If I drafted a running back in Round 1 and someone like Rashard Mendenhall or Darren McFadden falls to the second round, should I take one of them over an elite wideout like Andre Johnson or Calvin Johnson? -- C. Henry (via Facebook)
Michael Fabiano: I'd stick with the elite wide receiver ahead of going after a second running back. That's the strategy I've employed over the last two years -- go after the elite running back in Round 1, followed by a premier wideout in Round 2. I did that in a recent industry experts league, which is being hosted on NFL.com. The league uses a PPR scoring system and also rewards points to players for return yards and touchdowns, so I landed LeSean McCoy in Round 1 and Hakeem Nicks in Round 2. I like to have overall roster balance, which I fear would be lost if I passed on taking a top-notch wideout with one of my first two selections.
How do you feel about LeGarrette Blount as a No. 1 running back in a league that rewards only yardage and touchdowns? -- C. Etherton (via Facebook)
M.F.: I see Blount as a potential breakout candidate in fantasy land. The Oregon product rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie, despite the fact that he started just seven games. With Cadillac Williams out of the mix and Earnest Graham now the lone legitimate threat for carries, I find it hard to believe that Blount won't be the bell cow for coach Raheem Morris. With that said, I would target Blount as more of a No. 2 fantasy back (in standard leagues) who has the potential to put up strong totals in 2011. He could go as soon as Round 3 or 4.
Is Ryan Mathews going to break out this year? -- PackerHere (via Twitter)
M.F.: A few weeks ago, I would have told you that Mathews has some sleeper value. But with all of the reports I'm seeing out of San Diego, I'm now changing course and plan to avoid him on draft day. The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that Mathews is dealing with a "slight" muscle strain in his leg and is unlikely to play Thursday against the Seahawks. He also has dealt with a sore toe in camp, and we all remember the high ankle sprain that hindered him as a rookie. Coach Norv Turner plans to use a two-back system this season as well, with Mathews and Mike Tolbert sharing the workload. So unless you're taking him as a flex starter, it's going to be hard to trust Mathews in a prominent role for your fantasy squad.
The loss of Mikel Leshoure increases Jahvid Best's value, but does he lose some steam with the addition of Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell? -- jacobpackrulzz (via Twitter)
M.F.: The second Leshoure went down, there was little chance the Lions wouldn't add a running back. Luckily, it wasn't someone like Ricky Williams, who might have put a dent into his short-yardage and goal-line touches. Also, Leshoure had something that Harrison and Bell don't, and that's upside. I'm expecting Best to see 15-18 touches a game, which puts him in the neighborhood of a No. 2 fantasy back. He also has added value in PPR formats -- Best went No. 13 in that aforementioned draft, ahead of Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner and Matt Forte.
Is Josh Freeman a viable No. 1 fantasy quarterback? He seems like a bargain to me! -- jpnational (via Twitter)
M.F.: I don't think there's any doubt about it. In fact, Freeman was in the top 10 in fantasy points among quarterbacks last season -- he was also one of the most consistent players at his position. With a full year of starting experience under his belt and a nice stable of offensive weapons, I wouldn't be shy about using him as my No. 1 fantasy quarterback. In fact, he's a nice signal-caller to target if you focus on grabbing running backs, wide receivers and an elite tight end in the first five to six rounds.
Should I trade Ray Rice and Megatron for McFadden and Mike Wallace? -- mikeviselli (via Twitter)
M.F.: I wouldn't make this move. You have talented players on both sides of the deal, but I prefer Rice over McFadden and Johnson over Wallace. While he has the potential to be a fantasy beast, McFadden has been injury prone and still has to contend with Michael Bush in the offense. Rice, who's far more durable, could lose some touches to Ricky Williams but is still the unquestioned top option in the Ravens offense. Megatron's resume speaks for itself, and the healthy return of Matthew Stafford makes him that much more valuable.
I have been offered Shonn Greene and Dwayne Bowe for BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Reggie Wayne. Should I accept? -- nflfansamy (via Twitter)
M.F.: This is a deal I would make. Greene has a pile of upside as the new bell cow for coach Rex Ryan, so a season with 1,000-plus yards and eight touchdowns is well within reach. I'm not sure the same applies for the Law Firm, who is in a crowded Patriots backfield that now includes Danny Woodhead, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley (among others). I also don't think you lose much at wide receiver, as Bowe is trending upward while Wayne is on the verge of seeing his numbers drop in a Colts offense loaded with weapons in the pass attack.
Which running back should I target in the second or third round from Steven Jackson, Peyton Hillis, Frank Gore and Matt Forte? -- DillonJLeeder (via Twitter)
M.F.: If Gore falls into the second round and I need a running back, I'd take him. I know he's had injuries issues during his career, but new coach Jim Harbaugh is going to give Gore a ton of carries in the offense. The Miami (FL) product also has one of the most favorable schedules among runners based on 2010 fantasy points, so he'll be in a great position to find success. If you're worried about Gore's durability, however, I'd take Forte, Jackson and Hillis (in that order).
What are your thoughts on Mark Ingram and Julio Jones: Fantasy beasts or busts in their rookie year? -- LeeTSanders (via Twitter)
M.F.: I think Ingram can be a beast, but I'm interested to see the backfield rotation Saints coach Sean Payton utilizes in the preseason. Remember, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles are also in the mix, so Ingram would be a true featured back. With that said, I still think he'll lead the team in backfield touches and is a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner. Jones is drawing rave reviews in training camp, but will he see enough opportunities to produce on a consistent basis? That's the question I have about him. With Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez in the offense, the rookie might be the third or fourth best option in the offense. He's definitely worth a late-round look, but I don't expect him to be Mike Williams.
Who is the best quarterback in fantasy football: Aaron Rodgers or Michael Vick? I wonder if the Packers will throw the ball as much with Ryan Grant back in the offense. -- iloveblues22 (via Twitter)
M.F.: Vick would have been fantasy's top scorer last season had he not missed time due to injuries. So why would he not be the top quarterback in 2011? Well, Vick's playing style makes him vulnerable to getting hurt. I also doubt he'll produce at such a high level again. On the flip side, Rodgers is the lone signal-caller to finish in the top two in fantasy points at his position in each of the last three years (most of that time Grant was not injured). He's also missed just one start since 2008 and is a virtual guarantee to produce big numbers.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com** or tweet it at _**MichaelFabiano**_!
