Fantasy football success in 75 steps (cont.)

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21. Don't be the nice guy and share information on draft day with other owners who are unprepared. You play to win. If someone doesn't know a guy is injured, that's their fault and they have to live with the pick. You're friends after the draft, but during the competitive stages, you don't have any allies. If someone wants to know what you think of a certain player, tell him you'll let him know after the draft.

22. Bernard Berrian may be the projected No. 1 receiver in Minnesota, yet I believe Sidney Rice will actually be more productive for fantasy purposes. Neither guy will be better than a No. 3 fantasy WR, but Rice will score more touchdowns and have a few good outings. He'll be useful when the match up is friendly.

23. Time-shares at running back are not always a bad thing. Having a quality backup or alternate can mean the starter will not get overworked and should be less susceptible to injuries.

24. Julius Jones is set for a revival in Seattle, but some players are simply not good runners in short space near the goal line, and he is one of them. Jones should have a few impressive outings, but he won't be a dependable No. 2 fantasy running back in '08. If your league uses a flex position, though, he'll be a standout in that role.

25. Exhibition games are not meaningless. When the backups come in, you'll get a good chance to see what they can do if given quality playing time. Watching preseason games as much as possible can only help you make informed decisions during the later rounds.

26. I'm using the No. 1 pick on LaDainian Tomlinson. After how his '07 season ended in New England, he's going to be primed for a monster season. Football is a game of emotion and motivation, and Tomlinson will have a lot of emotional fuel in '08.

27. Don't be too rigid in planning for bye weeks on draft day. Sure, you want to ensure that you don't have two quarterbacks with the same bye, but be more flexible at other positions. Your roster may look quite different in Week 7, so don't pass on the better player at running back or wide receiver because you have to get your "bye guy" first.

28. Ryan Grant is going to disappoint early, as Aaron Rodgers struggles to adjust to facing starting defenses on a weekly basis. You'll have to be patient with him, as his better performances may come later in the season. Don't draft Grant as your No. 1 running back.

29. Don't hold too fast to the "handcuff" rule at running back. It all depends on who the backup is. I'd rather take a late flier on a guy from another team than use a pick on Marcel Shipp or DeShaun Foster.

30. Derek Anderson was no fluke last year. He's on the cusp of being a top-5 fantasy quarterback.

31. If you play in an individual defender league, go for linemen who make a lot of tackles first. There's tons of depth at linebacker and lots of good defensive backs.

32. Let's just say if injuries become an issue again in New Orleans, I absolutely love Aaron Stecker. He is tough and shifty, and he'll make the most of any playing time he receives.

33. The quality of the running back position has declined overall, but you still have to address the position early, because you have to start at least two guys and want to have more options and depth available if your top RBs disappoint or get hurt. Don't get too cute and start by picking sleepers in the middle rounds while hoping one of them will pan out. You should draft your first running back no later than the third round.

34. I'm worried about Willis McGahee. I don't like the offensive line, and I believe Troy Smith will win the starting job in Baltimore. He's untested with a mediocre group of receivers. I still rank Willis at the end of my top 10 for running backs, because I know he is a willing warrior. However, I'm going to build depth behind him quickly if I draft him as my top RB.

35. Now that Justin Fargas has his money, I expect him to play not nearly as well as he did last season. I was never a believer in Fargas, although I loved his dad in I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka. Gotta love the fishbowl platforms. Darren McFadden will be statistically inconsistent, but sometimes amazing.

36. I would not be surprised to see Shaun Hill emerge as the top starter for San Francisco this season, and he'll be a decent fantasy backup. If only he had better receivers ...

37. If Donovan McNabb does not stay healthy, I won't be surprised to see Kevin Kolb become a respectable fantasy option.

38. Steve Smith's success doesn't totally hinge on Jake Delhomme's health. Matt Moore has a strong arm and throws a nice downfield ball. Smith will still have some big games, but he will be less consistent if Moore is needed to start.

39. The "other" Steve Smith has a good chance to become a worthy fantasy option this year with the Giants. Take a shot on him in the late rounds.

40. I don't think Rudi Johnson is done. He can still be adequate from the fantasy perspective. If not, Kenny Watson will exceed expectations.

41. The Titans are committed to making sure LenDale White succeeds, I believe. I'm not bothering with any other Tennessee running backs.

42. If you don't get a top 10 fantasy quarterback, it's been proven that you can win by rotating two lesser-heralded guys.

43. Keep in mind that should you lose Marshawn Lynch at any point, Buffalo seems to be very high on Fred Jackson.

44. Don't buy too much into training camp stories. Everyone looks good in July, according to most hometown newspapers.

45. I'm avoiding Chad Johnson, personally. Let someone else worry about him.

46. Darrell Jackson was a great acquisition by Denver. He was a bad fit in San Francisco and will enjoy a comeback year with the Broncos.

47. Dwayne Bowe will draw more defensive attention this season. That could mean Devard Darling takes advantage and becomes a quality fantasy player.

48. Nate Burleson scored nine times last year, but I still don't trust him. He will still disappear at times, especially against physical secondaries.

49. Philip Rivers showed us a lot during the '07 playoffs. He's ready to take his game to the next plateau, and he'll be a solid, sometimes outstanding fantasy starter this season.

50. I'm staying far away from Javon Walker in '08.