Are you ready for some (fantasy) football?  If not, below you will find all you need to succeed at this most challenging – and addicting – of endeavors.  From The Fantasy Man’s famous Top 40 lists to key sleepers and, new this year, The Ultimate Squad – after a solid draft and a season of smart adds, drops, and sage trades – that will guarantee you a championship no matter what league and format in which you toil.

In this comprehensive analysis, you will find in-depth previews of the six principle positions – quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and team defense – including a sure-fire sleeper pick that will knock your league-members’ socks off!  The assistance doesn’t end there, however; make sure to check back with Atomic Sports Media for sage advice and to ask questions directly of The Fantasy Man throughout the entire campaign.  Email – fantasy_man@atomicsportsmedia.com – him also with difficult roster decisions or more macro advice on how to better your team.  Without further delay, let’s kickoff the 2006 Fantasy Football season!

Before I begin with individual player-by-player analysis, a word on draft strategy.  When deciding on the proper tack to take, look first at your league’s settings.  If it is in standard format – and if you are slotted for a middle-to-high first round pick – you probably want to select running backs with your first two choices, followed then by top-notch receivers – or an elite quarterback – before picking up a lesser known tight end and signal caller between rounds five and nine.  And never underestimate the utility of combos, especially with a stud receiver. 

Complicating these matters, though, are players like Peyton Manning and Antonio Gates, fantasy performers who outshine their peers, preventing them from being conveniently pigeonholed.  If receptions are worth one point for example, you will need to alter your strategy, skewing your draft board toward pass-catching running backs, elevating number one receivers, and upgrading possession tight ends.  Never forget to notice return yards either; under such provisions, players like Dante Hall are king.

To maximize all of these lessons – and to make sure the time limit, usually just 90 seconds to make your selection, is fully utilized – breakdown each of your six positions into tiers.  Tier I should have the elite players – Manning, LaDanian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Larry Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Gates, Adam Vinatieri, and Baltimore to name the most dominate – followed by lesser cadres (Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer and Matt Hasselbeck; Tiki Barber; Torry Holt and Terrell Owens, etc.), down through your personal depth charts until you have finalized Tier VI.  After that, there should be little or no distinction save favorite players, teams, or even alumni status.  In summation, my advice is simple, yet prophetic: take the best player available.

Quarterbacks

It is very unlikely that Peyton Manning will realize the enormous success of his last couple seasons.  But where else are you going to find a quarterback so skilled -- and dedicated -- that by investing a high pick you will be guaranteed 4,000 yards passing and at least 30 touchdowns?  Though some other signal callers might -- might -- hit those impressive marks, Manning definitely will.  It is for that reason that he alone fits in the first tier of quarterbacks.

He is the only player that I would pick above the eight-to-ten top running backs.  No receiver or tight end can match his fantasy prowess.  The second tier, consisting of Brady, Palmer, Hasselbeck, should go much later than the Colts quarterback, even as far down as round three or four.  A similar position for the third grouping -- beginning with brother Eli Manning and ending with Rams QB Marc Bulger -- would be ideal to optimize the overall talent on your team.  

Others to be knowledge about include Carolina's Jake Delhomme -- now with Keyshawn Johnson lining up opposite Steve Smith -- the always underrated Trent Green, and Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers.  Scoff all you want at the comments the latter made about this being the most talented team in his tenure, but -- whether or not his observation is proven true -- he is going to throw the ball a lot.  And thankfully for Packer fans, rookie Greg Jennings will be much closer to Javon Walker than Robert Ferguson in fantasy production.

I would also recommend keeping an eye on Drew Brees in New Orleans, Chris Simms in Tampa, and Charlie Frye in Cleveland.  Yet for the best late round draft picks -- especially if they are part of a wide receiver or tight end combo -- choose Steve McNair in Baltimore (Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Todd Heap) or Phillip Rivers (Anotonio Gates) in San Diego.  Stymied by the Denver Broncos Super Bowl aspirations, Jay Cutler -- this year's quarterback sleeper -- will not be allowed to prove his superiority to Jake Plummer on the field.  Be ready to pick him up if The Snake goes down or look for him to get his fantasy groove on next year.

Top 40 Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Colts
2. Donovan McNabb, Eagles
3. Carson Palmer, Bengals
4. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
5. Tom Brady, Patriots
6. Eli Manning, Giants
7. Marc Bulger, Rams
8. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
9. Trent Green, Chiefs
10.  Jake Plummer, Broncos
11.  Brett Favre, Packers
12.  Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
13.  Daunte Culpepper, Dolphins
14.  Drew Bledsoe, Cowboys
15.  Kurt Warner, Cardinals
16.  Drew Brees, Saints
17.  Byron Leftwich, Jaguars
18.  Steve McNair, Ravens
19.  Phillip Rivers, Chargers
20.  Billy Volek, Titans
21.  Michael Vick, Falcons
22.  Aaron Books, Raiders
23.  Chris Simms, Buccaneers
24.  David Carr, Texans
25.  Charlie Frye, Browns
26.  Jon Kitna, Lions
27.  Brad Johnson, Vikings
28.  Mark Brunell, Redskins
29.  Matt Leinhart, Cardinals
30.  Alex Smith, 49ers
31.  Vince Young, Titans
32.  Chad Pennington, J-E-T-S
33.  Kelly Holcomb, Bills
34.  Tony Romo, Cowboys
35.  Rex Grossman, Bears
36.  J. P. Losman, Bills
37.  Matt Schaub, Falcons
38.  Josh McCown, Lions
39.  Patrick Ramsey, J-E-T-S
40.  Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Sleeper: Jay Cutler, Broncos

Running Backs

Running backs, the key fantasy constituency, are pretty self-explanatory.  First, pray you have one of the first three selections -- the third pick better to get a more talented player in the second round -- as that guarantees you one of the marquee fantasy backs.  If you have the number one overall pick, though, LaDanian Tomlinson -- sans hesitation -- must be selected.  While Tiki Barber sits alone in the second tier, Tier III has many more question marks.  From Edge’s offensive line to Clinton’s shoulder, the third and fourth cadre -- made up of LaMont Jordan, an absolute horse, Steven Jackson, and Rudi Johnson -- are now much closer together.

Reuben Droughns is being passed over way too much in drafts.  If he's there, take him.  Ditto on Ahman Green.  His successful comeback from a brutal quadriceps injury could be the feel good story of the year.  For rookies not named Reggie Bush, their draft order should be Joseph Addai, Laurence Maroney, DeAngelo Williams, LenDale White, and Mike Bell of the Denver Broncos.  If you’re looking for a stud sleeper to help you in the fantasy postseason, look no further than Wisconsin alumnus -- and current Detroit Lion -- Brian Calhoun.  Trust me on this one.  And, yes, if you are in a keeper league, Bush should not go below fourth -- and maybe in some cases even above Shaun Alexander -- in the first round.

Top 40 Running Backs

1. LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers
2. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks
3. Larry Johnson, Chiefs
4. Tiki Barber, Giants
5. Edgerrin James, Cardinals
6. Clinton Portis, Redskins
7. LaMont Jordan, Raiders
8. Steven Jackson, Rams
9. Rudi Johnson, Bengals
10.  Ronnie Brown, Dolphins.
11.  Reggie Bush, Saints
12.  Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers
13.  Reuben Droughns, Browns
14.  Willis McGahee, Bills
15.  Brian Westbrook, Eagles
16.  Willie Parker, Steelers
17.  Warrick Dunn, Falcons
18.  Fred Taylor, Jaguars
19.  Ahman Green, Packers
20.  Corey Dillon, Patriots
21.  Chester Taylor, Vikings
22.  Jamal Lewis, Ravens
23.  Julius Jones, Cowboys
24.  Frank Gore, 49ers
25.  Warrick Dunn, Falcons
26.  Tatum Bell, Broncos
27.  Kevin Jones, Lions
28.  Deuce McAllister, Saints
29.  Joseph Addai, Colts
30.  Laurence Maroney, Patriots
31.  DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
32.  DeShaun Foster, Panthers
33.  Dominic Rhodes, Colts
34.  Kevin Barlow, J-E-T-S
35.  Cedric Benson, Bears
36.  LenDale White, Titans
37.  Thomas Jones, Bears
38.  Wali Lundy, Texans
39.  Travis Henry, Titans
40.  Mike Bell, Broncos

Sleeper: Brian Calhoun, Lions

Wide Receivers

What a strange year for wide receivers.  For the first time in a great while, there is no consensus number one.  Heck, even the top three is open to a great deal of interpretation.  For my money, though, Marvin Harrison is your best bet.  Contrary to many opinions, Reggie Wayne actually helps his fantasy numbers.  Certainly he is not going to catch 143 passes like he did in 2002, but he’ll end up -- very similar to his career averages of 93 catches, 1,223 yards, and 11 touchdowns -- with great numbers nonetheless.  And you won’t have to fret about the tissue in Carson Palmer’s knee or cringing every time the diminutive Steve Smith goes across the middle.  Both may have more upside, but they are also exponentially more risky.

Tier II, headed up by the Rams version of Marvelous Marvin, Torry Holt, has remarkable similarities to the first group, as there are serious concerns about Terrell Owens hamstring -- not to mention his sanity -- and who will get more balls thrown their way in Arizona, especially with Edge now in the backfield.  Reggie Wayne at eight is a great pick as is Chris Chambers at 10 and Donald Driver -- Favre’s go-to guy -- in the 11 spot.

Further down the draft board, Roy Williams is going to be unstoppable in Detroit; if he doesn’t wreck his knee in Week 1 in St. Louis, Javon Walker should put up good-but-not-great numbers; and look for Joe Horn to quickly become new Saint signal caller Drew Brees’ favorite target.  Looking just at number twos -- Wayne and Larry Fitzgerald excluded -- your best bets are T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Mark (not Michael) Clayton, Nate Burleson (now in Seattle), and Eric Moulds, finally giving stud-in-waiting Andre Johnson some help deep down the field.  Kevin Curtis will also have a breakout season with the Rams.  And -- as a friendly reminder -- don’t sleep on Packers rookie Greg Jennings.  You heard it here first.

Top 40 Wide Receivers

1. Marvin Harrison, Colts
2. Chad Johnson, Bengals
3. Steve Smith, Panthers
4. Torry Holt, Rams
5. Terrell Owens, Cowboys
6. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
7. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
8. Reggie Wayne, Colts
9. Chris Chambers, Dolphins
10.  Randy Moss, Raiders
11.  Donald Driver, Packers
12.  Hines Ward, Steelers
13.  Roy Williams, Lions
14.  Darrell Jackson, Seahawks
15.  Javon Walker, Broncos
16.  Plaxico Burress, Giants
17.  Andre Johnson, Texans
18.  Santana Moss, Redskins
19.  Joe Horn, Saints
20.  Drew Bennett, Titans
21.  Keyshawn Johnson, Panthers
22.  T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals
23.  Donte Stallworth, Eagles
24.  Derrick Mason, Ravens
25.  Deion Branch, Patriots
26.  Keenan McCardell, Chargers
27.  Rod Smith, Broncos
28.  Eddie Kennison, Chiefs
29.  Joey Galloway, Buccaneers
30.  Mark Clayton, Ravens
31.  Matt Jones, Jaguars
32.  David Givens, Titans
33.  Lee Evans, Bills
34.  Kevin Curtis, Rams
35.  Michael Clayton, Buccaneers
36.  Reggie Brown, Eagles
37.  Nate Burleson, Seahawks
38.  Eric Moulds, Texans
39.  Jerry Porter, Raiders
40.  Muhsin Muhammad, Bears

Sleeper: Greg Jennings, Packers

Tight Ends

It’s Antonio Gates and then everybody else.  Don’t expect the numbers of his last two seasons this year, though; it’ll take at least half the campaign for Phillip Rivers and Gates to achieve the chemistry he and Brees shared.  Tony Gonzalez and Jeremy Shockey are alone in Tier II, although Todd Heap will have his best season in years playing with the tight-end obsessed Steve McNair.  And, of course, he now has a quarterback that can actually throw downfield.

Chris Cooley of the Redskins is going to see tons of touches while the bond between Alge Crumpler and Michael Vick should never be minimized.  If I can’t get one of the top four tight ends, though, I would lay in wait for Miami’s Randy McMichael or Pittsburgh’s Heath Miller.  Kellen Winslow is going to surprise many people, Bubba Franks will return to Pro Bowl form, and when all is said and done -- when production is weighed against draft position -- San Francisco 49ers rookie Vernon Davis might just be the cream of the tight end crop. 

Top 20 Tight Ends

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers
2. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs
3. Jeremy Shockey, Giants
4. Todd Heap, Ravens
5. Chris Cooley, Redskins
6. Jason Witten, Cowboys
7. Alge Crumpler, Falcons
8. Randy McMichael, Dolphins
9. Heath Miller, Steelers
10.  Kellen Winslow, Browns
11.  Vernon Davis, 49ers
12.   L. J. Smith, Eagles
13.   Ben Troupe, Titans
14.   Dallas Clark, Colts
15.   Ben Watson, Patriots
16.   Bubba Franks, Packers
17.   Alex Smith, Buccaneers
18.   Jerramy Stevens, Seahawks
19.   Zachary Hilton, Saints
20.   Joe Klopfenstein, Rams

Sleeper:  Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars

Kickers

The National Football League’s most significant off-season move did not involve Terrell Owens nor have anything to do with a quarterback.  Adam Vinatieri -- the most clutch kicker in the history of football -- moving west from New England to Indianapolis tilted the balance of the entire league in favor of the Colts.  The Fantasy Man sees no circumstances whatever where he should not be the first kicker off the board.  Jeff Wilkins of the Rams, Nate Kaeding of the Chargers, and the Raiders’ Sebastian Janikowski are all superb late round selections.

Top 20 Kickers

1. Adam Vinatieri, Colts
2. Neil Rackers, Cardinals
3. Shayne Graham, Bengals
4. Jason Elam, Broncos
5. Jay Feely, Falcons
6. Jeff Wilkins, Rams
7. Mike Vanderjagt, Cowboys
8. David Akers, Eagles
9. Josh Brown, Seahawks
10.  John Kasay, Panthers
11.  Nate Kaeding, Chargers
12.  Jeff Reed, Steelers
13.  Lawrence Tynes, Chiefs
14.  Matt Stover, Ravens
15.  Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
16.  Ryan Longwell, Vikings
17.  Olindo Mare, Dolphins
18.  Rob Bironas, Titans
19.  John Carney, Saints
20.  Josh Scobee, Jaguars

Sleeper: Dave Rayner, Packers

Defenses

As happy as Steve McNair undoubtedly was to sign with Baltimore – no longer was his livelihood in peril when he lined up opposite that defensive juggernaut – that same Ravens defense is even more elated.  For now they actually have moments during the game where they can get extended periods of rest on the sideline.  A similar situation – although one buoyed by the most dominate offense in football – cements Indianapolis’ defense as an elite fantasy squad.  Carolina, Chicago, and Pittsburgh make up the second tier.  Others to watch for include Atlanta, with run-stopper extraordinaire Grady Jackson now clogging up the middle, a ridiculously quick San Diego Chargers squad, and the Green Bay Packers who feature – with the dynamic combo of Nick Barnett and newcomer A. J. Hawk – the most talented young linebackers in the game today.

Top 20 Defenses

1. Baltimore
2. Indianapolis
3. Carolina
4. Chicago
5. Pittsburgh
6. New York Giants
7. Tampa Bay
8. Jacksonville
9. Atlanta
10.  Seattle
11.  San Diego
12.  Atlanta
13.  Miami
14.  Philadelphia
15.  Cincinnati
16.  Washington
17.  Green Bay
18.  Buffalo
19.  New England
20.  Denver

Sleeper: San Francisco

The Fantasy Man’s 2006 Ultimate Squad

QB                  Brett Favre
WR                 Donald Driver 
WR                 Marvin Harrison
WR                 Torry Holt
RB                   LaDanian Tomlinson
RB                   Reuben Droughns
TE                    Todd Heap
WR/RB            Reggie BusH
K                      Adam Vinatieri
DEF                  Indianapolis

Think my rankings are bunk?  Need some über-secret draft day stratagems? Have crazy fantasy football knowledge you want to share?  Email the Fantasy Man!