TOP 5 NFL NEWS ITEMS FROM THURSDAY 8/12/10 TO WEDNESDAY 8/18/10

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. Hightower, Tim ARI is listed as the RB1 on the depth chart

We all know that Beanie Wells has the talent to excel in a featured role in the NFL. He proved that last season. However, the Cardinals will still use Hightower often. We still advocate taking Wells, but be aware that Hightower is still very much in the picture.

4. Betts, Ladell RB (WAS) signed with NO

Betts is nothing more than insurance, in our eyes. He's not likely to do much at the goal line, so with the Hamilton injury, definitely project a few more TDs for Pierre Thomas.

3. Tate, Ben RB HOU hurt his ankle

He's done for the year, which makes Arian Foster a pretty clearly defined lead back, with Steve Slaton handling change-of-pace & third down duties. Foster moved way up the RB rankings.

2. Jackson, Fred RB BUF broke his hand; Lynch, Marshawn RB BUF hurt his ankle

Jackson will miss 4-6 weeks. Lynch will miss 3-4 weeks. It's C.J. Spiller time! Still, while it gives the rookie a few extra touches to start the season, we're not incredibly excited because:

• Jackson will return shortly after the season starts, and Lynch should be available for the opener.
• The Bills have a poor offensive line, no passing game, and a below average defense, making it tough to run the ball .

1. Westbrook, Brian RB (PHI) signed with SF; Coffee, Glen RB retired

Westbrook and rookie Anthony Dixon should basically split time backing up Gore. Westbrook is of course better catching passes out of the backfield and Dixon is more of a power back.

ALSO

Larry Fitzgerald  WR ARI tweaked his knee but should be ready for Week 1... Sidney Rice WR MIN is day-to-day and hopes to play in a pre-season game. However, we worry about the hip and would advise not drafting him.

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