These rankings are updated each week and based on a combined yardage/scoring system (4 points for a passing touchdown, 6 points for a rushing/receiving touchdown, one point for every 25 passing yards, one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards). 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.
Quarterbacks
1. Drew Brees, Saints
2. Peyton Manning, Colts
3. Tom Brady, Patriots
NOTE: It's a dead heat with Manning, truly.
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
NOTE: Snappy debut, record wasn't his fault.
5. Kurt Warner, Cardinals
NOTE: All tools in place, but he's 38.
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers
NOTE: Monster year didn't get its fair due.
7. Tony Romo, Cowboys
NOTE: How quickly can he get up to speed with Williams.
8. Matt Schaub, Texans
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals
11. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
13. Jay Cutler, Bears
NOTE: He'll miss the toys he had in Denver.
14. Matt Cassel, Chiefs
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
16. Eli Manning, Giants
NOTE: Reasonable backup, but not a starter in fantasy world.
17. David Garrard, Jaguars
NOTE: Struggling with accuracy in camp.
18. Kyle Orton, Broncos
19. Trent Edwards, Bills
NOTE: Wasn't special last year but now TO is in town.
20. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
21. Chad Pennington, Dolphins
22. Joe Flacco, Ravens
23. Marc Bulger, Rams
24. Jason Campbell, Redskins
25. Shaun Hill, Niners
26. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders
NOTE: Took some steps forward at the end of 2008.
27. Brady Quinn, Browns
NOTE: He's got the edge over Anderson right now.
28. *Sage Rosenfels, Vikings
29. Matthew Stafford, Lions
NOTE: Throwing to Calvin Johnson, good work if you can get it.
30. Mark Sanchez, Jets
31. Kerry Collins, Titans
32. *Luke McCown, Buccaneers
33. *Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings
34. *Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers
35. Matt Leinart, Cardinals
NOTE: The setup in Arizona makes him zestiest backup play.
36. Daunte Culpepper, Lions
37. Derek Anderson, Browns
NOTE: Anyone seen that 2007 Faustian Pact?
38. *Jeff Garcia, Raiders
39. Kellen Clemens, Jets
40. Alex Smith, Niners
NOTE: 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, Free Agent
NOTE: He'll sign soon, but he's just a package player.
Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
NOTE: Home-run hitter but needs to be more consistent.
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
3. Michael Turner, Falcons
NOTE: Drop him down in a PPR format (just six catches).
4. Matt Forte, Bears
NOTE: Does everything well, but no special qualities.
5. Steven Jackson, Rams
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
NOTE: A 2008 league-changer but they like Stewart, too.
8. Frank Gore, Niners
NOTE: 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
NOTE: Never plays a full season; coming off ankle surgery.
13. Chris Johnson, Titans
NOTE: Speed thrills, but size limits his workload upside.
14. Marion Barber, Cowboys
15. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
16. Kevin Smith, Lions
NOTE: Came on like gangbusters in the second half.
17. Pierre Thomas, Saints
NOTE: Which Saints back won the Heisman again?
18. Ryan Grant, Packers
19. Larry Johnson, Chiefs
NOTE: Tank isn't empty, but can he fit offense?
20. Reggie Bush, Saints
21. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
22. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
23. Darren McFadden, Raiders
NOTE: Pass-catching improved, but didn't look special as a runner.
24. *Derrick Ward, Buccaneers
NOTE: Dinged up, not running with the 1s yet.
25. Joseph Addai, Colts
NOTE: Don't assume Brown takes over immediately.
26. Thomas Jones, Jets
NOTE: Jets say they're not shopping him.
27. Julius Jones, Seahawks
NOTE: Sometimes it pays to go ugly.
28. Cedric Benson, Bengals
29. Ray Rice, Ravens
NOTE: The upside play if you have to go here.
30. Donald Brown, Colts
31. *Marshawn Lynch, Bills
NOTE: Three-game suspension (upheld) to start year.
32. *Willie Parker, Steelers
33. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
NOTE: Eventually he'll be a starter.
34. Jamal Lewis, Browns
35. *Chris Wells, Cardinals
NOTE: Lingering ankle problem holding him back.
36. LenDale White, Titans
37. *Felix Jones, Cowboys
NOTE: Keep an eye on the toe.
38. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
39. Fred Jackson, Bills
40. Fred Taylor, Patriots
NOTE: Tank isn't empty but the backfield is packed.
41. Tim Hightower, Cardinals
NOTE: A paltry 2.8 YPC last year.
42. Willis McGahee, Ravens
43. LeSean McCoy, Eagles
44. Darren Sproles, Chargers
45. Jerious Norwood, Falcons
NOTE: Can score from anywhere but touches will be limited.
46. Chester Taylor, Vikings<
47. Leon Washington, Jets
NOTE: Will they finally realize what they have here?
48. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
49. Shonn Greene, Jets
NOTE: Might muscle in on goal-line carries.
50. Sammy Morris, Patriots
51. T.J. Duckett, Seahawks
NOTE: Has the goal-line gig.
52. LeRon McClain, Ravens
NOTE: 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. Andre Brown, Giants
59. Maurice Morris, Lions
60. Jerome Harrison, Browns
NOTE: Grossly underused by the old regime.
61. Michael Bush, Raiders
62. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos
NOTE: In line for goal-line work?
63. Dominic Rhodes, Bills
64. Kevin Jones, Bears
65. Greg Jones, Jaguars
NOTE: Might see some goal-line work.
66. Edgerrin James, Free Agent
NOTE: Are the Saints really interested here?
67. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
68. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars
69. James Davis, Browns
70. Jacob Hester, Chargers
71. LaMont Jordan, Broncos
72. Kevin Faulk, Patriots
NOTE: Trusted role player but not a starting contender.
73. Chris Brown, Texans
74. Glen Coffee, Niners
75. Brandon Jackson, Packers
76. Gatrell Johnson, Chargers
Wide Receivers
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
NOTE: Unreal playoff propels him into first round.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans
3. Randy Moss, Patriots
4. *Calvin Johnson, Lions
NOTE: Don't let the sprained thumb throw you.
5. Greg Jennings, Packers
6. Roddy White, Falcons
7. Reggie Wayne, Colts
8. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
NOTE: Between the lines, he's legit.
9. *Steve Smith, Panthers
NOTE: Shoulder injury wipes out his preseason.
10. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
NOTE: Not off to a fast start in new scheme.
11. Marques Colston, Saints
NOTE: Had microfracture knee surgery in offseason.
12. Wes Welker, Patriots
13. *Terrell Owens, Bills
14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks
15. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts
NOTE: Your last chance to get a good price.
16. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals
NOTE: For now, a shiny-happy receiver.
17. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
18. Roy Williams, Cowboys
NOTE: Forget the debut, mid-season switches aren't easy.
19. *Brandon Marshall, Broncos
NOTE: All-world talent, but maturity issues remain.
20. Eddie Royal, Broncos
21. *Vincent Jackson, Chargers
NOTE: Come on late, and Chambers is slipping.
22. *Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers
NOTE: Knee scope, see you in three weeks.
23. *DeSean Jackson, Eagles
NOTE: Unreal camp, then a sore knee hit.
24. *Braylon Edwards, Browns
NOTE: Failed physical, then ankle problem, dogging him in camp.
25. Hines Ward, Steelers
26. Bernard Berrian, Vikings
NOTE: Can Jackson and Rosenfels deliver the deep ball?
27. Lee Evans, Bills
28. Laveranues Coles, Bengals
29. Torry Holt, Jaguars
30. Santana Moss, Redskins
31. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets
32. Donald Driver, Packers
33. Devin Hester, Bears
NOTE: Came a long way, technically speaking, last year.
34. Kevin Walter, Texans
35. Lance Moore, Saints
36. Ted Ginn, Dolphins
NOTE: Improvement is there, but he won't be a big TD source.
37. *Derrick Mason, Ravens
NOTE: Welcome-back present: dislocated finger.
38. Domenik Hixon, Giants
39. *Mark Clayton, Ravens
40. Steve Breaston, Cardinals
41. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
42. *Donnie Avery, Rams
NOTE: Down 3-5 weeks with foot injury.
43. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
44. Josh Morgan, Niners
NOTE: Gets bump from Crabtree situation.
45. Earl Bennett, Bears
NOTE: Running with first team, has experience with Cutler.
46. Steve Smith, Giants
47. Justin Gage, Titans
48. *Deion Branch, Seahawks
NOTE: You never pay for 16 games here.
49. Michael Jenkins, Falcons
NOTE: Needed more after Harry Douglas injury.
50. Chris Chambers, Chargers
51. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
52. Percy Harvin, Vikings
NOTE: Speciality weapon, but will Childress use him properly?
53. Chris Henry, Bengals
NOTE: Has star quality, but has he grown up yet?
54. *Mike Walker, Jaguars
NOTE: Might be a starter if the body cooperates.
55. Miles Austin, Cowboys
NOTE: Bet on him over Crayton.
56. Nate Washington, Titans
57. Mark Bradley, Chiefs
58. *Michael Crabtree, Niners
NOTE: Even if the deal gets signed, he's way behind.
59. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
60. Bobby Engram, Chiefs
NOTE: A pro's pro but he's 36.
61. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
62. Isaac Bruce, Niners
63. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
64. Sidney Rice, Vikings
65. Joey Galloway, Patriots
66. Jordy Nelson, Packers
67. Malcom Floyd, Chargers
NOTE: Might pass by Chambers this year.
68. James Jones, Packers
69. Laurent Robinson, Rams
70. Demitrius Williams, Ravens
71. Davone Bess, Dolphins
NOTE: Has good chance to beat out Camarillo.
72. Devery Henderson, Saints
NOTE: No short game, spotty hands.
73. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders
NOTE: Gifted but raw, a typical Raider.
74. Brian Robiskie, Browns
75. Plaxico Burress, Free Agent
76. Chansi Stuckey, Jets
77. Ronald Curry, Rams
NOTE: Possession guy needed with Avery down.<br>78. Pierre Garcon, Colts
NOTE: Has a good shot at No. 3 position.<br> 79. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
80. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
81. Bobby Wade, Vikings
82. Jason Hill, Niners
83. Javon Walker, Raiders
84. Robert Meachem, Saints
85. Keenan Burton, Rams
86. Sinorice Moss, Giants
87. Austin Collie, Colts
88. Amani Toomer, Chiefs
89. Devin Thomas, Redskins
90. Brad Smith, Jets
91. Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders
92. Troy Williamson, Jaguars
NOTE: Has the jets, but never the hands.
93. Kenny Britt, Titans
94. Devard Darling, Chiefs
95. Mike Thomas, Jaguars
96. David Clowney, Jets
97. Chaz Schilens, Raiders
98. Limas Sweed, Steelers
99. Mario Manningham, Giants
Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers
NOTE: Blame last year on the injuries.
2. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
3. Jason Witten, Cowboys
NOTE: Tight with the QB, and that helps.
4. Dallas Clark, Colts
NOTE: Read-zone monster; dealing with summer concussion.
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins
NOTE: Most of the TDs should come back.
6. Owen Daniels, Texans
7. Greg Olsen, Bears
NOTE: He's running with the starters now.
8. Zach Miller, Raiders
9. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers
NOTE: Plays with an edge; sometimes that's good, sometimes bad.
10. John Carlson, Seahawks
11. Dustin Keller, Jets
12. Brent Celek, Eagles
NOTE: Playoff run makes him a target pick.
13. Heath Miller, Steelers
14. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings
15. Vernon Davis, Niners
16. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins
NOTE: Pennington trusts him, that's all that matters.
17. Tony Scheffler, Broncos
NOTE: Not a great fit for new system.
18. Bo Scaife, Titans
19. Jeremy Shockey, Saints
NOTE: No scores last year; forget about 16 games.
20. Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars
21. Kevin Boss, Giants
22. Ben Utecht, Bengals
NOTE: Needed more with Reggie Kelley out (IR).
23. Donald Lee, Packers
24. L.J. Smith, Ravens
25. Todd Heap, Ravens
26. *Ben Watson, Patriots
NOTE: Hasn't turned into the star many expected.
27. Randy McMichael, Rams
28. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions
NOTE: Has the goods, but no TDs in final college year.
29. Desmond Clark, Bears
30. Robert Royal, Browns
31. Billy Miller, Saints
32. David Martin, Dolphins
33. Martellus Bennett, Cowboys
34. Dante Rosario, Panthers
Kickers
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
2. Rob Bironas, Titans
3. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
NOTE: Benign weather, loaded offense.
4. Jason Elam, Falcons
NOTE: 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
NOTE: Indoors gig and they seem to like him.
10. Nick Folk, Cowboys
11. Neil Rackers, Cardinals
NOTE: No longer automatic on longer boots.
12. Robbie Gould, Bears
NOTE: Would be money in a warm-weather setup.
13. Josh Brown, Rams
14. John Kasay, Panthers
15. Jeff Reed, Steelers
16. Jason Hanson, Lions
NOTE: Don't laugh, he's still nailing 50-yarders.
17. Rian Lindell, Bills
18. Adam Vinatieri, Colts
NOTE: Don't get sentimental; the fastball is gone.
19. Lawrence Tynes, Giants
20. Joe Nedney, Niners
21. Shayne Graham, Bengals
NOTE: 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
NOTE: Has a leg up over injured Bryant (hamstring)
28. Phil Dawson, Browns
29. Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
30. Olindo Mare, Seahawks
31. Shaun Suisham, Redskins
Defenses
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
NOTE: A rare club that gets legitimate push from home crowd.
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. New York Giants
5. Dallas Cowboys
NOTE: Follow the sacks, and they get a bunch (59 last year).
6. New York Jets
NOTE: Should be best unit in the division.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. San Diego Chargers
9. Green Bay Packers
10. New England Patriots
NOTE: They don't attack as much as you think.
11. Chicago Bears
12. Tennessee Titans
NOTE: Losing Albert Haynesworth will affect play on all levels.
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Miami Dolphins
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Washington Redskins
17. Carolina Panthers
NOTE: They've let us down too many times before.
18. Houston Texans
NOTE: The pieces are there; might be a year away.
19. Buffalo Bills
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Atlanta Falcons
23. Indianapolis Colts
NOTE: 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
NOTE: Give them credit, the FA moves make sense.
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Denver Broncos
31. Kansas City Chiefs
32. St. Louis Rams
