by Kelly Grogan (8/23/12)



Cedric Benson/RB/GB - With James Starks dealing with a turf toe injury and Alex Green (knee) not ready to be the fulltime ball carrier, Benson is on track to be the Packers' starting RB for opening day.  There probably isn't a ton of yardage value to be had here, but Benson could be good for 6-8 TDs and a worthwhile late RB3 pickup.

Steven Jackson/RB/STL - Although the Rams have a new head coach and offensive coordinator, the offense is still going to revolve around Jackson. He is one of the true "workhorse" backs left in fantasy and he can also provide value as a receiver. The guy plays hurt too. Some rank him outside the top 10 backs, but if you find him there, he's a steal.

Reggie Wayne/WR/IND - With Austin Collie dealing with a concussion again, Wayne appears to be the guy Andrew Luck will be looking for.  In preseason game no. 2, Wayne had six receptions for 74 yards while being targeted nine times in the game.  He's going as an early WR3 with the potential to perform even better.



Miles Austin/WR/DAL - He missed six games last season because of hamstring injuries and that's the problem he has again. Austin will sit out the remaining two preseason games and the Cowboys are holding their breath he'll be ready to go by Week 1. Because of this, his stock has started to slide. He'll likely be available as a WR3 pick which could be a steal or a huge mistake. Time will tell.

Jahvid Best/RB/DET - Best's value plummeted when the Lions said that they intend to put him on the PUP list to start the season because of lingering concussion concerns. Not only will he miss at least the first six games, but Kevin Smith and Mikel Leshoure will get plenty of time to establish themselves. Best is a pure gamble, but if you want to take a shot with him as your 6^th (or later) RB, you'll likely have that opportunity.

Ronnie Hillman/RB/DEN - Before camps opened, fantasy owners saw Hillman as the perfect complement to Willis McGahee. A change-of-pace guy that could also catch some passes. That still might play out, but Hillman has lost considerable time because of hamstring problems and that's not good for any rookie. Unless Hillman really shows something in these final two preseason game, he's an RB5.


These are just 6 guys. There are 20 more players Kelly lists in the complete article. Championship Package members can read all of Kelly and Dan Grogan's exclusive premium articles by signing in and going to the Tools tab.

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