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, but how much volume will he get?
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. Jay Cutler, Bears: He'll miss the toys he had in Denver.
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
13. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
14. *Carson Palmer, Bengals: Nagging ankle injury wrecking his preseason.
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: Early preseason returns have been a mess.
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: Singletary picked the right guy.
26. Jason Campbell, Redskins: Probably his last chance in DC.
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. Mark Sanchez, Jets
30. Matthew Stafford, Lions: Throwing to Calvin Johnson, good work if you can get it.
31. Kerry Collins, Titans
32. *Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers: The front-runner here, but who cares?
33. Matt Leinart, Cardinals: The setup in Arizona makes him zestiest backup play.
34. Daunte Culpepper, Lions
35. Derek Anderson, Browns: Anyone seen that 2007 Faustian Pact?
36. *Jeff Garcia, Raiders
37. *Luke McCown, Buccaneers
38. Sage Rosenfels, Vikings
39. Chris Simms, Broncos
40. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers
41. Vince Young, Titans
42. Chad Henne, Dolphins
43. Kellen Clemens, Jets
44. Alex Smith, Niners: Won't get No. 1 treatment any longer.
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. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
6. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: A 2008 league-changer but they like Stewart, too.
7. Steven Jackson, Rams
8. Frank Gore, Niners: His fullback has returned, and they'll run-run-run.
9. *Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Never plays a full season; coming off ankle surgery.
10. Chris Johnson, Titans: Speed thrills, but size limits his workload upside.
11. Steve Slaton, Texans
12. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
13. Marion Barber, Cowboys
14. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
15. *Kevin Smith, Lions: Came on like gangbusters in the second half.
16. Clinton Portis, Redskins
17. Ryan Grant, Packers
18. Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Tank isn't empty, but can he fit offense?
19. *Pierre Thomas, Saints: Sprained PCL, might miss rest of preseason.
20. *Reggie Bush, Saints: Dogged by sore knee in camp.
21. Ray Rice, Ravens: Bandwagon getting awfully crowded.
22. *Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
23. Darren McFadden, Raiders: Pass-catching improved, but didn't look special as a runner.
24. *Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
25. Joseph Addai, Colts: Don't assume Brown takes over immediately.
26. Thomas Jones, Jets: Jets say they're not shopping him.
27. *Derrick Ward, Buccaneers: Dinged up, not running with the 1s yet.
28. *Felix Jones, Cowboys
NOTE: Keep an eye on the toe.
29. Cedric Benson, Bengals
30. Donald Brown, Colts
31. *Marshawn Lynch, Bills: Three-game suspension (upheld) to start year.
32. Julius Jones, Seahawks: Two-down player, limited touchdown upside.
33. LenDale White, Titans
34. *Willie Parker, Steelers
35. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Eventually he'll be a starter.
36. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
37. *Fred Jackson, Bills: Bum wrist won't cost him Monday night start.
38. Tim Hightower, Cardinals: Mediocre rookie year but Wells isn't ready yet.
39. *Chris Wells, Cardinals: Lingering ankle problem holding him back.
40. LeSean McCoy, Eagles: Looked snappy in preseason opener.
41. Leon Washington, Jets: Will they finally realize what they have here?
42. Jamal Lewis, Browns: New regime isn't tied to this plodder.
43. Darren Sproles, Chargers
44. Jerious Norwood, Falcons: Can score from anywhere but touches will be limited.
45. Chester Taylor, Vikings
46. Sammy Morris, Patriots
47. Fred Taylor, Patriots: Tank isn't empty but the backfield is packed.
48. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
49. Willis McGahee, Ravens
50. Shonn Greene, Jets: Might muscle in on goal-line carries.
51. LeRon McClain, Ravens: Moving back to fullback.
52. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
53. Glen Coffee, Niners
54. Ricky Williams, Dolphins
55. Justin Fargas, Raiders
56. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
57. Ladell Betts, Redskins: Might steal some cheap scores from Portis.
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. Kevin Faulk, Patriots: Receiving skills make him flex-worthy.
64. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos: In line for goal-line work?
65. Chris Brown, Texans: Might poach some TDs from Slaton.
66. Carnell Williams, Buccaneers: This could be a three-headed monster.
67. Dominic Rhodes, Bills
68. Greg Jones, Jaguars: Might see some goal-line work.
69. Edgerrin James, Seahawks: He's a finesse back these days, nothing more.
70. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
71. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars
72. Jacob Hester, Chargers
73. LaMont Jordan, Broncos
74. Brandon Jackson, Packers
75. Gatrell Johnson, Chargers
76. Mewelde Moore, Steelers
77. Mike Bell, Saints
78. T.J. Duckett, Free Agent
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: With his talent, the quarterbacking doesn't matter.
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 wipes out his preseason.
10. Marques Colston, Saints: Had microfracture knee surgery in offseason.
11. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: Finally out of doghouse, starting again.
12. Wes Welker, Patriots
13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks
14. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts: Your last chance to get a good price.
15. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals: For now, a shiny-happy receiver.
16. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
17. Eddie Royal, Broncos: Josh McDaniels will feed him the ball.
18. Roy Williams, Cowboys: Forget the debut, mid-season switches aren't easy.
19. *Terrell Owens, Bills: Tweet this, his toe isn't getting better.
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. Devin Hester, Bears: Came a long way, technically speaking, last year.
33. Kevin Walter, Texans
34. *Donnie Avery, Rams: Quick recovery from foot issue, go get him.
35. Donald Driver, Packers
36. Lance Moore, Saints
37. Ted Ginn, Dolphins: Improvement is there, but he won't be a big TD source.
38. *Derrick Mason, Ravens: Welcome-back present: dislocated finger.
39. Domenik Hixon, Giants
40. *Mark Clayton, Ravens
41. Steve Breaston, Cardinals
42. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
43. Josh Morgan, Niners: Gets bump from Crabtree situation.
44. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
45. Earl Bennett, Bears: Running with first team, has experience with Cutler.
46. Percy Harvin, Vikings: Speciality weapon, but will Childress use him properly?
47. Chris Henry, Bengals: Has star quality, but has he grown up yet?
48. Steve Smith, Giants
49. Justin Gage, Titans
50. Michael Jenkins, Falcons: Needed more after Harry Douglas injury.
51. Chris Chambers, Chargers
52. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
53. *Mike Walker, Jaguars: Might be a starter if the body cooperates.
54. *Deion Branch, Seahawks: You never pay for 16 games here.
55. Mark Bradley, Chiefs
56. *Michael Crabtree, Niners: Even if the deal gets signed, he's way behind.
57. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
58. Bobby Engram, Chiefs: A pro's pro but he's 36.
59. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles: Sharp kid should pick up pro game quickly.
60. Isaac Bruce, Niners
61. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
62. David Clowney, Jets: Looks like a starter to open season.
63. Kenny Britt, Titans: Needed more with Washington dinged up.
64. Sidney Rice, Vikings
65. Davone Bess, Dolphins: Has good chance to beat out Camarillo.
66. Joey Galloway, Patriots
67. *Nate Washington, Titans: Hamstring injury might wreck his season.
68. Jordy Nelson, Packers
69. Malcom Floyd, Chargers: Might pass by Chambers this year.
70. James Jones, Packers
71. Laurent Robinson, Rams
72. Limas Sweed, Steelers: He's come a long way in second season.
73. Demitrius Williams, Ravens
74. Miles Austin, Cowboys: He's slipped significantly in camp.
75. Devery Henderson, Saints: No short game, spotty hands.
76. *Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders: Gifted but raw, a typical Raider.
77. Malcolm Kelly, Redskins: Another intriguing sophomore to consider.
78. Brian Robiskie, Browns
79. Ronald Curry, Rams
80. Pierre Garcon, Colts: Has a good shot at No. 3 position.
81. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
82. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
83. Chansi Stuckey, Jets
84. Bobby Wade, Vikings
85. *Chaz Schilens, Raiders: Breakthrough delayed by foot injury.
86. Jason Hill, Niners
87. Javon Walker, Raiders
88. Robert Meachem, Saints: Mr. August, remain skeptical.
89. Keenan Burton, Rams
90. Sinorice Moss, Giants
91. Austin Collie, Colts
92. Amani Toomer, Chiefs
93. Devin Thomas, Redskins: Lost ground to Kelly in recent weeks.
94. Brad Smith, Jets
95. Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders
96. Troy Williamson, Jaguars: Has the jets, but never the hands.
97. Devard Darling, Chiefs
98. Mike Thomas, Jaguars
99. Mario Manningham, Giants
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. Nick Folk, Cowboys
10. Neil Rackers, Cardinals: No longer automatic on longer boots.
11. Robbie Gould, Bears: Would be money in a warm-weather setup.
12. Josh Brown, Rams
13. John Kasay, Panthers
14. Jeff Reed, Steelers
15. Jason Hanson, Lions: Don't laugh, he's still nailing 50-yarders.
16. Rian Lindell, Bills
17. Adam Vinatieri, Colts: Don't get sentimental; the fastball is gone.
18. Lawrence Tynes, Giants
19. Garrett Hartley/John Carney, Saints: Four-game Hartley suspension quiets the buzz.
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
