DR U Fantasy Football GURU
Keeping you up to date on the latest Fantasy Football news and strategies.

WR Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers

2009 Stats: 95 receptions, 1,167 receiving yards, 6 total TDs
Projected 2010 Stats: 88 receptions, 1,037 receiving yards, 5 total TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 6th Round
Wide Receivers to be picked ahead of Hines Ward: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you may want to draft Hines Ward: Last season, Ward had five games where he surpassed 100 receiving yards, and he had at least four receptions in 14 games.  In addition, Ward had one game where he went for multiple scores. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Hines Ward: Ward will not have the luxury of catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger for the first several games of the seasons, which could cause a dip in his numbers.  In 2009, Ward was limited to under 50 receiving yards in six contests. 

Bottom Line: Ward should be viewed as a solid No.3, flirting with being a No.2 fantasy receiver.   However, his age, and being without Big Ben for part of the season, should raise some eye brows.  With that being said, Ward would be a nice value in the seventh round or beyond.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

2009 Stats: 1,108 rushing yards, 261 receiving yards, 8 total TDs
Projected 2010 Stats: 1,185 rushing yards, 401 receiving yards, 9 total TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 2nd Round
Running backs to be picked ahead of Rashard Mendenhall: Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Rashard Mendenhall: Last season, Mendenhall had three games where he eclipsed triple figures in rushing yards.  He also ended the 2009 campaign by scoring a touchdown in three out of the last five contests. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Rashard Mendenhall: In 2009, Mendenhall was limited to under 40 rushing yards in five games.  In addition, he only was able to haul in more than two receptions twice last season.  

Bottom Line: Mendenhall is a strong No.2, teetering on No.1, fantasy running back.  If he is still available at the end of the second round or beyond, snag him on your squad.

RB Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions

2009 Stats: N/A
Projected 2010 Stats: 890 rushing yards, 444 receiving yards, 6 total TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 6th Round
Running backs to be picked ahead of Jahvid Best: Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you may want to draft Jahvid Best: Best has been blessed with immense speed and quickness.   He will be a major threat running the ball and catching it out of the backfield.  

Why you may want to stay away from draft Jahvid Best: Best will have to fight for carries with an already crowded backfield.   Maurice Morris and Kevin Smith will certainly want their fair share of touches as well.

Bottom Line: Best will be a threat to score every time he touches the ball.  Therefore, he is worth a look in the middle rounds, and it would be Best to draft Jahvid in your keeper leagues.

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. San Diego Chargers
4. New York Jets
5. Dallas Cowboys
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Green Bay Packers
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Miami Dolphins
10. New York Giants
11. San Francisco 49ers
12. New England Patriots
13. Atlanta Falcons
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
15. Houston Texans
16. Philadelphia Eagles 
17. Washington Redskins
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
19. Cincinnati Bengals
20. Chicago Bears
21. Tennessee Titans
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Kansas City Chiefs
24. Denver Broncos
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Arizona Cardinals
27. Detroit Lions
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29. Oakland Raiders
30. Buffalo Bills
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Cleveland Browns