Offseason Moves: Player Acquisitions

The most noteworthy acquisition of the 2007 season was Randy Moss to the New England Patriots. While contributing very little to the Oakland Raiders and my fantasy team in 2006, Moss was able to post 98 receptions for 1,493 yards and a record breaking 23 touchdowns in 2007. Owners who were able to sense the impact Moss would have in New England took him in the fifth round or later, leading a lot of teams to the championship. Although no player acquisition in 2008 will have the impact Moss did in 2007, it is important to recognize who went where and the impact it will have on their 2008 fantasy stats.

Quarterback

Brett Favre, NYJ: Father time is back and he is ready to give it a go for one more season. By now, I am a little skeptical about his return. Personally I believe that he loves the drama of faking retirement so much that he just keeps coming back. Regardless of what I believe, the guy can still throw the ball and New York will provide him with a solid line and capable receivers in Cotchery and Coles. Favre will be a low-end # 1, solid # 2 quarterback so keep an eye on him in the preseason and draft him accordingly.

Chad Pennington, MIA: This acquisition will have a very little, if any, impact on the Miami Dolphins. The departure of Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael leaves their receiving corp in a state of disarray. Throw in a season ending injury to their starting running back in 2007 and this offense wouldn't even be potent with Tom Brady running the show. Stay away from Pennington and any other Dolphin's quarterback this season.

Running back

Michael Turner, ATL: I already told you about his breakout performance in preseason week two. But that is only the preseason and to repeat his statistics would be like me retelling the story about how I beat my 12-year old brother in basketball. Atlanta is a great place for Turner for two reasons. He is entering the system with their "franchise" quarterback in Matt Ryan which makes him an excellent keeper candidate. As they develop and learn the offense together, we will start to see the type of reliance seen in Philly between McNabb and Westbrook. Second, the release of Horn and departure of Crumpler weakens the passing game, making it even harder for Ryan to establish himself in the passing game. The result will be a lot of dump off passes and a plethora of running plays called in by head coach Mike Smith.

Julius Jones, SEA: If you haven't heard, Seattle's receivers are more banged up than Britney Spears in 2007. Branch is rehabing due to a torn ACL in January and Engram cracked his shoulder, leaving Burleson to handle the #1 role in Seattle. Add in a rookie tight end and the air game may be a little sluggish to start the season. Seattle is in a weak conference defensively which will allow Jones to adjust to the system and carry the load in Seattle.

LaMont Jordan, NE: Belichick likes him and coming from a man that shows as much emotion as Barbara Walters, that is saying a lot. Belichick liked Sammy Morris and he took a lot of goal line reps from Maroney in 2007 before he was injured for the year. LaMont is a big back who will be used in goal line situations. However, he is worth no more than a reserve spot on your roster since he will get no more than 8-10 carries.

Wide Receivers

Bernard Berrian, MIN: His stats were not that impressive in Chicago, but then again he would have been better off throwing the ball, running after, and then trying to catch it as opposed to receiving the rock from Grossman or Orton. He is out of Chicago but the quarterback play did not improve in his favor. He will have to put up with Jackson and will be used as a deep threat to keep defenses honest, preventing them from stacking the box in preparation for "All Day". Keep an eye on Berrian and draft him as a #3/#4 receiver in all leagues.

Darrell Jackson, DEN: It will be difficult for Darrell the Disappointment to be a bigger bust than he was in San Francisco, but do not doubt an aging, injury-prone receiver. He will be a solid target while Marshall is serving his suspension, but once Marshall is back, expect Marshall and Scheffler to be the focal point of the passing attack in Denver. Jackson is a #4 receiver with sleeper potential as long as his ankle recovers by opening day.

Jerry Porter, JAX: Porter was supposed to shine in Oakland with the departure of Moss and he didn't. Now experts are saying he will shine with Garrard at QB and I am saying he won't. Jacksonville has not had a dominant receiver since Jimmy Smith was in his prime. Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, and others did not have the seasons they were expected to have in Jacksonville. With a hamstring injury contributing to the problems in Jacksonville, expect Porter to join the list of disappointments. Draft him as a #4 receiver and hope he finally has that breakout season.

Tight End

Alge Crumpler, TEN: Crumpler is now in Tennessee with a quarterback similar to Vick, so expect him to have a huge season in Tennessee. Crumpler is a huge sleeper candidate for 2008 so take him with a late round pick and let the other owners take Heap, Shockey, and Miller way to early in the draft.

The above list covers only free agents that have relocated. For a list of rookies that will impact the 2008 season, go to "Play Em Again Rookie Biotch" which will be posted on 08/20/2008.