At this point of the preseason, it is time to stop talking and start drafting. In other words, I’ll save my latest brilliant introduction for another time.

For those of you familiar with my Big Boards, feel free to scroll down past my three key points and begin there. You will notice I have tweaked the position column to reflect the tiers I believe each player falls in this season.

For those readers just learning about the wonderful world of Preseason Matchup Analysis, welcome to the program. (Where have you been?) After talking about some of the more relevant issues concerning fantasy owners in Big Board Versions 1.0 and 2.0, it’s about time we get started on the good stuff. Before we set the draft boards for the final time this summer, here is the essential information to start your quest toward fantasy glory:

Loyal readers already know my stance on the importance of value when it comes to drafting, but most fantasy analysts fail to quantify it. As it relates to my Big Boards, I define "value" using the VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) concept for a two-RB, two-WR league, which essentially allows me to compare apples and oranges. At QB and TE, the value reflects the standard deviation from the 12th-ranked player at the position – the last starting-caliber player at the position. At RB and WR, the value reflects the standard deviation from the 24th-ranked player. As I have mentioned many times over the years, "value" in drafting is key. Need has to outweigh value on occasion, but for the most part, it can't hurt to take the best player left on the board. Understanding the delicate balance of realizing a player is too good to pass up and knowing exactly when the last spot in your likely Week 1 starting lineup needs to be filled often separates the great drafters from the very good ones.

Beyond using “value” to ease the process of setting up a draft board, analyzing the playoff matchups and common sense has to enter into the conversation as well. A perfect example of the latter is Jimmy Graham, whose PPR value should make him a top-five player on all three boards. While Graham certainly brings a huge advantage to his fantasy teams almost every week, no number cannot account for the economic principle of “opportunity cost” – the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen – in real-time when owners pass on an elite running back to draft Graham. A simple number value also cannot account for the drastic falloff in value at running back after the established top options are drafted, usually by the end of the first round. Smart drafting also involves supply versus demand. Every year, there are not nearly enough quality running backs to occupy 24 starting spots in 12-team leagues.

Before I get to the boards, I would like to remind readers about a few key points:

1) They are not going to look like many other draft boards you see. My method of evaluating fantasy players relies heavily on projected consistency and matchups, not overall fantasy point total projections. All too often, fantasy owners and even the so-called "experts" get hung up by the final numbers. Don't get me wrong, I want all my players to have 300+ points at the end of the season. But as the old saying goes, "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey"; if my RB1 gives me seven spectacular performances along with six duds during the regular season, there's a fairly decent chance I may end up 7-6. I don’t want that and neither should you.

2) I will push a player down my board if feel he is a health risk or if I simply don’t/can’t trust him. If you take the time to break down each position I provide below, you will notice that I don’t follow the point totals or averages to a tee. (Think of the average and value I provide for each player as a starting point for my rankings.) Outside of trust issues, I will push a player down my board – despite a higher average or overall point total – if I believe he will simply be less consistent throughout the season or if his playoff schedule appears treacherous.

3) Much like the past two seasons, I want to provide readers with a clear risk sign. If a player is a moderate risk – be it due to holdout, injury, off-field, etc. – you will see a next his name. If I feel a player is a severe risk, you will see a next to his name. While I feel like I have accounted for each player’s “risk” with their spot on the Big Board, you may be more or less inclined to deal with that risk than I am. This is just another way of helping you take a look at the board and quickly identifying which players stand a good chance to frustrate you at some point this season.

As I stated earlier, I have taken the additional step on the final set of Big Boards to designate players to their “fantasy position”. Keep in mind that just because there may be 12 teams in your league, it doesn’t mean there are 12 players worthy of being designated as a QB1, RB1, WR1 or TE1.

QB1/RB1/WR1/TE1 – A player I am comfortable starting every week, regardless of matchup.

1/2, 2/3, 3/4 (All positions) – A player that can occasionally post numbers with a player in the tier above him, but is usually either too inconsistent to be considered in that tier or has a poor track record of staying healthy.

QB2/TE2 – A bye-week or matchup-based quarterback or tight end.

RB2/WR2 – A back or receiver that can post RB1/WR1 numbers with high upside, but has an obvious flaw that makes him less consistent than a RB1 or WR1.

RB3/WR3 - Usually is an inconsistent “splash” player that can win his fantasy team with a huge performance, but is best utilized when the matchup is right.

RB4/WR4 – Usually a steady, lower-upside option that can be spot-started and used as a bye-week fill-in. In some cases, he is a high-upside player blocked by two top-level players in front of him.

RB5/WR5 – Usually a “handcuff”, but a player who is on the roster generally to keep the ship from sinking due to injury.

RB6/WR6 – Extreme longshots due to any number of factors, but with enough talent to be viable at some point in fantasy.

Let’s revisit the color-coding system before we start:

Red – A very difficult matchup. For lower-level players, a red matchup means they should not be used in fantasy that week. For a second- or third-tier player, drop your expectations for them at least one grade that week (i.e. from WR2 to WR3). For elite players, expect them to perform one level lower than their usual status (i.e. RB1 performs like a RB2).

Yellow – Keep expectations fairly low in this matchup. For lower-level players, a yellow matchup is a borderline start at best. For a second- or third-tier player, they can probably overcome the matchup if things fall right. For the elite players, expect slightly better than average production.

White – Basically, this matchup is one that could go either way. In some cases, I just don’t feel like I have a good feel yet for this defense. Generally speaking, these matchups are winnable matchups for all levels of players.

Green – It doesn’t get much better than this. For non-elite players, the stage is basically set for said player to exploit the matchup. For the elite player, this matchup should produce special numbers..

G  Non-PPR Big Board - Top 200 OVR PR Pos Player Risk Tm Age Value FPts/G FPts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 1 RB1 Adrian Peterson MIN 29 6.10 18.9 283.5 2 2 RB1 LeSean McCoy PHI 26 4.67 16.9 253.0 3 3 RB1 Matt Forte CHI 28 4.88 17.2 257.5 4 4 RB1 Jamaal Charles KC 27 4.50 16.6 249.5 5 1 WR1 Calvin Johnson DET 28 3.79 14.9 224.0 6 5 RB1 Eddie Lacy GB 24 3.57 15.3 214.5 7 2 WR1 Dez Bryant DAL 25 3.49 14.5 217.5 8 3 WR1 Demaryius Thomas DEN 26 3.35 14.3 214.5 9 1 TE1 Jimmy Graham NO 27 4.78 14.1 211.5 10 6 RB1 Montee Ball DEN 23 3.44 15.1 227.0 11 4 WR1 Julio Jones ATL 25 2.76 13.5 202.0 12 7 RB1 Marshawn Lynch SEA 28 2.57 13.9 208.5 13 5 WR1 A.J. Green CIN 26 1.91 12.3 184.0 14 1 QB1 Peyton Manning DEN 38 3.52 27.9 418.6 15 6 WR1 Jordy Nelson GB 29 2.10 12.5 188.0 16 7 WR1 Brandon Marshall CHI 30 2.10 12.5 188.0 17 2 QB1 Aaron Rodgers GB 30 2.12 25.9 388.9 18 8 RB1/2 Zac Stacy STL 23 1.95 13.0 195.5 19 9 RB1/2 DeMarco Murray DAL 26 3.02 14.5 189.0 20 3 QB1 Drew Brees NO 35 1.85 25.5 383.2 21 8 WR1 Alshon Jeffery CHI 24 1.63 11.9 178.0 22 10 RB1/2 Toby Gerhart JAC 27 2.06 13.2 184.5 23 11 RB1/2 Andre Ellington ARI 25 2.14 13.3 199.5 24 12 RB1/2 Giovani Bernard CIN 22 1.65 12.6 189.0 25 9 WR1 Roddy White ATL 32 1.56 11.8 176.5 26 2 TE1 Julius Thomas DEN 26 2.26 10.5 147.5 27 10 WR1/2 Larry Fitzgerald ARI 31 1.32 11.4 171.5 28 11 WR1/2 Randall Cobb GB 24 1.23 11.3 169.5 29 12 WR1/2 Antonio Brown PIT 26 1.08 11.1 166.5 30 13 RB1/2 Arian Foster HOU 28 2.80 14.2 213.5 31 13 WR1/2 Michael Floyd ARI 24 1.20 11.3 169.0 32 14 RB1/2 Doug Martin TB 25 1.25 12.0 180.5 33 15 RB1/2 Alfred Morris WAS 25 0.87 11.5 172.5 34 16 RB2 Le’Veon Bell PIT 22 0.71 11.3 169.0 35 14 WR1/2 Victor Cruz NYG 27 1.25 11.3 170.0 36 17 RB2 Reggie Bush DET 29 1.31 12.1 157.5 37 15 WR1/2 Andre Johnson HOU 33 0.66 10.5 157.5 38 16 WR1/2 Keenan Allen SD 22 0.24 9.9 148.5 39 4 QB1 Andrew Luck IND 24 1.74 25.4 381.0 40 18 RB2 Bishop Sankey TEN 21 0.47 10.9 164.0 41 19 RB2 Joique Bell DET 28 0.02 10.3 154.5 42 17 WR1/2 Pierre Garcon WAS 28 0.73 10.6 159.0 43 18 WR1/2 Vincent Jackson TB 31 0.40 10.1 152.0 44 5 QB1 Matthew Stafford DET 26 0.84 24.1 361.8 45 3 TE1 Kyle Rudolph MIN 24 1.86 10.0 149.5 46 4 TE1 Rob Gronkowski NE 25 2.39 10.7 128.5 47 19 WR2 Mike Wallace MIA 28 0.73 10.6 159.0 48 20 WR2 Torrey Smith BAL 25 0.02 9.5 143.0 49 21 WR2 Michael Crabtree SF 26 0.00 9.6 143.5 50 22 WR2 Cordarrelle Patterson MIN 23 1.27 11.4 170.5 51 20 RB2 Fred Jackson BUF 33 0.40 10.8 162.5 52 23 WR2 Percy Harvin SEA 26 1.43 11.6 139.0 53 24 WR2 T.Y. Hilton IND 24 1.65 11.9 178.5 54 25 WR2 Emmanuel Sanders DEN 27 0.05 9.5 142.5 55 21 RB3 Frank Gore SF 31 0.31 9.8 147.5 56 6 QB1 Tom Brady NE 37 0.22 23.2 348.7 57 22 RB3 C.J. Spiller BUF 27 0.42 10.9 152.0 58 23 RB3 Ben Tate CLE 26 0.22 10.0 129.5 59 5 TE1 Jordan Reed WAS 24 1.33 9.2 110.5 60 6 TE1 Jordan Cameron CLE 26 0.19 7.6 114.0 61 26 WR2 Reggie Wayne IND 35 0.24 9.2 138.5 62 27 WR2 Marques Colston NO 31 0.35 9.1 136.0 63 7 QB1 Nick Foles PHI 25 0.81 24.1 361.2 64 28 WR3 Wes Welker DEN 33 0.19 9.8 147.5 65 24 RB3 Shane Vereen NE 25 0.29 10.7 117.5 66 25 RB3 Steven Jackson ATL 31 0.24 9.9 149.0 67 26 RB3 Trent Richardson IND 24 0.49 11.0 164.5 68 27 RB3 Lamar Miller MIA 23 0.36 9.8 146.5 69 29 WR3 DeSean Jackson WAS 27 0.28 9.2 137.5 70 30 WR3 Kendall Wright TEN 24 0.47 8.9 133.5 71 7 TE1 Vernon Davis SF 30 1.15 9.0 134.5 72 8 QB1 Matt Ryan ATL 29 0.10 23.1 346.2 73 28 RB3 Ryan Mathews SD 26 0.54 9.5 133.0 74 29 RB3 Rashad Jennings NYG 29 0.57 9.5 142.0 75 30 RB3 Maurice Jones-Drew OAK 29 1.09 8.7 131.0 76 31 WR3 Brandin Cooks NO 20 0.94 8.2 123.5 77 32 WR3 Jeremy Maclin PHI 26 0.73 8.5 128.0 78 9 QB1 Jay Cutler CHI 31 0.22 23.2 348.7 79 31 RB3 Ray Rice BAL 27 0.00 10.3 133.5 80 32 RB4 Terrance West CLE 23 1.46 8.2 123.0 81 33 RB4 Jeremy Hill CIN 21 1.75 7.8 117.0 82 34 RB4 Bernard Pierce BAL 24 2.05 7.4 110.5 83 10 QB1 Tony Romo DAL 34 0.00 22.9 344.0 84 33 WR3 Kelvin Benjamin CAR 23 0.78 8.5 127.0 85 8 TE1 Zach Ertz PHI 23 0.57 8.1 122.0 86 35 RB4 Pierre Thomas NO 29 1.96 7.5 112.5 87 11 QB1 Colin Kaepernick SF 26 0.24 23.3 349.0 88 34 WR3 Golden Tate DET 26 0.99 8.2 122.5 89 35 WR3 Mike Evans TB 21 0.68 8.6 129.0 90 36 WR3 Sammy Watkins BUF 21 0.21 9.3 139.0 91 12 QB1 Russell Wilson SEA 23 1.32 21.1 315.9 92 9 TE1 Greg Olsen CAR 29 0.40 7.9 118.5 93 36 RB4 Chris Johnson NYJ 28 0.45 9.6 144.5 94 37 WR3 Anquan Boldin SF 33 1.06 8.1 121.0 95 38 WR3 Eric Decker NYJ 27 1.13 8.0 119.5 96 39 WR3 Justin Hunter TEN 23 1.08 8.0 112.5 97 13 QB1/2 Cam Newton CAR 25 0.52 22.2 332.9 98 37 RB4 Stevan Ridley NE 25 0.52 9.5 124.0 99 38 RB4 Andre Williams NYG 22 2.31 7.0 105.0 100 39 RB4 Lance Dunbar DAL 24 2.31 7.0 91.0 101 10 TE1 Dennis Pitta BAL 29 0.16 7.6 113.5 102 11 TE1 Jason Witten DAL 32 0.00 7.3 110.0 103 14 QB1/2 Robert Griffin III WAS 24 0.17 23.2 324.5 104 40 WR4 DeAndre Hopkins HOU 22 0.80 8.4 126.5 105 12 TE1 Charles Clay MIA 25 0.09 7.5 112.0 106 41 WR4 Rueben Randle NYG 23 1.06 8.1 121.0 107 40 RB4 Danny Woodhead SD 29 2.55 6.7 100.0 108 15 QB2 Ben Roethlisberger PIT 32 1.75 20.5 306.8 109 41 RB4 Khiry Robinson NO 24 1.89 7.6 114.0 110 42 RB4 Jonathan Stewart CAR 27 2.23 7.1 92.5 111 43 RB4 Mark Ingram NO 24 2.02 7.4 89.0 112 16 QB2 Philip Rivers SD 32 1.41 20.9 314.0 113 13 TE1/2 Martellus Bennett CHI 27 0.80 6.2 93.0 114 14 TE1/2 Antonio Gates SD 34 0.80 6.2 93.0 115 44 RB4 Knowshon Moreno MIA 27 3.30 5.6 78.5 116 45 RB5 Carlos Hyde SF 22 4.15 4.4 66.0 117 46 RB5 Devonta Freeman ATL 22 2.45 6.8 102.0 118 47 RB5 Darren McFadden OAK 27 2.64 6.5 78.5 119 42 WR4 Cecil Shorts JAC 26 0.89 8.3 108.0 120 17 QB2 Ryan Tannehill MIA 26 2.05 20.0 300.5 121 43 WR4 Dwayne Bowe KC 29 1.41 7.6 106.0 122 44 WR4 Terrance Williams DAL 24 1.34 7.7 115.0 123 45 WR4 Markus Wheaton PIT 23 1.30 7.7 116.0 124 46 WR4 Julian Edelman NE 28 1.51 7.4 104.0 125 48 RB5 Darren Sproles PHI 31 2.50 6.7 101.0 126 49 RB5 Christine Michael SEA 23 4.50 3.9 58.5 127 18 QB2 Andy Dalton CIN 26 3.46 18.0 270.6 128 19 QB2 Carson Palmer ARI 34 1.92 20.2 303.2 129 50 RB5 Knile Davis KC 22 4.88 3.4 50.5 130 51 RB5 Shonn Greene TEN 29 2.73 6.4 70.5 131 52 RB5 LeGarrette Blount PIT 27 2.97 6.1 91.0 132 47 WR4 Kenny Britt STL 25 1.76 7.1 92.0 133 53 RB5 James White NE 22 3.42 5.3 80.0 134 54 RB5 Chris Ivory NYJ 26 3.67 5.1 61.0 135 48 WR5 Jordan Matthews PHI 21 2.69 5.8 86.5 136 49 WR5 Jarrett Boykin GB 24 1.93 6.8 102.5 137 50 WR5 Danny Amendola NE 28 1.27 7.8 85.5 138 55 RB5 Mike Tolbert CAR 28 3.25 5.7 85.0 139 15 TE1/2 Heath Miller PIT 31 0.52 6.6 99.0 140 56 RB5 Ahmad Bradshaw IND 28 4.11 4.5 44.5 141 57 RB5 DeAngelo Williams CAR 31 1.86 7.6 114.5 142 16 TE2 Ladarius Green SD 24 1.13 5.7 86.0 143 51 WR5 John Brown ARI 24 2.47 6.1 79.0 144 52 WR5 James Jones OAK 30 2.66 5.8 87.0 145 53 WR5 Kenny Stills NO 22 1.44 7.5 113.0 146 54 WR5 Aaron Dobson NE 23 2.45 6.1 91.5 147 20 QB2 Alex Smith KC 30 2.80 19.0 284.7 148 21 QB2 Jake Locker TEN 26 2.04 20.0 240.5 149 55 WR5 Tavon Austin STL 23 0.94 8.2 123.5 150 17 TE2 Delanie Walker TEN 30 1.20 5.6 84.5 151 18 TE2 Dwayne Allen IND 24 1.25 5.6 83.5 152 19 TE2 Travis Kelce KC 24 1.63 5.0 75.5 153 56 WR5 Doug Baldwin SEA 25 1.93 6.8 102.5 154 58 RB5 James Starks GB 28 4.60 3.8 49.0 155 59 RB5 Jonathan Grimes HOU 24 4.88 3.4 50.5 156 60 RB5 Bobby Rainey TB 26 2.69 6.5 97.0 157 61 RB5 Ronnie Hillman DEN 22 4.93 3.3 49.5 158 22 QB2 Matt Cassel MIN 32 4.51 16.6 82.8 159 57 WR5 Robert Woods BUF 22 1.89 6.9 103.5 160 58 WR5 Riley Cooper PHI 26 2.66 5.8 87.0 161 59 WR5 Jerricho Cotchery CAR 32 2.17 6.5 97.5 162 60 WR5 Greg Jennings MIN 30 2.00 6.7 101.0 163 62 RB5 Dexter McCluster TEN 26 3.42 5.4 76.0 164 63 RB5 Roy Helu WAS 25 3.94 4.7 70.5 165 61 WR5 Steve Smith BAL 35 2.99 5.3 80.0 166 62 WR5 Brian Hartline MIA 27 1.93 6.8 102.5 167 20 TE2 Garrett Graham HOU 28 1.33 5.5 65.5 168 63 WR5 Harry Douglas ATL 29 2.17 6.5 97.5 169 64 WR5 Mike Williams BUF 27 3.08 5.2 62.5 170 64 RB5 Stepfan Taylor ARI 23 4.65 3.7 55.5 171 65 WR5 Jermaine Kearse SEA 24 3.35 4.8 72.5 172 66 WR5 Mohamed Sanu CIN 25 4.24 3.6 53.5 173 67 WR5 Brian Quick STL 25 3.91 4.0 60.5 174 21 TE2 Jared Cook STL 27 1.53 5.2 77.5 175 65 RB6 Lorenzo Taliaferro BAL 22 5.58 2.4 31.0 176 66 RB6 Bryce Brown BUF 23 5.68 2.2 33.5 177 67 RB6 Theo Riddick DET 23 4.41 4.0 60.5 178 68 RB6 Benny Cunningham STL 24 5.49 2.5 37.5 179 69 RB6 Joseph Randle DAL 22 6.74 0.7 11.0 180 70 RB6 Robert Turbin SEA 24 6.46 1.1 17.0 181 68 WR6 Marqise Lee JAC 22 2.64 5.8 87.5 182 69 WR6 Hakeem Nicks IND 26 2.20 6.5 77.5 183 22 TE2 Eric Ebron DET 21 1.56 5.1 77.0 184 23 TE2 Gavin Escobar DAL 23 2.57 3.7 55.5 185 70 WR6 Nate Washington TEN 31 2.52 6.0 90.0 186 23 QB2 Josh McCown TB 35 3.95 17.3 260.2 187 24 QB2 Joe Flacco BAL 29 4.01 17.3 259.0 188 71 RB6 Jordan Todman JAC 24 5.32 2.8 33.0 189 72 RB6 Donald Brown SD 27 5.21 2.9 43.5 190 71 WR6 Andrew Hawkins CLE 28 2.85 5.5 83.0 191 72 WR6 Odell Beckham Jr. NYG 21 2.50 6.0 90.5 192 73 WR6 Miles Austin CLE 30 3.04 5.3 58.0 193 24 TE2 Jace Amaro NYJ 22 1.43 5.3 69.0 194 25 TE2 C.J. Fiedorowicz HOU 22 1.96 4.6 68.5 195 26 TE2 Coby Fleener IND 25 2.38 4.0 59.5 196 73 RB6 Jerick McKinnon MIN 22 5.42 2.6 39.0 197 74 RB6 Chris Polk PHI 24 5.56 2.4 36.0 198 25 QB2 Geno Smith NYJ 23 5.15 15.6 203.4 199 27 TE2 Richard Rodgers GB 22 2.88 3.3 49.0 200 75 RB6 Dri Archer PIT 23 5.60 2.3 30.5

RB Alfred Morris, WAS

The case for: As the bellcow in the Washington backfield, Morris should be a near-lock for 250-plus carries in what should be a drastically improved offense. He is the team’s unquestioned short-yardage and goal-line back and new HC Jay Gruden has kept many of the same zone-blocking scheme principles that allowed him to flourish under former HC Mike Shanahan and OC Kyle Shanahan. Morris has averaged 4.7 YPC on 611 attempts over his first two seasons and found the end zone seven times last year despite the fact his team finished 23rd in scoring.

The case against: Morris is the rare case in today’s game in that he is essentially a featured back that is considered below average as a receiver. While it’s not exactly an impossible hurdle to overcome in terms of his fantasy value and certainly didn’t keep him from being productive in the Shanahan & Son offense over his first two seasons, there is significant reason for concern now that Gruden figures to dial up substantially more pass plays than the Redskins did in 2012 or 2013. Roy Helu is not an immediate threat to his job, but the University of Nebraska alum has established himself as a fine blocking and receiving option in the passing game.

RB Bishop Sankey, TEN

The case for: The first running back selected in May’s draft is a bit of a high-end combination of the two men he is competing against: Dexter McCluster and Shonn Greene. The rookie is more than capable in the passing game (like McCluster) and an adept inside runner (like Greene). It could even be argued that he is superior to both players in each regard. Handpicked by the Titans to help fill the void left behind by Chris Johnson, Sankey seems to be a solid bet to assume a significant workload if/when Greene succumbs to another knee injury or McCluster fails in his bid to become new HC Ken Whisenhunt’s new Danny Woodhead. Tennessee also boasts one of the most talented offensive lines in the league.

The case against: Whisenhunt’s recent history and success using a three-man backfield attack in San Diego. Although more than a few have questioned Sankey’s overall skill set, there is little question he is the most complete back on the Titans’ roster. As a result, about the only thing holding him back appears to veteran deference, which is presumably what is keeping him from already being named the starter. In a worst-case scenario for Sankey, Greene somehow manages to stay healthy all season long and/or holds onto the short-yardage and goal-line roles while McCluster steals more than half of the receptions out of the backfield.

RB C.J. Spiller, BUF

The case for: Few backs in the league operate in space better than Spiller, who posted four 100-yard games, averaged 4.6 YPC and managed to rush for 927 yards despite being dogged by a high ankle sprain for a good chunk of last season. Buffalo was the most run-heavy team in the NFL last year and stands a good chance at maintaining that distinction again in 2014 as the Bills continue to utilize an up-tempo attack under second-year HC Doug Marrone and OC Nathaniel Hackett. Spiller has at least 33 receptions in each of his last three seasons and ranked second in the league with nine runs of at least 20 yards a year ago.

The case against: Marrone and Hackett simply don’t care to or know how to use Spiller correctly. While there is little question that Fred Jackson is very good in all aspects of the passing game, it is hard to believe the coaching staff feels as if the Bills are a more dynamic offense with Spiller on the sidelines on the majority of passing downs. Buffalo has shown some signs of getting Spiller to the perimeter more often than it did last year during this preseason, but a big-play back that comes off the field on third downs and inside the red zone is virtually guaranteed to be inconsistent in fantasy. Barring an injury to Jackson, Spiller’s current role is unlikely to change.

RB Trent Richardson, IND

The case for: Arguably the most scrutinized player in fantasy since his trade from Cleveland last fall, Richardson is a power back with solid receiving skills that operates in one of the most talented offenses in the league. Pro Football Focus gave the third-year pro a 49.3 “elusive rating” in 2013, slightly ahead of fantasy stalwarts such as LeSean McCoy and Eddie Lacy. With Andrew Luck directing an offense that is loaded with receiving options capable of spreading the field and only the injury-prone Ahmad Bradshaw capable of putting any pressure on his starting job, Richardson is a good bet to continue receiving consistent touches, even in games where he struggles to gain yards.

The case against: While many have suggested that Richardson is struggling this preseason, I have actually been quite impressed by his ability to maximize most of his runs. However, there within lies the problem. Even the best backs in the league cannot consistently be asked to create yards after contact when they are continually getting hit at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. The Colts may have made it a priority to get the ground game going in the offseason, but they did little in the way of adding personnel to upgrade it. Indianapolis managed to find a bit of a rushing attack in 2013 when it turned to Donald Brown in part because he is able to get to the hole faster; they may end up doing the same thing with Bradshaw this year.

WR Emmanuel Sanders, DEN

The case for: In Denver’s high-powered offense, there is virtually no chance Sanders will ever attract a double team. The ex-Steeler is arguably a better deep threat than the departed Eric Decker, has Peyton Manning as his quarterback and can play the slot if necessary. Following Wes Welker’s third concussion in less than a year, it may be that ability to play the slot that leads to his ability to post WR2 numbers this year as opposed to 2015, when it was assumed he would take over for Welker full-time in the slot.

The case against: There is no guarantee – even after Welker’s most recent concussion – that he will just disappear off the fantasy map. Welker defined slot receiver play for this generation in a lot of ways, so if he can play, Sanders will remain outside in the Decker role in this offense. Additionally, it shouldn’t be assumed that Sanders will just inherit Welker’s gaudy 2013 numbers against a much more difficult schedule nor should owners expect Denver to match its historic numbers from a season ago. A healthy Montee Ball could easily allow the Broncos to lean on the run more often, which would also cater to their much-improved defense.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX

The case for: Jones-Drew finally looks healthy after two injury-shortened seasons and showed it last weekend in the Raiders’ preseason game versus Green Bay. Oakland signed him to a three-year free-agent deal (while only offering a one-year to incumbent starter Darren McFadden) in large part because it could not trust McFadden to stay healthy…and rightfully so. It would be irresponsible to suggest MJD is back in his prime – because he is clearly not – but the UCLA alum somehow managed to record 1,117 total yards and five touchdowns at far less than 100 percent with Jacksonville last season even though the Jags’ offensive line was arguably as porous as the one he will run behind now.

The case against: The offensive line didn’t get much of an upgrade in the offseason and, despite chronic hamstring issues, McFadden isn’t exactly a scrub. One of the assumptions I made during my projection of the Raiders was that MJD would be “Mr. Inside” to McFadden’s “Mr. Outside”. If that is truly how it plays out, Oakland could turn into a lighter version of Buffalo Bills West, with the caveat being the Raiders will simply ride whichever back is running well on that day and not make substitutions based on down, distance or situation.

RB Ben Tate / RB Terrance West, CLE

The case for: Pure and simple, running backs that operate in an offense run by a Shanahan typically produce. In this case, the Browns will probably have no choice but to run the ball more than they pass simply because they possess so few receiving weapons. With Josh Gordon unlikely to make an impact anytime soon – if it all this season – a solid offensive line and a defense capable of keeping games close, Cleveland will have no issues giving one back 20-25 carries on a regular basis if the running game is clicking.

The case against: I don’t question that Tate will be productive in Shanahan’s offense, but I do have significant doubts about his ability to make it through the season reasonably healthy. Furthermore, West is a younger (and less beat-up) alternative the coaching staff loves and there is more than anecdotal evidence to suggest that Shanahan loves nothing more than making a star out of a late-round draft choice. (My advice: don’t press your luck hoping to land West at or near his ADP if you draft Tate. Take him in the next round or two at the latest and your flex spot should be in good shape for most of the season.)

QB Tony Romo, DAL

The case for: I frankly cannot remember the last time that a team entered a season so devoid of defensive playmakers. In other words, as bad as the Cowboys’ defense was last season, this season could be even worse. Romo could easily lead the league in passing attempts as a result and he has enough high-quality targets that he could potentially set some career-high passing totals along the way. Dez Bryant is as good as receiver as there is in the NFL, Terrance Williams is a solid deep threat (albeit with inconsistent hands), Jason Witten is a near-lock for 70-plus catches and DeMarco Murray is no slouch out of the backfield either.

The case against: Even though the back surgeries he has undergone the last two off-seasons have reportedly been minor, trusting Romo to be my QB1 scares me. On one hand, he could lead the league in virtually every meaningful passing category if he can play all 16 games. On the other hand, most people that have actually experienced back surgery will tell you there is nothing “minor” about it. Owners need to remember that Romo suffered his herniated disc on a play in which he awkwardly torqued his body late in the season, so perhaps his recipe for long-term success isn’t throwing the ball 600-plus times in 2014. Unfortunately, his defense may not give him that choice.

QB Cam Newton, CAR / QB Robert Griffin III, WAS

The case for: Fantasy owners love their mobile quarterbacks and it is hard to find two that do it much better than Newton and Griffin. Newton may have lost most of his receiving corps from last season, but already has a strong rapport with Greg Olsen and has become fast friends with 6-5, 240-pound rookie Kelvin Benjamin. Griffin has easily the best supporting cast he has enjoyed entering his third season and a coach that will undoubtedly let him use it. Pierre Garcon has evolved into a complete receiver, DeSean Jackson threatens defenses downfield like few others can and Jordan Reed has all the tools to quickly become a top-shelf tight end.

The case against: Newton has nothing to prove from a talent perspective. But even if we roll with the assumption he has a better receiving corps than last season, the same cannot be said about his offensive line. Making matter worse, just about the time he was cleared to play following offseason ankle surgery, he suffered a hairline fracture to his rib. For a player that has taken 467 hits in three seasons as a runner and passer – more than twice as many as the next closest quarterback – any upper-body injury is a concern. As for RG3, it is hard not to make a semi-big deal out of his preseason struggles. His inability to slide properly may seem like a minor flaw to the casual observer, but it is part of a bigger problem. Griffin continues to say he is learning to protect himself, but will he make the transition quickly enough so that his slight frame can withstand a full season?

RB Mark Ingram / RB Khiry Robinson, NO

The case for: HC Sean Payton has said just about every offseason since the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV that he wants his team to run the ball more often, but what has usually transpired is that New Orleans falls back on Drew Brees’ right arm. Robinson’s emergence – along with the departure of Darren Sproles – has potentially opened the door for Payton to follow through on his wishes. Ingram appears as healthy now as he has been at any time in his pro career and wants to be more involved in the passing game while Robinson appears even quicker and more explosive than he did during his late-season run in 2013.

The case against: Payton may want to run the ball more often, but he said nothing in regards to leaning more heavily on one back. Worse yet, Ingram may be No. 1 on the depth chart and still the least desirable fantasy back in New Orleans. Ingram’s durability is a big question mark, but as long as he is running ahead of Robinson, it seems next to impossible to count on either one enjoying much in the way of fantasy success.

TE Ladarius Green, SD

The case for: Green is one of a handful of new-age tight ends that might as well be an oversized wide receiver. He teased us with a three-game run from Weeks 11-13 when he caught nine passes for 206 yards and two scores, hinting at the kind of production he is capable of in even a regular part-time role. Antonio Gates has been injury-prone in recent years and turned 34 in June, making it likely that Green should be more involved in the offense.

The case against: One of the reasons I had Gates and Green ranked next to each other on previous Big Boards was because I expected Gates to start off this season fairly strong before Green emerged late. That may still happen, but the Chargers seem to be less enthused about using Green than his fantasy owners. Trust goes a long way in the quarterback-receiver relationship (or tight end in this case) and Gates has built that up over many years with Rivers. Green’s time will come at some point – perhaps following a Gates’ injury – but San Diego is convinced that it will win games running the ball and throwing high-percentage short passes, neither of which suits Green’s most obvious strengths at the moment.

QB Matt Cassel, MIN

The case for: Another quarterback that has more talent at his disposal this year than he ever has, Cassel may have found his fit in new OC Norv Turner’s vertical offense. Cordarrelle Patterson may still be evolving as a route-runner, but he is dynamite in the open field. Kyle Rudolph gives Cassel more than just a short-area security blanket with his ability to get downfield and 2013 de facto No. 1 receiver Greg Jennings is still hanging around, even if he has fallen to third in the pecking order. And let’s not forget Adrian Peterson, who probably scares opposing defenses as much as any back in the game. Defenses have long stacked the box against Peterson, so it will be interesting to see how long they continue that tactic if Cassel carries his preseason play into the regular season. If opponents continue using eight defenders to stop Peterson, Cassel will have a lot of talented options facing single coverage.

The case against: The Vikings have an extremely challenging schedule to begin the season, meaning Minnesota could legitimately turn to rookie Teddy Bridgewater if Cassel continues along the 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio that he has posted over the last three seasons. If Cassel simply limits his turnovers in 2014, there are plenty of reasons to believe he could finish as a top 15 fantasy quarterback. Will he get that chance after facing the Rams, Patriots, Saints, Packers, Falcons and Packers over the first five weeks of the season.

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