WR Randy Moss, New England Patriots

2007 Stats: 98 receptions, 1493 receiving yards, 23 TDs
Projected 2008 Stats: 91 receptions, 1277 receiving yards, 18 TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 1st Round
Wide Receivers to be picked ahead of Randy Moss: None

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Randy Moss: In 2007, Moss essentially had the most prolific fantasy year possible for a wide receiver. Moss hit the century mark in receiving yards nine times, and he had eight contests where he had multiple touchdown receptions.  He also had at least five receptions in a dozen games.

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Randy Moss: Moss found the fountain of youth in New England and had a stellar 2007 campaign.  However, in his two previous seasons, Moss averaged just 779 receiving yards and under six touchdowns.  The most plausible reason to pass on Moss is the fact that he has had some injury issues the previous few seasons, and if you want to draft him this year, it will likely cost you a late first round pick.  In other words, not only would you be taking a risk on Moss, you would also have to pass on some talented running backs in order to get him. 

Bottom Line: In Week 11, Moss torched the Bills with a blazing 10 receptions for 128 receiving yards and a scorching four touchdowns.  With that kind of ability, it is difficult to not want to play with fire and draft Moss.  Moss should be viewed as a high risk/high reward fantasy player for 2008. 

New England Patriots

1. Get Randy Moss involved-Moss has been quiet this post-season, but he can make some real noise at any time.  When Moss makes a big play, it can literally take the life out of the opposing team.

2. Pressure Eli Manning-When Manning is under constant pressure, he tends to buckle and make a key mistake or two.  Eli has had an outstanding post-season so far, but if the Patriots can make him lose his confidence, the game won’t even be close.

3. Shut down Giants running game-The key to beating the Giants for the past few seasons has been to shut down their running game and make Manning be the one to try and win the game.  That formula still applies today.

4. Get the ball to Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk on 3rd downs-New England is tough to beat, because they are the best at keeping the chains moving.  Tom Brady relies on Welker and Faulk as his main targets on 3rd downs, and opposing defenses are so concerned about Moss, that they allow the duo to nickel and dime them to death.

5. Be willing to run the ball-The Giants have a stellar pass rush, and the best way to slow it down is to run the ball right at them.  If the Patriots abandon the run, as they have in other games, Brady could finish the game with more than just a sore ankle.

New York Giants

1. Put pressure on Tom Brady-Just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars what Brady will do when he is allowed time to throw the football. 

2. Run the ball well-The lethal offense of the Patriots cannot score if they are standing on the sideline.  If New York can move the ball via the run, and dominate the time of possession, they have a chance to defeat the giant.

3. Don’t allow any big plays-New England can dent the scoreboard on one quick play, or they have no trouble converting a long methodical drive into a score.  However, it is important to limit their big plays and keep the score as close as possible.

4. Defend Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk on 3rd downs-Brady looks for Welker and Faulk to move the chains. It is essential that the Giants tackle the aforementioned duo before they can reach the sticks. They must force the Patriots to have to punt the ball.

5. Have to win turnover battle-The Patriots are near impossible to beat, which means that it is vital that the Giants win the turnover battle to have a chance in the game.  If New York continues to protect the ball well, they certainly are good enough to pull off the upset.