justify the kind of money he would demand when money can be better spent on young and unheralded players such as Marquis Colston, Lee Evans, and Vincent Jackson, who can produce similar numbers. The extra money could then be spent on a top tier running back.

Vince Young down - He just will not have enough help on this team and defenses will eventually find a way to contain him and force him to stay in the pocket to beat them.