In season, this cheat sheet becomes the Matchup Meter and ranks players based only on that week's opponent. Then, it's filed Wednesday night and updated every Saturday morning in light of injury and other news from around the NFL. This cheat sheet will be updated every week during the NFL preseason.
Quarterback
1. Drew Brees, Saints
2. Peyton Manning, Colts
3. Tom Brady, Patriots: it's a dead heat with Manning, truly.
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: snappy debut, record wasn't his fault.
5. Kurt Warner, Cardinals: all tools in place, but he's 38.
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers: monster year didn't get its fair due.
7. Tony Romo, Cowboys: how quickly can he get up to speed with Williams.
8. Matt Schaub, Texans
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons
10. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
11. *Carson Palmer, Bengals
12. Jay Cutler, Bears: he'll miss the toys he had in Denver.
13. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
15. Eli Manning, Giants: reasonable backup, but not a starter in fantasy world.
16. David Garrard, Jaguars: struggling with accuracy in camp.
17. Trent Edwards, Bills: no-huddle offense seems to fit his skill set.
18. Matt Cassel, Chiefs: slow off the mark with his new team.
19. Kyle Orton, Broncos: messy three picks in first preseason game.
20. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
21. *Brett Favre, Vikings: welcome to Groundhog Day.
22. Chad Pennington, Dolphins
23. Joe Flacco, Ravens
24. *Marc Bulger, Rams: finger injury, hopes to play in opener.
25. Shaun Hill, Niners
26. Jason Campbell, Redskins
27. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders: took some steps forward at the end of 2008.
28. Brady Quinn, Browns: he's got the edge over Anderson right now.
29. Matthew Stafford, Lions: throwing to Calvin Johnson, good work if you can get it.
30. Mark Sanchez, Jets
31. Kerry Collins, Titans
32. *Luke McCown, Buccaneers
33. *Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers
34. Matt Leinart, Cardinals: the setup in Arizona makes him zestiest backup play.
35. Daunte Culpepper, Lions
36. Derek Anderson, Browns: anyone seen that 2007 Faustian Pact?
37. *Jeff Garcia, Raiders
38. Sage Rosenfels, Vikings
39. Kellen Clemens, Jets
40. Alex Smith, Niners: won't get No. 1 treatment any longer.
41. Chris Simms, Broncos
42. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers
43. Vince Young, Titans
44. Chad Henne, Dolphins
45. Michael Vick, Eagles
Running back
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: home-run hitter but needs to be more consistent.
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
3. Michael Turner, Falcons: drop him down in a PPR format (just six catches).
4. Matt Forte, Bears: does everything well, but no special qualities.
5. Steven Jackson, Rams
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: a 2008 league-changer but they like Stewart, too.
8. Frank Gore, Niners: his fullback has returned, and they'll run-run-run.
9. Steve Slaton, Texans
10. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
11. Clinton Portis, Redskins
12. *Brian Westbrook, Eagles: never plays a full season: coming off ankle surgery.
13. Chris Johnson, Titans: speed thrills, but size limits his workload upside.
14. Marion Barber, Cowboys
15. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
16. Kevin Smith, Lions: came on like gangbusters in the second half.
17. Pierre Thomas, Saints: which Saints back won the Heisman again?
18. Ryan Grant, Packers
19. Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Tank isn't empty, but can he fit offense?
20. *Reggie Bush, Saints: dogged by sore knee in camp.
21. *Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
22. Darren McFadden, Raiders: pass-catching improved, but didn't look special as a runner.
23. *Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
24. *Derrick Ward, Buccaneers: dinged up, not running with the 1s yet.
25. Joseph Addai, Colts: don't assume Brown takes over immediately.
26. Thomas Jones, Jets: Jets say they're not shopping him.
27. Ray Rice, Ravens: the upside play if you have to go here.
28. Julius Jones, Seahawks: two-down player, limited touchdown upside.
29. Cedric Benson, Bengals
30. Donald Brown, Colts
31. *Marshawn Lynch, Bills: three-game suspension (upheld) to start year.
32. *Willie Parker, Steelers
33. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: eventually he'll be a starter.
34. LenDale White, Titans
35. Jamal Lewis, Browns
36. *Chris Wells, Cardinals: lingering ankle problem holding him back.
37. *Felix Jones, Cowboys: keep an eye on the toe.
38. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
39. LeSean McCoy, Eagles: looked snappy in preseason opener.
40. Fred Jackson, Bills
41. Fred Taylor, Patriots: Tank isn't empty but the backfield is packed.
42. Tim Hightower, Cardinals: a paltry 2.8 YPC last year.
43. Willis McGahee, Ravens
44. Darren Sproles, Chargers
45. Jerious Norwood, Falcons: can score from anywhere but touches will be limited.
46. Chester Taylor, Vikings
47. Leon Washington, Jets: will they finally realize what they have here?
48. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
49. Shonn Greene, Jets: might muscle in on goal-line carries.
50. Sammy Morris, Patriots
51. T.J. Duckett, Seahawks
52. LeRon McClain, Ravens: moving back to fullback.
53. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
54. Ricky Williams, Dolphins
55. Justin Fargas, Raiders
56. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
57. Ladell Betts, Redskins
58. Kevin Jones, Bears
59. Maurice Morris, Lions
60. *Jerome Harrison, Browns: grossly underused by the old regime.
61. James Davis, Browns
62. Michael Bush, Raiders
63. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos: in line for goal-line work?
64. Chris Brown, Texans: might poach some TDs from Slaton.
65. Glen Coffee, Niners
66. Dominic Rhodes, Bills
67. Greg Jones, Jaguars: might see some goal-line work.
68. Edgerrin James, Free Agent: are the Saints really interested here?
69. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
70. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars
71. Jacob Hester, Chargers
72. LaMont Jordan, Broncos
73. Kevin Faulk, Patriots: trusted role player but not a starting contender.
74. Brandon Jackson, Packers
75. Gatrell Johnson, Chargers
76. Mewelde Moore, Steelers
Wide receiver
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: unreal playoff propels him into first round.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans
3. Randy Moss, Patriots
4. *Calvin Johnson, Lions: don't let the sprained thumb throw you.
5. Greg Jennings, Packers
6. Roddy White, Falcons
7. Reggie Wayne, Colts
8. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: between the lines, he's legit.
9. *Steve Smith, Panthers: shoulder injury may wipe out his preseason.
10. Marques Colston, Saints: had microfracture knee surgery in offseason.
11. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: not off to a fast start in new scheme.
12. Wes Welker, Patriots
13. Terrell Owens, Bills
14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks
15. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts: your last chance to get a good price.
16. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals: for now, a shiny-happy receiver.
17. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
18. Eddie Royal, Broncos
19. Roy Williams, Cowboys: forget the debut, mid-season switches aren't easy.
20. *Vincent Jackson, Chargers: come on late, and Chambers is slipping.
21. *Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers: knee scope, see you in three weeks.
22. *DeSean Jackson, Eagles: unreal camp, then a sore knee hit.
23. *Braylon Edwards, Browns: failed physical, then ankle problem, dogging him in camp.
24. Hines Ward, Steelers
25. Bernard Berrian, Vikings: can Jackson and Rosenfels deliver the deep ball?
26. *Brandon Marshall, Broncos: nicked up, slow to learn new offense, character issues.
27. Lee Evans, Bills
28. Laveranues Coles, Bengals
29. Torry Holt, Jaguars
30. Santana Moss, Redskins
31. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets
32. Donald Driver, Packers: came a long way, technically speaking, last year.
34. Kevin Walter, Texans
35. Lance Moore, Saints
36. Ted Ginn, Dolphins: improvement is there, but he won't be a big TD source.
37. *Derrick Mason, Ravens: welcome-back present: dislocated finger.
38. Domenik Hixon, Giants
39. *Mark Clayton, Ravens
40. Steve Breaston, Cardinals
41. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
42. Josh Morgan, Niners: gets bump from Crabtree situation.
43. *Donnie Avery, Rams: down 2-4 weeks with foot injury.
44. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
45. Earl Bennett, Bears: running with first team, has experience with Cutler.
46. Steve Smith, Giants
47. Justin Gage, Titans
48. Michael Jenkins, Falcons: needed more after Harry Douglas injury.
49. Chris Chambers, Chargers
50. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
51. Percy Harvin, Vikings: speciality weapon, but will Childress use him properly?
52. Chris Henry, Bengals: has star quality, but has he grown up yet?
53. *Mike Walker, Jaguars: might be a starter if the body cooperates.
54. Miles Austin, Cowboys: bet on him over Crayton.
55. *Deion Branch, Seahawks: you never pay for 16 games here.
56. Nate Washington, Titans
57. Mark Bradley, Chiefs
58. *Michael Crabtree, Niners: even if the deal gets signed, he's way behind.
59. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
60. Bobby Engram, Chiefs: a pro's pro but he's 36.
61. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles: sharp kid should pick up pro game quickly.
62. Isaac Bruce, Niners
63. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
64. Sidney Rice, Vikings
65. Davone Bess, Dolphins: has good chance to beat out Camarillo.
66. Joey Galloway, Patriots
67. Jordy Nelson, Packers
68. Malcom Floyd, Chargers: might pass by Chambers this year.
69. James Jones, Packers
70. Laurent Robinson, Rams
71. Demitrius Williams, Ravens
72. Limas Sweed, Steelers: he's come a long way in second season.
73. Devery Henderson, Saints: no short game, spotty hands.
74. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders: gifted but raw, a typical Raider.
75. Devin Thomas, Redskins: another intriguing sophomore to consider.
76. David Clowney, Jets
77. Brian Robiskie, Browns
78. Ronald Curry, Rams: possession guy needed with Avery down.
79. Pierre Garcon, Colts: has a good shot at No. 3 position.
80. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
81. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
82. Chansi Stuckey, Jets
83. Bobby Wade, Vikings
84. Jason Hill, Niners
85. Javon Walker, Raiders
86. Robert Meachem, Saints: Mr. August, remain skeptical.
87. Keenan Burton, Rams
88. Sinorice Moss, Giants
89. Austin Collie, Colts
90. Amani Toomer, Chiefs
91. Brad Smith, Jets
92. Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders
93. Troy Williamson, Jaguars: has the jets, but never the hands.
94. Kenny Britt, Titans
95. Devard Darling, Chiefs
96. Mike Thomas, Jaguars
97. *Chaz Schilens, Raiders: breakthrough ruined by foot injury.
98. Mario Manningham, Giants
99. Plaxico Burress, Free Agent: a full-season suspension is possible.
Tight end
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: blame last year on the injuries.
2. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys: tight with the QB, and that helps.
4. Dallas Clark, Colts: read-zone monster: dealing with summer concussion.
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins: most of the TDs should come back.
6. Owen Daniels, Texans
7. Greg Olsen, Bears: he's running with the starters now.
8. Zach Miller, Raiders
9. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers: plays with an edge: sometimes that's good, sometimes bad.
10. John Carlson, Seahawks
11. Dustin Keller, Jets
12. *Brent Celek, Eagles: playoff run makes him a target pick.
13. Heath Miller, Steelers
14. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings
15. Vernon Davis, Niners
16. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins: Pennington trusts him, that's all that matters.
17. Tony Scheffler, Broncos: not a great fit for new system.
18. Bo Scaife, Titans
19. Jeremy Shockey, Saints: strong camp but don't forget train-wreck 2008.
20. Kevin Boss, Giants
21. Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars
22. Ben Utecht, Bengals: needed more with Reggie Kelley out (IR).
23. Jermichael Finley, Packers: might push Lee out of the way.
24. L.J. Smith, Ravens
25. Todd Heap, Ravens
26. *Ben Watson, Patriots: hasn't turned into the star many expected.
27. Randy McMichael, Rams
28. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions: has the goods, but no TDs in final college year.
29. Desmond Clark, Bears
30. Martellus Bennett, Cowboys
31. Donald Lee, Packers.
32. Robert Royal, Browns
33. Billy Miller, Saints
34. David Martin, Dolphins
35. Dante Rosario, Panthers
Kicker
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
2. Rob Bironas, Titans
3. Nate Kaeding, Chargers: benign weather, loaded offense.
4. Jason Elam, Falcons: hard to go wrong with indoor options.
5. Mason Crosby, Packers
6. Ryan Longwell, Vikings
7. Kris Brown, Texans
8. David Akers, Eagles
9. Garrett Hartley, Saints: indoors gig and they seem to like him.
10. Nick Folk, Cowboys
11. Neil Rackers, Cardinals: no longer automatic on longer boots.
12. Robbie Gould, Bears: would be money in a warm-weather setup.
13. Josh Brown, Rams
14. John Kasay, Panthers
15. Jeff Reed, Steelers
16. Jason Hanson, Lions: don't laugh, he's still nailing 50-yarders.
17. Rian Lindell, Bills
18. Adam Vinatieri, Colts: don't get sentimental: the fastball is gone.
19. Lawrence Tynes, Giants
20. Joe Nedney, Niners
21. Shayne Graham, Bengals: can we trust this offense again?
22. Dan Carpenter, Dolphins
23. Jay Feely, Jets
24. Matt Prater, Broncos
25. Josh Scobee, Jaguars
26. Steve Hauschka, Ravens
27. *Mike Nugent, Buccaneers: has a leg up over injured Bryant (hamstring) 28. Phil Dawson, Browns 29. Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders 30. Olindo Mare, Seahawks 31. Shaun Suisham, Redskins
Defense
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: a rare club that gets legitimate push from home crowd.
2. Minnesota Vikings: they'll fatten up on early-season schedule.
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. New York Giants
5. Dallas Cowboys: follow the sacks, and they get a bunch (59 last year).
6. New York Jets: should be best unit in the division.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. San Diego Chargers
9. Green Bay Packers
10. New England Patriots: they don't attack as much as you think.
11. Chicago Bears
12. Tennessee Titans: losing Haynesworth will affect play on all levels.
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Miami Dolphins
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Washington Redskins
17. Carolina Panthers: they've let us down too many times before.
18. Houston Texans: the pieces are there: might be a year away.
19. Buffalo Bills
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Atlanta Falcons
23. Indianapolis Colts: will they be more aggressive in post-Dungy era?
24. San Francisco 49ers
25. Seattle Seahawks
26. Cincinnati Bengals
27. New Orleans Saints
28. Detroit Lions: give them credit, the FA moves make sense.
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Denver Broncos
31. Kansas City Chiefs
32. St. Louis Rams
