TOP 5 NFL NEWS ITEMS FROM THURSDAY 4/29/10 TO WEDNESDAY 5/5/10

We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Football season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Below, we analyze the top fantasy football news items from the previous week.

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5. Bush, Michael and McFadden, Darren will battle for the starting OAK RB job

We feel that Bush will win the job and be the featured back, while McFadden will be more of a change-of-pace/passing down back. Both should be fairly productive, especially if new quarterback Jason Campbell can inject some life into the offense. A good passing game can open up running lanes.

4. Flacco, Joe QB BAL is already excited about his new weapons

About Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, Flacco said, 'They look great,' Flacco said. 'Donte' can run like I've never seen. Anquan catches the ball unbelievably well. When the ball is behind him, you can't even tell because he makes it look so good. I'm definitely excited.' (Source: Jamison Hensley - The Baltimore Sun) Throw in rookie tight end Ed Dickson, consider veteran WR Derrick Mason, and recall how good Ray Rice is catching passes out of the backfield, and Flacco should have a true breakout campaign in 2010.

3. Owens, Terrell WR (BUF) is having trouble finding work

If you are a veteran of fantasy football, you really need to check the name value at the door and treat T.O. as a lottery ticket towards the end of drafts. He may end up having no fantasy value this season, but it sure couldn't hurt to take a shot at him in the teen rounds, considering the mostly low upside names that will be flying off the board at that point. At this juncture, he'll only likely get a new NFL gig in the event of an injury to a key player. He had a rough year in Buffalo last season, but he did show enough to be worth a late-round fantasy flier.

2. Evans, Jahri (NO) Signed seven year extension worth $56.7 million

By re-signing Evans, the Saints have sent a message that their offensive line will be a force to reckon with in the foreseeable future. Evans was a huge reason the Saints led the league in total offense last season, and his return should keep New Orleans on pace to reach that mark again. Evans will make his biggest impact in the running game, which bodes well for Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Lynell Hamilton, and anyone else the Sean Peyton decides to throw back there. 

1. Kolb, Kevin (PHI) Signed one year extension through 2011 

Kolb has been given the keys to the castle in Philly, and to show their support, management has rewarded him with a contract extension. Kolb is an interesting fantasy prospect coming into the 2010 season. He's inherited a dynamic offense, and if his two starts last year (55/85, 5 total TD, 4 INT, 718 yards) are any indication, he has the potential for a big season. He'll be drafted as a high end back-up quarterback coming into 2010 fantasy drafts, but he definitely has top 10 upside.   

ALSO

Alex Smith TE signed with CLE. He'll back up Ben Watson and have no fantasy value.

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