The rumors are true: The talent at WR drops off seriously in the late 20s. Even worse, some star receivers from the past couple season are dealing with injuries or their own egos, dropping their value. However, if you are on track to get two star RBs in the first two rounds, there’s enough mid-range WR value to possibly compensate.

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
2. Andre Johnson, Texans
3. Randy Moss, Patriots
4. Calvin Johnson, Lions
5. Steve Smith, Panthers
6. Greg Jennings, Packers
7. Reggie Wayne, Colts
8. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
9. Roddy White, Falcons
10. Marques Colston, Saints
11. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
12. Wes Welker, Patriots
13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahakws
14. Vincent Jackson, Chargers
15. Terrell Owens, Eagles
16. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals
17. Brandon Marshall, Broncos
18. Hines Ward, Steelers
19. Roy Williams, Cowboys
20. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts
21. Santonio Holmes, Steelers
22. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
23. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers
24. Bernard Berrian, Vikings
25. Braylon Edwards, Browns
26. Eddie Royal, Broncos
27. Santana Moss, Redskins
28. Lee Evans, Bills
29. Lance Moore, Saints
30. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets
31. Donnie Avery, Rams
32. Donald Driver, Packers
33. Kevin Walter, Texans
34. Laveranues Coles, Bengals
35. Derrick Mason, Ravens
36. Torry Holt, Jaguars
37. Steve Breaston, Cardinals
38. Michael Crabtree, 49ers
39. Devin Hester, Bears
40. Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins
41. Chris Chambers, Dolphins
42. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
43. Domenik Hixon, Giants
44. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
45. Justin Gage, Titans
46. Chris Henry, Bengals
47. Nate Washington, Titans
48. Deion Branch, Seahawks
49. Isaac Bruce, 49ers
50. Steve Smith, Giants
51. Mark Bradley, Chiefs
52. Percy Harvin, Vikings
53. Michael Jenkins, Falcons
54. Mark Clayton, Ravens
55. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
56. Miles Austin, Cowboys
57. Josh Morgan, 49ers
58. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
59. Devery Henderson, Saints
60. Sidney Rice, Vikings
61. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
62. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
63. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
64. Earl Bennett, Bears
65. Darrius-Heyward Bey, Raiders
66. Brian Robiskie, Browns
67. Brandon Stokley, Broncos
68. Antwaan Randle El, Redskins
69. Bobby Engram, Chiefs
70. Joey Galloway, Patriots
71. Bryant Johnson, Lions
72. Davone Bess, Dolphins
73. Jordy Nelson, Packers
74. Chaz Schillens, Raiders
75. Kenny Britt, Titans
76. Mike Walker, Jaguars
77. Devin Thomas, Redskins
78. Limas Sweed, Steelers
79. David Clowney, Jets
80. Malcolm Floyd, Chargers
81. Dennis Northcutt, Lions
82. Michael Clayton, Buccaneers
83. Chansi Stuckey, Jets
84. Keenan Burton, Rams
85. James Jones, Packers
86. Rashied Davis, Bears
87. Laurent Robinson, Rams
88. Demetrius Williams, Ravens
89. Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders
90. Bobby Wade, Vikings
91. Javon Walker, Raiders
92. Robert Meachem, Saints
93. Mario Manningham, Giants
94. Jereheme Urban, Cardinals
95. Austin Collie, Colts
96. Jason Avant, Eagles
97. Mohammed Massaquoi, Browns
98. Deon Butler, Seahawks
99. Greg Lewis, Patriots
100. Early Doucet, Cardinals

Moving to the running backs, I was amazed how deep this list gets once you get beyond the top 20 or so. Maybe it’s the increased reliance on the running back by committee, but you shouldn’t be desperate for backup RBs this year.

Running backs
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
2. Michael Turner, Falcons
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
4. Matt Forte, Bears
5. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
7. Chris Johnson, Titans
8. Steve Slaton, Texans
9. Brian Westbrook, Eagles
10. Steven Jackson, Rams
11. Frank Gore, 49ers
12. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
13. Clinton Portis, Redskins
14. Marion Barber, Cowboys
15. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
16. Kevin Smith, Lions
17. Ryan Grant, Packers
18. Pierre Thomas, Saints
19. Thomas Jones, Jets
20. Darren McFadden, Raiders
21. Joseph Addai, Colts
22. Marshawn Lynch, Bills
23. Derrick Ward, Buccaneers
24. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
25. Reggie Bush, Saints
26. LenDale White, Titans
27. Larry Johnson, Chiefs
28. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
29. Willie Parker, Steelers
30. Ray Rice, Ravens
31. Jamal Lewis, Browns
32. Chris Wells, Cardinals
33. Felix Jones, Cowboys
34. Cedric Benson, Bengals
35. Julius Jones, Seahawks
36. Willis McGahee, Ravens
37. Tim Hightower, Cardinals
38. Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
39. Darren Sproles, Chargers
40. Fred Jackson, Bills
41. Jerious Norwood, Falcons
42. Ricky Williams, Dolphins
43. Chester Taylor, Vikings
44. Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
45. Sammy Morris, Patriots
46. Justin Fargas, Raiders
47. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
48. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
49. Edgerrin James, Seahawks
50. Fred Taylor, Patriots
51. LeSean McCoy, Eagles
52. Peyton Hillis, Broncos
53. Maurice Morris, Lions
54. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
55. Michael Bush, Raiders
56. Shonn Greene, Jets
57. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos
58. Kevin Faluk, Patriots
59. Mewelde Moore, Steelers
60. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
61. Ladell Betts, Redskins
62. Brandon Jackson, Packers
63. Jerome Harrison, Browns
64. Glen Coffee, 49ers
65. Dominic Rhodes, Bills
66. LaMont Jordan, Broncos
67. Kevin Jones, Bears
68. Antonio Pittman, Rams
69. Kenny Watson, Bengals
70. Greg Jones, Jaguars
71. Kolby Smith, Chiefs
72. Kenneth Darby, Rams
73. Danny Ware, Giants
74. Ryan Moats, Texans
75. Brian Leonard, Bengals
76. Chauncey Washington, Jaguars
77. Rashad Jennings, Jaguars
78. Mike Bell, Saints
79. Patrick Cobbs, Dolphins
80. Chris Brown, Texans
81. DeShawn Wynn, Packers
82. Javon Ringer, Titans
83. Ryan Torain, Broncos
84. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots
85. Bernard Scott, Bengals

Last, and almost least, are the Raiders, who are in their usual state of chaos. Some bright spots on the fantasy front exist on this team, but don’t be stunned if after your draft is complete, only two Raiders are on rosters.

Quarterback: JaMarcus Russell is facing his make-or-break season, and by the fact backup Jeff Garcia was considered to take over as starter, don’t be surprised is Russell’s season breaks. Some have projected Russell as a low-end QB2 sleeper, but I don’t think he’s even will achieve that status. Bottom line — he’s only worth taking if your league requires you take three quarterbacks (and even then, you might be better off with your QB1’s backup).

Running backs: Darren McFadden’s rookie season was undone by injuries, but he’s back, and by many accounts, looks good. He’s a sleeper RB2 but more secure on draft day as a RB3. McFadden still must contend for carries with Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, both of whom will provide veteran help. They won’t take many carries away from McFadden, but should get enough playing time (especiially with Oakland’s dismal passing offense) to be worthy of RB5 consideration — especially Fargas, who is good insurance if injuries strike McFadden again.

Wide receivers: Chaz Schillens was emerging as Oakland’s top receiver until he broke his foot and is expected to miss at least another month. The injury drops his draft stock to about a WR5, but who else is left? Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey has the speed, but not the hands, plus faces the added pressure of critics who say Al Davis far over-reached to take him back in April (he did). Javon Walker is never returning to his Green Bay form, and Johnnie Lee Higgins simply isn’t a fantasy starter. Heywood-Bey might warrant fantasy consideration as an WR5, but that’s about it when it comes to the Raiders’ WRs.

Tight ends: Though he only scored one touchdown last season, Zach Miller emerged as a TE1 by virtue of his 56 receptions and 778 yards. He’ll repeat, if not improve upon, those numbers and score more touchdowns, solidifying that TE1 status.

Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski’s field-goal accuracy imrpoved to 80 percent last season. That’s still unimpressive, as was his 97 points. The Raiders won’t suddenly explode on offense, so don’t expect Janikowski to suddenly break into even the middle tier of fantasy kickers. Avoid him on draft day.

The Chiefs suffered through a miserable season last year but managed some good fantasy numbers from Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez is gone, but Kansas City’s fantasy potential got a boost by the addition of Matt Cassel.

Quarterbacks: Cassel filled in admirably for Tom Brady in New England last year, finishing with 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s a trendy sleeper QB1, but remember, he won’t have quite the talent with the Chiefs that he enjoyed with the Patriots, cementing him as a solid QB2.

Running backs: Injuries have hampered Larry Johnson the past two seasons, but healthy, I believe he can be a value pick after the first several waves of running backs are taken. I’d risk him as an RB3 and hope for 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns, but I’d also make sure I was confident in my RB1, RB2 and RB4. Jamaal Charles backs him up again, and he has upside simply because of Johnson’s injury history. You don’t handcuff RB3s, but Charles on his own is a worthy RB5 in deeper leagues.

Wide receivers: Bowe unleashed WR1 numbers last season and could do even better with a better quarterback in Cassel. Expect even better stats that make Bowe a solid WR1. Veterans Mark Bradley and Mark Engram are the Chiefs’ other receiver options; neither is more than a WR5, but in PPR league, Engram’s history as a reception machine (94 in 2007) gives him a little upside.

Tight ends: Brad Cottam is no Gonzalez. Neither is rookie Sean Ryan. One might emerge as a serviceable tight end as the season progresses, but neither is draftable.

Kicker: Rookie Ryan Succop has the inside track over Connor Barth to win the Chiefs kicking job, but even if he wins it, he’s not more than a lower-tier K2 in big leagues requiring two kickers on each roster.

The Broncos collapsed last year, and despite a coaching change, are still seemingly collapsing. Jay Cutler was traded, and Brandon Marshall may soon follow. It could be a long year in Denver …

Quarterbacks: New coach Josh McDaniels tried trading for Matt Cassel, which upset Cutler, which led to a trade of a lesser QB than those other two: Kyle Orton. Under McDaniels, Orton could flourish, but he has struggled so far in the preseason. He’s worth a shot as a QB2, but be ready to bolt if McDaniels turns to Chris Simms instead.

Running backs: The Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno, whose stock has dropped since April after signing late and after indications that Denver might ultimately become a running back by committee. If you are confident in your first two running backs, he might be worth a chance as an RB3, but otherwise, don’t risk him as more than an RB4 just yet. The Broncos also sport Peyton Hillis, Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan. Some signs point to Hillis possibly eating into Moreno’s time, and Buckhalter and Jordan are veterans. However, none of the three is more than an RB5, though I must admit, Hillis’ potential (he was tearing up the field before getting injured) is intriguing.

Wide receivers: Marshall’s fantasy outlook has dropped to a low-end WR2 simply because of his unhappiness. That might rise if he’s traded, and I would think he’ll still perform if the Broncos keep him, but with Orton’s struggles, don’t take Marshall much higher even if he suddenly likes playing for McDaniels (and don’t even think of taking him higher based on the his potential on another team — that’s too risky). Eddie Royal emerged last season and is a solid WR3 on draft day — and he has potential to improve on that if Marshall is traded. Brandon Stokley has emerged as the Broncos’ surprising third option; don’t be stunned if he’s viewed as a WR5 before the season begins, or even higher if Marshall is dealt.

Tight ends: Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham likely will share stats this season. Together, they would make a great TE1, but separately, they will produce solid but unspectacular fantasy seasons. View Scheffler as a TE2 and Graham as a TE3.

Kicker: Matt Prater scored 114 points last year but missed nine field goals. He’s no Jason Elam, who excelled kicking in Denver, so don’t rely on him as more than a low-end K2.

Moving to the AFC West, the Chargers are as solid a fantasy team you will find in the NFL — few teams feature as many fantasy starters. Add the fact that San Diego is sure to improve on last year’s 8-8 record, and the Chargers could be one of the best fantasy teams in 2009.

Quarterback: Philip Rivers put up career stats last season with 4,009 yards and 34 touchdowns. Yet, he’s viewed outside the top tier of QBs in this year draft. That makes him a value pick — provided he puts up similar numbers. With the targets he to whom he throws, he should repeat last year’s success, making him a strong QB1, possibly even worthy as the next quarterback after Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

Running backs: Nagging injuries caused LaDainian Tomlinson’s numbers to drop again, but he’s still a strong RB1. He still has the potential to uncork a monster season — maybe his last — if he stays healthy. He won’t top 20 touchdowns, but 1,500 yards, 15 TDs and 50 receptions are feasible numbers. LT’s stock may have dropped since last season — he also could be a value pick if he falls out of the first round. It’s a big if, because he’s worth a first-round risk. Backing up Tomlinson is Darren Sproles, who caught five touchdowns last year on just 29 receptions. He’ll be more involved in the offense and could put up RB3 numbers, but he’s more reliable on draft day as an RB4 or LT insurance.

Wide receivers: Vincent Jackson’s career numbers last season were no fluke; expect similar WR2 stats in 2009. An ankle injury set Chris Chambers’ season, and his role in the offense, back last season; expect him to rebound, but not to anything more than a low-end WR3 this year. Malcolm Floyd is a capable third WR target, but on draft day, he’s nothing more than a WR5 in deep leagues.

Tight ends: Antonio Gates’ stats fell a bit last season, resulting him being ranked behind Jason Witten in many draft lists as the top tight tend. Whether you believe that prediction or not, he’s still one of the top three tight ends in the league.

Kicker: Nate Kaeding has been one of the top fantasy kickers in the league for the last few years (it helps the Chargers score so many points). Expect another big season from him, easily making him a K1.

Rounding out the AFC South, we come to the Texans, who turned into a legitimate fantasy force last year. If Matt Schaub stays healthy all season, they could sport a QB1, RB1, WR1, TE1 and K1.

Quarterbacks: Schaub has the receivers, the talent and the offensive scheme to be a fantasy star, but he’s played just 11 games the last two years since coming to Houston. Take the risk that he’ll stay healthy, and count on middle-tier QB1 numbers.

Running backs: Steve Slaton delivered an impressive rookie season, rushing for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns (as well as 50 receptions). If the Texans’ offense performs as expected, he will produce similar stats — maybe even a little better — warranting him as a mid-to-late first-round pick. Chris Brown and Ryan Moats will back him up; neither are worth drafting as anything more than a handcuff in deep, deep leagues.

Wide receivers: Simply put, Andre Johnson is one of the top three WRs in the league. He’s a beast in PPR leagues, and the No. 2 overall receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald in standard formats. Kevin Walter scored eight touchdowns last season on 60 receptions and 899 yards; he’s a solid WR3, maybe even a low-end WR2 in big leagues.

Tight ends: Owen Daniels can be infuriating — he has put up great reception and yardage numbers the last two seasons, but hasn’t topped three touchdowns. Unless his TD numbers drastically improve, he won’t join that elite TE tier, but he’s still a decent middle-pack TE1.

Kicker: Kris Brown will get plenty of points simply because of the Texans’ potential to score points. He’s accurate enough, too, to be considered a starting fantasy kicker.

With only a few teams left in my team-by-team fantasy preview (and rest assured, I’ll finish these last six off soon), I thought I’d delve into my final fantasy rankings before the season begins. What follows are quarterback rankings achieved through numerous sources. I like to take my spring rankings (and tweak them if needed, and I did plenty of tweaking) and a wide range of magazines and Web sites, average their positional rankings. I adjusted for sleepers and injuries, added players who might not have been ranked (in QBs, for example, Brett Favre and Michael Vick), and voila, final August rankings.

Looking at the rankings, all the QB1s look really strong; the dropoff doesn’t seem to come until about Ben Roethlisberger at No. 13. But when that dropoff comes, look out — you don’t want to be stuck with Kyle Orton or David Garrard as your starter.

QUARTERBACKS
1. Drew Brees, Saints
2. Peyton Manning, Colts
3. Tom Brady, Patriots
4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
5. Kurt Warner, Cardinals,
6. Philip Rivers, Chargers
7. Tony Romo, Cowboys
8. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
9. Matt Schaub, Texans
10. Carson Palmer, Bengals
11. Jay Cutler, Bears
12. Matt Ryan, Falcons
13. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
14. Matt Cassel, Chiefs
15. Eli Manning, Giants
16. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
17. Kyle Orton, Broncos
18. David Garrard, Jaguars
19. Trent Edwards, Bills
20. Brett Favre, Vikings
21. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
22. Joe Flacco, Ravens
23. Chad Pennington, Dolphins
24. Jason Campbell, Redskins
25. Shaun Hill, 49ers
26. Marc Bulger, Rams
27. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders
28. Brady Quinn, Browns
29. Kerry Collins, Titans
30. Mark Sanchez, Jets
31. Matthew Stafford, Lions
32. Daunte Culpepper, Lions
33. Kellen Clemens, Jets
34. Byron Leftwich, Buccaneers
35. Luke McCown, Buccaneers
36. Derek Anderson, Browns
37. Matt Leinart, Cardinals
38. Sage Rosenfels, Vikings
39. Vince Young, Titans
40. Chris Simms, Broncos
41. Dan Orlovsky, Texans
42. Alex Smith, 49ers
43. Jeff Garcia, Raiders
44. Seneca Wallace, Seahawks
45. Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings
46. Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs
47. Chad Henne, Dolphins
48. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers
49. Michael Vick, Eagles
50. Jon Kitna, Cowboys
51. Kyle Boller, Rams
52. Kevin O’Connell, Patriots
53. Kevin Kolb, Eagles
54. Troy Smith, Ravens
55. Billy Volek, Chargers
56. J.T. O’Sullivan, Bengals
57. Todd Collins, Redskins
58. Jim Sorgi, Colts
59. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills
60. David Carr, Giants
61. Mark Brunell, Saints
62. Charlie Batch, Steelers
63. Cleo Lemon, Jaguars
64. Pat White, Dolphins
65. Josh McCown, Panthers
66. Matt Flynn, Packers
67. Chris Redman, Falcons
68. Brett Ratliff, Browns
69. Rex Grossman, Texans
70. Damon Huard, 49ers
71. Caleb Hanie, Bears
72. Dennis Dixon, Steelers
73. Patrick Ramsey, Titans
74. Brian Brohm, Packers
75. Colt Brennan, Redskins
76. Andrew Walter, Raiders
77. Gibran Hamdan, Bills
78. Josh Johnson, Buccaneers
79. Drew Stanton, Lions

The days of the Jaguars’ RBBC are over, as Fred Taylor was cut loose and Maurice Jones-Drew takes the full backfield load. Can Jones-Drew deliver RB1 stats all season?

Quarterback: David Garrard threw for a career-high 3,620 yards last year, but his touchdown total dropped to 15 and his interceptions spiked (though after throwing just three in 2007, that number was bound to rise). He’s an accurate, reliable QB2, but far better options exist at for starting fantasy quarterbacks.

Running backs: Jones-Drew’s value is not just in his rushing ability, but as a receiver. He’ll pick up some of Taylor’s yards, continue to catch a bunch of passes and approach 15 total touchdowns again. Assuming he will hold up under the increased workload, he’s a top-five running back.

Wide receivers: The Jags added veteran Torry Holt in the offseason. He instantly becomes the team’s top receiver, but he won’t put up the numbers he did during his prime in St. Louis, but expect 70 receptions and 6-7 touchdowns — solid WR3 numbers. Mike Walker might emerge if Holt falters and is a sleeper WR5 as the Jaguars other starter.

Tight ends: Marcedes Lewis caught 41 passes for 489 yards and two touchdowns last season — middle-to-lower-tier TE2 stats. Expect more of the same in 2009.

Kicker: Josh Scobee is an average NFL kicker in an average NFL offense. Translation: He scored only 90 points last year. He’ll improve on those number, but not enough to be anything more than a K2.

These are the Titans: great running game, so-so passing game. That could change in 2009, but not enough to fantasy owners to do anything drastic on draft day.

Quarterback: When Vince Young’s confidence fell apart, Kerry Collins stepped in admirably as a team leader, but only threw for 2,676 yards and 12 touchdowns. Even if the Titans step up the passing game, Collins numbers won’t increase enough to make him anything more than a QB2 in leagues with more than 12 teams.

Running backs: The Titans proved RBBCs could work exceptionally last year after Chris Johnson exploded for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, while veteran LenDale White added 779 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns. Some experts see White’s role decreasing and Johnson getting more touchdowns, but White worked hard in the offseason to lose weight. I don’t think White will score 15 touchdowns again, but he might approach 12 and get more yards. Johnson’s numbers probably will be similar, leaving him as a middle-tier RB1 and White a sleeper low-end RB2, but more safely, an RB3.

Wide receivers: Tennessee added Nate Washington and have Justin Gage returning, but in this offesne, are either more than a WR4 (particularly if Washington gets some of Gage’s targets)? I wouldn’t think so, so don’t reach to high for them.

Tight ends: The Titans drafted Jared Cook to join Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler. Scaife caught 58 passes and two touchdowns last year, but I have a strange hunch those nuimbers might drop a little with the addition of Cook and Washington. Scaife might be a lower-tier TE2 on draft day, but don’t be surprised if this descends into a TEBC (tight-end-by-committee).

Kicker: Rod Bironas remains one of the best kickers in the league, even though his numbers dropped slightly last year. In fantasy terms, he’s a starting kicker.