That was until Tom Brady threw for 50 touchdowns , Drew Brees gathered nearly 300 fantasy points, and Peyton Manning has become one of the most consistent fantasy players in the game. What makes the quarterback position, is that after these three names are off the board, it’s a brand new ballgame.

Sure, Kurt Warner is serviceable. Aaron Rodgers might be someone that busts out in 2009. The Difference between the top three and the next echelon is small. But those 50+ fantasy points could make a difference. In a time where 10 of the top 20 fantasy points getters in 2009 were quarterbacks, it is imperative that you draft the position right. It can make or break your fantasy season and keep you in contention all season long. If you lost Tom Brady before the 2008 season, you can attest to how hard it is to find a replacement of that caliber.  If you drafted Vince Young, you can also attest to how important it is to find someone that is more than just a sleeper.

Here is a look at the top ten quarterbacks, going into 2009.

1.) Tom Brady, New England- Your probably wondering already how I can make a quarterback who wasn’t a factor in 2008 the number one quarterback. It’s simple. Tom Brady is the best “pound for pound” quarterback in this league.  His ACL and MCL injuries were serious, but when the Patriots traded Matt Cassell, it became clear that Brady is healthy. There is no way that Drew Brees will better his 295 fantasy point performance in 2009. Brady though could quickly find his way back and accumulate 280+ points.  Let’s go back to 2007. Brady averaged over 300 yards a game. He threw for 50 touchdowns, and completed his passes at a solid 69% rate. There are some questions with Brady (what player doesn’t have questions). It seems that he is healthy, but watch for hints in the upcoming training camp. You will have to take a chance on Brady, because we really won’t know the answer until he takes the field on game number one. That chance is very well worth it.

2.) Drew Brees, New Orleans- Brees has really become a fixture in the Sean Payton offense. The man went insane last year, reaching 5,000 yards and 34 touchdowns.  Interceptions could be a factor in 2009, especially with the improvement of defense in the NFC South. Many rank Brees as the number one quarterback, but there are just too many questions going into the season. Is Lance Moore going to be the number one receiver? Can Marques Colston continue to be a solid option in the passing game? Is Reggie Bush a solid go to option out of the backfield? Only time will tell. Will Brees have the type of season he did last year? Most likely not. But he will be one of the best fantasy options in the game in 2009.

3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis- We all know what Peyton Manning can do and will do in the upcoming season. Manning is one of the best at staying away from negative plays and that is what makes him so valuable. He may not toss 35 touchdowns, or throw over 4,500 yards, but we should expect very good numbers from the man in blue. Twenty Five touchdowns isn’t out of the question. A look at his past, despite a rough start to last year, shows that he can bounce back. Manning is projected at 277 fantasy points, with 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay- Who would of thought that A-Rodge would of replaced Brett Favre so quickly! (Fantasy Wise ladies and gentleman) Going into 2008, many had a feeling that Rodgers could do well, considering the offensive peices around him. But really? 28 touchdowns? One of the best yards per toss in the game? Aaron Rodgers is here, and here to stay for good. Many of his options are young as well, and though the Packers continue the rumor that the full west coast offense is on the way, Aaron Rodgers could be the dark horse in the top five, that could fall later than all of the elite quarterbacks. In of the latest mock drafts out there, Rodgers fell to the sixth round. That is tremendous value for a guy that accumulated more than 270 fantasy points last year.

5.) Phillip Rivers, San Diego- Rivers doesn’t have the best targets in the world, but in 2008, he had the best yards per attempt in the league. After that ACL injury, many thought Rivers wouldn’t be able to bounce back. Last year though, he put together over 4,000 yards passing. When the rushing offense fell apart, Rivers was there. He threw 32 touchdowns compared to only 11 interceptions. When Rivers on the board, you will have to make a decision between him and others such as Kurt Warner and Jay Cutler. Rivers has the best all-around game, and it seems that things will get only better in 2009.  Antonio Gates gives Rivers that true go-to-guy.

6.) Kurt Warner, Arizona- Does the fountain of youth ever run out? Possibly not for Kurt Warner, but in 2009, I think we will start seeing that fountain leak in the upcoming season. What creates value for Warner though, is despite the leaking, his offense features a decent offensive line and three receivers that went over 1,000 yards in 2009. If Warner’s arm remains threaded underneath that jersey than the Jack ‘Cap’ Rooney of the NFL will be undoubtedly valuable. What a story… From the grocery bag, to the fantasy football gridiron. Oh man, you got to love it!

7. Tony Romo, Dallas- Is there any other quarterback in the league that gets so much negative attention (Brett Favre aside). I guess that is what you get when you become the quarterback of America’s team. Romo is a guy that finds a way to make plays and that finds it’s way to the fantasy football scorebooks.  Despite missing three games to injury, Romo finished in the top ten in touchdown passes, yards per game, yards per attempt, attempts per game and passer rating. What is most impressive is the passer rating. For a guy that wheels and deals, Romo can be pretty accurate. He would be higher on the rankings if he had a true Team Obilitorator to throw to. But unfortunately he doesn’t. Jason Witten and Roy Williams give him nice targets, but a slip in fantasy numbers wouldn’t be surprising.

8. Donovan McNabb, Philedelphia- 2008 was a year full of health for McNabb, which has been rare in his career so far. Expect more of the same in 2009. He wasn’t consistent in 2008, and if your looking to take a quarterback a bit later in your draft, this might be the one. I’ve seen McNabb taken in the 7th round, which is a tremendous spot to land someone with the same fantasy value in 2008 as Matt Cassel. Cassel has gone just a bit later in the draft. There is no reason to think that McNabb won’t remain healthy, and grab you 20-25 Touchdowns and keeping his interception rates in the low to mid teens. Expect a season much like his 2001 performance.

9. Matt Cassel, Kansas City- After being thrown into a starting situation when Tom Brady fell in game number one, Matt Cassel was rewarded by a trade to Kansas City, a renewal with offensive guru Todd Haley, and a PHAT contract.  What will the pay off be? In all honestly, I think we are looking at the next big fantasy weapon that is still hidden. For any that say that Cassel got paid, so he will back down talent wise, take another look. Cassel still wants to prove himself in this league. It hurts that Cassel will lose Randy Moss and company, but throw in a healthy Dwayne Bowe, and the fact that he will be able to let his legs loose just a bit more in Kansas City, and I think you will find a very capable starter. Expect 3,500 yards from Cassel, with just over twenty touchdowns.

10.  Carson Palmer, Cincinatti- Of everyone in our top ten, Palmer brings the most risk to the table. What would fantasy football be without risk though? Palmer loses his favorite go to guy in T.J. Howsaspellit (Houshmandzadeh) and Chad Ocho Cino is a combination of crazy and talented. You never know what to expect. What I like about Carson though, is that he is coming back healthy, he has a decent running game behind him, and the Bengals went and got him a good reciever in Laveranues Coles. If you take Palmer, do it in or around the tenth round. Simply put, he is a risk. Draft a capable backup. I do feel though that he has some tremendous upside in the 2009 season.

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Well Ladies and Gentleman, let grandma stay at home and watch McGiver. It’s time to head to Vegas!

Coming up the weekend of August 27th-30th is the Las Vegas Fantasy Super Draft, where your league can come together, enjoy the atmosphere, and get ready to draft your go to guys. George Clinton of Parliment will be performing that weekend, as well as Flo Rida, one of the best currently in the business. Last Weekend on Fantasy CPR Live, I talked with the CEO and Founder of the Las Vegas Fantasy Super Draft.  Eric Simon, a former magazine publishing executive for Maxim and Blender Magazines shared with us why you need to sign up for the Las Vegas Fantasy Super Draft.

For more information on events, pricing, and the weekend’s events visit: www.lasvegasfantasysuperdraft.com.

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Here is your chance.

Joining us on Fantasy CPR Live this week is Eric Simon of the Las Vegas Fantasy SuperDraft! You can draft your fantasy team in Vegas, and it is rather affordable. We will have more details at about 12:10 PM ET!

This week we will take your calls at (347) 426-3793. Topics of discussion will include: The pitching performance of Jonathan Sanchez, running backs sneaking up boards, MLB News and Notes and finally the best way to host your fantasy league Is it Yahoo? ESPN? let us know by calling us today at (347) 426-3793.

Ways to contact on Fantasy CPR Live:

Twitter: @fantasycpr

Email: Fantasycpr@gmail.com

Phone Line: (347) 426-3793

Fantasy CPR Live is a proud member of the Fantasy Sports Channel.

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We also take a look at the NBA Free agency period. Jim Rome stops by to share his opinion on Hedo Turkoglu, and his signing in Portland.

Finally we end this weekend’s Full Court Press in a RANT!!! I get upset at Rafeal Palmiero. Come on dude, suck it up and shoot up some testosterone, I mean honesty into your veins.

Have a great weekend everyone, and enjoy the fireworks!

(As always, this podcast is available via Itunes. To view our podcast store, click here.)

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With the Fourth of July around the corner, Lenny and I talked a bit about the trade deadline, the Orioles minor league arms,  The Manny situation in L.A, and the fact that the Dodgers could slump with Manny back in the lineup.

“It wouldn’t shock me if the Dodgers players lose their edge,” says Melnick. “It’s not the first time we’ve expected the powerhouse lineup, when the powerhouse hitter returns. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Dodgers slump with Manny Ramirez in the lineup.”

Thanks so much to Lenny Melnick for joining me, you can catch all his great work at Fantasy Pros 911. The Staff over there does a wonderful job, they are on call most of the day. I am a premium member, and haven’t regretted it since day 1.

(Looking to listen to Fantasy CPRadio on your mobile device, mp3 player or Tape Cassette (I hope not for your sake!)? Visit the Fantasy CPRadio on Itunes, and subscribe today! Listen to Fantasy CPR Live every Saturday from 12 P.M. on The Fantasy Sports Channel. Can’t catch the show live? Download this week’s show here.)  

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Let’s just put it this way. A man who was once best known as LT’s backup in San Diego, has now become the leader of the flock in Atlanta. Despite having a solid air attack, that now includes Tony Gonzalez, the name of the game is still possesion. If healthy, Turner is going to see the carries. The question is, will he be able to handle it. Fantasy Football history says no.

Since 2004, a little jinx on running backs known as “The Curse of 370″ has existed. Created by Football Outsiders, the curse of 370 is simply states that, “Running Backs who carry the ball over 370 times in a season will see a drop in performance in the next season.” According to Tristan Cockroft of ESPN.com:

In the history of the NFL, 27 running backs have amassed 370 or more carries in a season … and all but one of them declined in terms of total fantasy points the next year. (That one, LaDainian Tomlinson, somehow escaped the clutches of the curse despite 372 rushing attempts in 2002.)

We saw the effect 370+ hand-offs had on Larry Johnson in 2007. He was the Chiefs (and the Dexter’ s Domination fantasy team’s) workhorse. He accumulated 317 fantasy points in 2006. What did he do in 2007? Just half of that production. Maybe the tread on the tires was a bit worn down. Maybe the engine needed an oil change. In some cases, as you will see in the chart below, the engine was completely blown. So when asking if Michael Turner, who carried the ball 376 times in 2009 will have a drop in fantasy value, I think that the Falcons star is just a different case.

Though fantasy owners shouldn’t go into their draft thinking Turner will repeat a 2009 season, they shouldn’t expect a full out blitz from the curse of 370. Turner will still get his 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. With management stating that backup Jerious Norwood will get more carries under center, Turner might miss out on some scoring oppurtunities, but let’s be straightforward here. Turner is very young, both in real life and on the football field. The Falcons will depend on his success to make another run at the playoffs. If Matt Ryan has a sophomore slump and Roddy White returns to his form in the past, then Turner is the only wheels to move deep and quickly down field. Some are high on Turner in his second full season as a starting running back, and some aren’t.

I find myself stuck in the middle. My advice would be to slot him for a round or pick later than you might have taken him. If you fall in a situation where none of the top running backs beyond Turner is on the board, then pull the trigger. You have to remember though that the defenses in the NFC South. Julius Peppers returns to the Panthers, The New Orleans Saints have one of the best corner back corps in the league, and the Chiefs have added Mike Vrabel and Mike Brown.  It will be interesting to see if the Falcons runner can rebound and have a better season. If he does, congratulations if you took him your draft. I might not be as brave.

(Catch Joe Dexter on Fantasy CPR LIVE Tomorrow at 12 PM ET as he continues the talk on Turner. You can also catch the show on the fourth of July on  The Fantasy Sports Channel.)

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Topics will include:

MLB News and Notes: Take a look at yesterday’s action as well as preview today’s.

MLB Trade Rumors: How will the deals going down in July effect your fantasy team?

MLB Draft: Who got the best deals? Will Strasburg be a factor in 2009?

NFL Preview: We will take a look at the 370 Rule, and begin rolling out position previews.

EMAIL: fantasycpr@gmail.com! Hope to hear from you!

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In the NBA, Yao Ming’s career might be over. We will take a look at the options that he has going into the off-season. His foot injury might be career ending, but Yao sure has opened up the floodgates for the Chinese basketball player. There is no doubt he has been a competitive player in the NBA when healthy in his career.

Meanwhile, the Giants are still in the hunt, winning seven out of their last ten games. The pitching has been phenominal, but the offense definitely needs a boost.  Are there any good suitors out there?

Let’s get to it with the Full Court Press!

NFL:

According to Yahoo Sports, NFL Commishoner Roger Goodell is considering suspending Mike Vick and Plaxico Burress for the entire season. This is a blow to those who thought that Plax could compete and be a good flier in the upcoming fantasy football season.  According to Yahoo’s Jason Cole:

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated.

All of this time Goodell has preached to Vick through media outlets that he wants to see remorse for what he has done, in order to back into the league. Little did we know that the warden meant that remorse is actually serving time (surprise, surprise).  According to Jason Cole, a source close to Mike Vick wouldn’t be surprised if a full year suspension will be in effect.

“[Vick] is not just walking out one day and playing again. I don’t know if he understands that yet, but that’s what it looks like right now if you really pay attention. … Yeah, he served his time, but he has to prove himself. When the commissioner talks about wanting to see remorse, he’s not kidding.”

In the case of Plaxico Burress, it seems like this was going to come. All the major media outlets blocked it out to write a comeback story. When you face up to three years in  prison, no matter what the crime or when the trial is, your going to miss time. Four games isn’t enough in the Goodell era. Fantasy wise, it seems like that’s a wrap on 2009 for both players. I doubt either even get into a training camp.

NBA:

It looks like that could be a wrap on the seven year career of Yao Ming. After breaking his left foot again, the big man (no pun intended) will surely miss next season.  Both the Rockets and Ming were shocked by the recent news, and Yao will plan to meet with many more physicians to decide the best course of action.

If indeed this is the end for Yao, I think all in all it was a good career. He opened up the floodgates for many basketball athletes across seas, and put up decent numbers. I hope that we do see him again in the NBA.  Free Agency gets underway as well. A lot of talk has surfaced that the Rockets would love to replace Yao Ming next season by adding Chris Bosh via trade. That could add a bunch of value to Bosh next season. 

The Pistons already have the eyes set on free agents Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon. Should be an interesting next couple of weeks. If Gordon does opt for Detroit, I really believe his fantasy value dips scoring wise. He will have to compete off the dribble with Rip Hamilton, unless he is dealt. 

MLB: 

The Giants are in second place of the NL West? Really? It has a lot to do with the pitching (obviously), but reports are out that the Giants are scouting the A.L. Jermaine Dye and Victor Martinez could be targets. Martinez is interesting, considering the future at first and the fact that it clogs the catcher position that much more in the organization. Pronk could be in play as well. I believe this squad has what it takes to contend all the way down to the last week of the season, especially if they can add a bat. Dye is a better fit than say an Adam Dunn, because Dye plays solid defense in right. Nobody in this lineup can hit consistently for average or power, but they are still there. It is an impressive feat. 

On the pitching front as the deadline gets closer and closer, The Royals could be sellers. The Phillies have talked to Kansas City about Brian Bannister or Gil Meche. Either would be solid fits for the Phillies, but you have to wonder what you have to give up. Bannister and Meche automatically get a boost in fantasy value without the DH, meanwhile the Royals could add a decent future bat or arm.

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MLB:

Jake Peavy is eying a return in three weeks. Is this due to trade value? It doesn’t seem like Peavy to rush back into things. Meanwhile Doc Halladay gets teh start for Toronto tonight off the D.L. talks continue to swirl on his end as well.

NHL:

It’s a roundup Monday! WE talk about goalies available, Danny Heatly, The Red Wings situation, and much much more.

NBA:

Sheed to the Magic? Either way Rasheed Wallace will have more value than he did last year, simply because he will want to play where he is at. His targeted teams, surprisingly are East teams contending for a title.

Fantasy CPR Voiceline: Want to be heard? Check out the Fantasy CPR VOICELINE! Leave a message and we will feature you in an upcoming episode of the Full Court Press, or Fantasy CPRadio.

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It sure has been a while, hasn’t it? The Full Court Press has been on hiatus as of late, (hey if ARod has fatigue days as part of his work benefits, we do too?) but It is back. In full Digital Audio. Ok, so it isn’t HD ready, and it hasn’t been FDA approved, but hopefully our weekend analysis will help you out with the recent News.

Here are the Topics For Today’s Full Court Press:

• Mark DeRosa to the Cardinals, Chris Perez to the Indians- Who got the better deal? How does this effect these players fantasy value? I discuss those points and more.

• Xavier Nady to have Tommy John Surgery- How does effect the Trade Market? I also look at possible replacements if the Yankees deem it neccesary to go outside the organization.

• Gerald Alexander for Dennis Northcutt?- This trade doesn’t really matter fantasy wise, but how does it make sense for the Lions, after drafting Derek Williams and signing Ronald Curry?

Enjoy the stereo quality, and the rest of your Weekend! We will be back with the Full Court Press Tommorrow.

(Want to download to your mobile device? Subscribe to our Itunes Feed!)

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