11. Matt Ryan
The rookie sensation received an early Christmas present when the Falcons acquired Tony Gonzalez prior to free agency. The opposing schedule presents difficulties, but with the collection of skill players at his disposal (White, Gonzalez, etc.), and the probable improvement in year two, there is lots to like.
12. Chad Pennington
The bounce back 2008 campaign for Pennington will be tougher to replicate because of the first place schedule, but the offense is littered with young, talented offensive threats (Ginn Jr., Camarillo, Bess, Fasano) and Pennington should once again produce.
13. Matt Hasselback
A nagging injury forced Hasselback to miss most of his ’08 campaign, but that appears to be behind him. With the weapons at his disposal, including new comer, T.J. Houshmandazadeh, he could be a top 10 fantasy football QB by season’s end.
14. Trent Edwards
The addition of T.O., to play alongside Lee Evans, instantly boosts Edwards stock and makes him a borderline number one in fantasy football QB. And with Lynch out early on, the Bills will probably need to rely more on the passing game, making him a nice fantasy sleeper play.
15. Matt Schaub
The only thing preventing Schaub from taking a step forward is his proneness for injuries. Aside from that, Andre Johnson and the weapons are there, and with RB Steve Slaton to keep defenses balanced, look for some big games out of this passing game.
16. Eli Manning
Manning’s game dropped with the loss of Burress in December and OC Kevin Gilbride failed to adjust the game plan. Overall, he still surpassed 3,000 yards with 21 TDs. With a changing of the scheme to account for the young, talented, and speedy receivers, look for Manning to step-up his game.
17. Matt Cassel
A repeat of 2008 shouldn’t be expected because Moss and Welker didn’t come over in the trade that brought him to KC, but he does have Bowe, who’s poised to join the elite ranks at receiver. And with Haley now running his offense, and Larry Johnson to provide the offense balance, Cassel will do well.
18. Joe Flacco
The well received news that Derrick Mason would un-retire as training camp opened bodes well for Flacco in year two. Although this will still be a running team first and foremost, Mason, along with Clayton and Heap, will help Flacco take another step forward this year.
19. David Garrard
Garrard finally has his No. 1, albeit an old No. 1 in Torry Holt. This should take some pressure off of the younger guys and allow the Jaguars passing game to take pressure off the running attack.
20. Jason Campbell
The unwanted Campbell enters 2009 with a lot to prove. And he’ll have to do it with many question marks along the offensive line. While there’s plenty of talent at the skill positions, you still need your line to provide the necessary time to allow the play to develop.
