Many wonder: who will break out after a rough 2007? No worries, I have the answers:
Quarterbacks
Jake Delhomme, Panthers:
Delhomme had incredible numbers last year, but unfortunately got hurt. He had 624 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception in three games. Now healthy, Delhomme looks to be the first QB to come back from Tommy John surgery the next year.
Delhomme doesn't exactly have shabby receivers (Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett). If healthy, and that's a big "if," I think Delhomme will have 3,000+ yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Matt Schaub, Texans:
After years of being a benchwarmer and being injured, Schaub is primed to break out. He was on his way to a breakout year last year, but injured himself. It also wasn't helping when star receiver Andre Johnson also got hurt.
With that being said, Johnson should be fine this year. Add Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels and you have viable options that are consistent week to week. He is considered a sleeper, but not in my mind. You're not a sleeper with that much talent in you and surrounding you. I think Schaub will get 3200 yards, 15 TD and 10 INT if healthy. That's also a big "if."
Jason Campbell, Redskins:
Last year, Campbell was replaced by veteran Todd Collins. With his job back, I'm sure Campbell learned a lot over that stretch. Campbell's numbers weren't terrible. He had 2700 pass yards, 12 TD and 11 INT, but the Skins were 6-7. Collins won his final three starts and charged the Skins into a playoff appearance.
Collins is again the backup and Campbell has a healthy Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, and a solid tight end option in Chris Cooley. Fullback Mike Sellers is also a very good option out of the backfield to catch passes. In 2005, Sellers caught seven touchdown passes.
I expect Campbell to throw for 3,000 yards this year. He would've gotten that last year had he not been replaced. He should have 19 TD and 12 INT. Coach Jim Zorn isn't bad with QBs, just look at Matt Hasselbeck.
Running Backs
Selvin Young, Broncos:
No one expected Selvin to have such a good year last year, due to the fact of Travis Henry starting. However, after a suspension, Henry was cut by Denver and Young's role elevated. He will share carries with other backs such as Ryan Torain and Michael Pittman, but Young should get the majority. He did have over 700 yards last year as a rookie. He should get 1,050 yards and four TD.
Michael Turner, Falcons:
Everybody saw this coming. Turner has been one of the best backups in the league for years. Everyone knew he would land somewhere else so he would have his opportunity to shine, as a starter. This past offseason, the Falcons acquired Turner. Last year, Turner had 71 carries, 316 yards and one touchdown.
He's been backing up LaDainian Tomlinson since he got drafted in 2004 out of the University of Northern Illinois. Now that Turner is the starter with no serious competition other than Jerious Norwood, look for Turner to shine. I think he'll have 1,200 yards and six touchdowns.
Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants:
He will be in jail for 30 days but Bradshaw will shine when he gets back. Bradshaw finally got his shot late in the year and didn't make Giants management look dumb at all. In Week 16 against the Bills, Bradshaw rushed for 151 yards on just 17 carries and scored a touchdown.
He also did well in the Super Bowl, rushing for 45 yards on nine carries. Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will split carries. Bradshaw will be elusive while Jacobs will power forward. I expect 800 yards and four TD.
Wide receivers
Calvin Johnson, Lions:
CJ was expected to win a Rookie of the Year and register a 1,000 yard season to help the Lions back to respectability. This did not happen. Calvin did have a decent year but he didn't reach expectations and the Lions stunk, as usual.
Johnson caught 48 passes for 756 yards and four touchdowns. Pretty good numbers for a rookie, but head coach Rod Marinelli and Matt Millen expected much more from him. I think he could get those 1,000 yards, but probably not. I think he'll pick up 900 and seven TD.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers:
It took a couple of years, but the other Vincent Jackson has sharpened up his game and is playing with confidence. Jackson had 623 yards and three touchdowns and had solid playoff games against Tennessee, New England, and Indianapolis.
He had 300 yards on 18 catches and scored two touchdowns in the playoffs and had the look of a Pro Bowler, with over 90 yards in each of those games. Jackson should have more of a role this year and should flourish. He'll get 900 yards and seven TD.
James Jones, Packers:
The most underrated rookie performance. Whoever is throwing to him is a lucky guy. He had 47 catches for 676 yards and two touchdowns despite being the fourth guy to be looked for behind Driver, Jennings, and Donald Lee. I expect JJ to add even bigger numbers in his sophomore year. He won't get the sophomore jinx. The Pack are lucky to have this guy and so is whoever throws to him. He'll get 810 and six.
Tight ends
Greg Olsen, Bears:
The Bears do have a very unstable quarterback situation, but they do have Greg Olsen. Last year, the rookie had a pretty good season, 391 yards and two touchdown catches. But, with Bernard Berrian gone, the receivers are Brandon Lloyd and Marty Booker. Olsen's role will triple and he will have much more catches and more yards. He is a sleeper, but I expect a great year. He'll get maybe 710 yards and four touchdowns.
Vernon Davis, 49ers:
This freak show of a man will show why the 49ers drafted him sixth overall in the 2006 draft. He had a better year last year, with 509 yards and four touchdowns. Unstable quarterbacks have held him back but Alex Smith is primed for a good year. Mike Martz knows talent and you don't have to be Mike Martz to see the talent Vernon Davis is. I expect 800 yards and six touchdowns this year leading the 49ers in receiving!
Kevin Boss, Giants:
The Giants did themselves a favor by trading Jeremy Shockey to the Saints. They gave up a loudmouth and now their starting tight end is a solid fantasy option and consistent week to week. He even had a 45 yard catch against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Boss stepped up after Shockey broke his leg and the Giants will use their tight end a lot, as they did with Shockey. Don't expect 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he could have 500 and five.