Switching to the AFC finally, I’ll start with the least successful 18-1 team ever: the Patriots. Even if the Pats don’t approach their ludicrously gaudy fantasy numbers last year, plainly gaudy numbers are still possible.

QUARTERBACK: After Tom Brady’s record-breaking season in 2007, the only question for 2008 is how high in the first round should he be selected. If he just delivers 80 percent of his numbers from last season, that’s consistent enough to be a top-five overall pick in my book. He might not break any records again, but I think he’ll be focused enough to throw about 40 touchdowns and top 4,000 yards.

RUNNING BACKS: After being hampered by injury, Laurence Maroney finished the season strong, with the Patriots turning to him as opposing defenses started figuring out the passing offense. He will contribute more in 2008 and might be a sleeper first-round pick, but he’s a safer choice in the second round. Sammy Morris might be worth a late-round pickup as a RB5 or a handcuff; Kevin Faulk isn’t a draft-day option.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Randy Moss delivered the greatest fantasy performance by a WR last season, and like Brady, even if he puts up 80 percent of his 2007 stats, he’s worth a first-round pick, albeit later first round. Amazingly, the Pats possess two WR1s — Wes Welker finished 2007 with 112 receptions, 1,175 yards and 8 touchdowns. If defenses stay focused on Moss, Welker’s 2008 numbers will be similar, warranting WR1 status. With Donte’ Stallworth gone, Jabar Gaffney will see more balls thrown his way and should improve on the 36 receptions, 449 yards and 5 TDs from last year — he’s a sleeper WR2, definitely a WR3 if his numbers go up. Chad Jackson’s numbers might improve, too — he might be worth a shot as a WR5.

TIGHT ENDS: Ben Watson missed four games in 2007 but still scored six touchdowns. One of these years he will jump into the TE elite, but for now, he’s more of a lower-tier TE1. Marcus Pollard will see enough passes to be a low-end TE2 or a strong TE3.

KICKER: A beneficiary of the Patriots’ offense, Stephen Gostkowski scored 137 points last year, even with only 21 field goals. That maths out to 74 PATs — impressive, but actually detrimental if your league gives extra points for longer field goals. I would think he’ll get a few more field goals in 2008 and is easily one of the three best kickers in the league.

WIDE RECEI

RUNNING BACKS: