TOP 5 NFL NEWS ITEMS FROM THURSDAY 7/22/10 TO WEDNESDAY 7/28/10

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. Mendenhall, Rashard RB PIT may not run more

When news of missed time by Roethlisberger broke, it was assumed that the Steelers would pass less. Now it's seeming like they want to pass just as much. However, they may find out quickly that it doesn't work as well without Big Ben and Santonio Holmes and end up running more anyway.

4. Moore, Lance WR NO is healthy

True, he is buried behind Colston, Meachem, and Henderson, but the Saints pass so much, if Moore can stay healthy, he could be a useful bye-week replacement in deep leagues.

3. Gaffney, Jabar WR DEN is a potential sleeper

Look at the facts. Marshall is gone. Gaffney played fine last year when Marshall missed time. Eddie Royal needs to prove he can play in this offense. The rookies will likely not contribute this season. At the end of a deep draft, you could do worse than taking a chance on Gaffney.

2. Portis, Clinton RB WAS is looking good

Having McNabb at QB is a positive. Being reunited with Coach Shanahan is a positive. However, Portis has had a tough time staying healthy lately, which is a negative. Larry Johnson looming and being ready to take over the starter job is also a negative. In the end, if Portis is sitting there in Round 8 or so and you could use another running back, you may roll the dice. Otherwise, we'd let others assume the risks.

1. Owens, Terrell WR (BUF) signed with CIN

This will be interesting. Apparently, the Bengals are quite concerned about Antonio Bryant's knee. If the knee knocks him out, then it's a pretty good spot for Owens. He could put up decent enough numbers to use as a fantasy WR3. If Bryant manages to stay healthy, Owens' production would drop. 

ALSO

Michael Bush and Darren McFadden RB OAK could make for a productive fantasy duo this season. Bush could gain most of the rushing yards and garner the goal line carries, while McFadden should see decent touches as a change-of-pace and third-down back, while also lining up in the slot and catching many passes, making him pretty valuable in PPR leagues... Wes Welker WR NE has been cleared to fully participate in training camp. Move him up close to his normal position on your WR list... Harry Douglas WR ATL could emerge as a decent slot receiver this season. He just has to prove that his knee is fully recovered from ACL surgery... Legedu Naanee WR SD had a good week of practice. He'll be the Chargers' WR2 until (if) Vincent Jackson returns. Don't draft him, but do put him on your radar.

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