UPGRADES
Jay Cutler, QB, Denver –- Cutler was impressive last year, finishing with a 63.6 completion percentage with 7.5 YPA despite playing through an undiagnosed case of diabetes. Feeling healthier than ever, Cutler has carried that over into this year, as he's completed 24 of 30 passes for 237 yards with a 110.7 passer rating through two preseason games. There might not be a quarterback with a stronger arm in football. He's going to be a star.
Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta -– Do not read too much into preseason stats, but Turner's 113-yard performance during against the struggling Colts was hard to ignore. Turner is one of the rare backs in the league set to get the majority of touches in the backfield. The Falcons don't look great on paper and could start a rookie quarterback, but receiver Roddy White is an emerging star, and Turner has the physical ability to make the most of his situation.
Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco -– Morgan fell to the sixth round of the draft because of character issues and lackluster production, but he's been playing like a first rounder. With Bryant Johnson sidelined due to injury, Morgan has had a chance to start at San Francisco's X spot, and it's resulted in big time production, including 5 receptions and 144 yards against the Packers. Morgan, 6 feet 1 inch and 220 pounds, has also impressed during training camp, and his physical gifts are apparent. Expectations should be limited for any rookie wide receiver, but he has the system and possible starting job in his favor.
Matt Schaub, QB, Houston –- Again, preseason stats need to be taken in context and with a giant grain of salt, but Schaub's outing against the Saints (14-of-16, 187 yards, 11.7 YPA, 2 TDs) was just a glimpse of a possible monster 2008 season. New Orleans hardly has a lockdown secondary, but also consider this performance came without receiver Andre Johnson. Durability remains a concern, but Schaub worked hard over the offseason to better prepare his body to play a 16-game schedule. Last year's weak touchdown total was a fluke considering the gaudy 7.8 YPA mark.
Ted Ginn, WR, Miami –- Someone has to catch the ball in Miami, and it looks like Ginn is No. 1 on the depth chart. His specialty (speed) isn't a great fit for new quarterback Chad Pennington, but the two did show a nice rapport during their first action together. With such lackluster options around him in the passing game, Ginn should see quite a few targets this season. The cliché is the third-year leap, but often receivers take giant steps during their second year in the league.
Steve Slaton, RB, Houston –- Slaton has a huge opportunity in Houston with Ahman Green's cloudy status and Chris Brown being nearly as injury-prone. Chris Taylor is being moved to fullback, and Darius Walker is being virtually ignored. Slaton isn't built like a true workhorse, but he's going to get work with the ones next preseason game, and he could be looking at significant touches come the regular season.
Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore –- Rice continues to shine in Willis McGahee's absence, rushing for 77 yards (9.6 YPC) and a touchdown against a typically stout Minnesota run defense. His yards came against the starters during the first quarter and continues a trend of Rice impressing since the minute he was drafted. Since McGahee may be slower to recover because he showed up to camp out of shape, and he has no ties to the new coaching regime in Baltimore, Rice could be looking at plenty of touches, at least early on.
Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati -– Cincinnati really is a fine re-landing spot for Henry. Sure, he won't be a starter, but starters Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are injured. The Bengals throw the ball as they ranked eighth in passing attempts in 2007. Plus, he obviously knows the system well. Henry will miss the first four games of the season while suspended, and there's no guarantee he stays out of trouble, but this is a receiver with significant upside.
DOWNGRADES
Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati -– The Bengals expect Johnson (shoulder) back for Week 1, but signing Chris Henry says otherwise. The injury is being termed a "sprain," but Johnson's shoulder was briefly dislocated, so there's a concern of a reoccurring problem. The shoulder is worth monitoring.
Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis -– Bulger has struggled in the preseason after a horrible 2007, completing just 43 percent of his passes for 3.7 YPA and 3 interceptions. Two games are not a large sample size, but he's learning a completely new offensive system and has aging receivers. Additionally, the offensive line has already lost two backups for the season after being ravaged by injuries last year.
Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay -– Galloway defied the odds last season, gaining a remarkable 10.35 YPA at age 36. In fact, his 17.8 yards-per-catch mark was the second highest of his career. However, he suffered a serious shoulder injury late last year, resulting in offseason surgery. Galloway also didn't even step onto the field until finally returning to practice Tuesday because of a hampering groin ailment. Since he'll be 37 this season, there's every reason to be cautious and expect a decline in production, and it might even be a significant one.
Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia -– Brown was a major disappointment in 2007, but at least he ended the year on a positive note, giving hope for a bounce-back 2008 campaign. However, he's followed that up by missing most of the preseason with a hamstring problem. It's only a strain and not considered overly serious, but rookie DeSean Jackson has really impressed as his replacement, so Brown could be looking at fewer targets even if he's able to return to health.
Brodie Croyle, QB, Kansas City -– Croyle seemingly has the Chiefs' No. 1 quarterback job locked up, but there's still very little reason for optimism; he got just 2.9 YPA on 13 pass attempts last Saturday. He's also learning a new system this season, and the rebuilt offensive line took a hit when Branden Albert suffered a sprained foot that will keep him out for the entire preseason. Croyle offers very little upside.
Javon Walker, WR, Oakland -– Not sure how much more Walker can get downgraded at this point, but he's approaching rock bottom. Physical limitations have prevented him from getting separation from defensive backs, while his mental state is hardly healthy, either. Despite lackluster efforts in practice, coach Lane Kiffin had remained in Walker's corner, defending the high-priced acquisition unconditionally. That changed recently, as Kiffin has expressed his concern, which is a major red flag.
Tatum Bell, RB, Detroit -– Bell has burnt so many fantasy owners in the past, he's hardly on the top of anyone's radar, especially with rookie Kevin Smith getting most of the hype out of Detroit. Bell was given every chance to become the starter, but he's disappointed yet again, including last week's effort in which he gained a paltry 9 yards. Worse, the Detroit media has questioned Bell's desire to play. Stay far away.
Dalton Del Don is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com
