Fantasy Football Projections: NFC South

Fantasy football week is upon us once again. Each FanHouse NFL division writer used their keen insight to predict the top four fantasy football scorers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end.

---

---

Ray Glier covers the NFC South.


QUARTERBACK

1. Drew Brees, Saints: 4,400 yards, 30-plus touchdowns.

He just keeps getting better. Now, we keep hearing/reading Reggie Bush is going to be tough to handle.

2. Matt Ryan, Falcons: 3,700 yards, 25-plus touchdowns.

Ryan threw for 2,916 yards in 2009 while notching just 14 games and playing injured in others. He reloads this season for big numbers.

3. Josh Freeman, Bucs: 2,600 yards, 15-plus touchdowns.

This was a semi-tough one with Carolina's Moore. Who deserves to be last between these guys? Freeman has a west coast offense and more targets and does not have to turn and hand the ball to two 1,000-yard rushers. But the Bucs also don't want the game only in his hands: they want Caddy carrying. Freeman also has a busted thumb.

4. Matt Moore, Panthers: 2,500 yards, 15-plus touchdowns.

Is Steve Smith over the hill? If he is, Moore is in for a tough year. He passed for 1,053 yards in seven games last season, but who knows this year.


RUNNING BACKS

1. Michael Turner, Falcons: 1,600 yards, 12 touchdowns.

He has something new to add -- pass catching. Turner said he is lighter and getting out of the backfield quicker so Matt Ryan can't ignore him in the route. Consider this, too: most of the Falcons offensive line is playing for contracts. Turner had an ankle injury last year that drove down his numbers.

2. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: 1,129 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Carolina will need him more than ever this season if the pass game does not come to life. Jonathan Stewart helps keep Williams motoring.

3. Cadillac Williams, Bucs: 1,126 yards, 9 touchdowns.

I know, this will keep you up at night. When is the next injury coming? He hasn't gained this many yards since his rookie season, but the Bucs do not have a clear-cut No. 2 back, and they have a young quarterback. They are going to trust Caddy to get yards and yards and keep people off his legs.

4. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: 1,106 yards, 9 touchdowns.

That he doesn't get more yards than teammate Williams is just a guess based on missing the preseason with injury. The Achilles injury is an issue. Besides, Williams has better breakaway stuff.

Note: If you combining rushing and receiving stats for running backs, then Pierre Thomas gets the fourth slot here with 720 rushing, 320 receiving. Reggie Bush, judging his runs between the tackles and Sean Payton's declarations about Bush's fine health, is going to eat up Thomas's touches.


WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Roddy White, Falcons: 78 receptions, 1,200 yards, 12 touchdowns.

His receptions the last three seasons: 88, 83, 85. The Falcons found another receiving threat in tight end Tony Gonzalez last season and White still stayed productive. I think they have a go-to guy in Harry Douglas, a slot man, and he could take some of White's touches. Matt Ryan has also been willing to throw to running backs more.

2. Marques Colston, Saints: 75 receptions. 1,100 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Does the advancing age of Jeremy Shockey give Colston more chance to play with the ball?

3. Steve Smith, Panthers: 66 receptions. 1,100 yards, 9 touchdowns.

Would have been an easy second in any other year, but you can't be sure if Matt Moore is ready yet as the Carolina QB. The Panthers offense has not scored a touchdown in the preseason and Smith has yet to play. Also, Smith's numbers are in decline. Was it him or quarterback Jake Delhomme in 2009?

4. Mike Williams, Bucs: 61 receptions. 900 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Don't be afraid. A chemistry is brewing between Freeman and Williams. The quarterback is looking for the rookie. The rookie is hungry for the ball and there is a question mark on the other side of the field at the other receiver spot.


TIGHT ENDS

1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: 79 receptions, 800 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Gonzalez caught 83 passes in 2009, but the offense might be a little different this season with more throws to running backs and slot man Harry Douglas.

2. Kellen Winslow, Bucs: 78 receptions 800 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Winslow is going to press Gonzalez in the NFC South for numbers. He started two fewer games than the Atlanta great in 2009 and had 17 more receiving yards and just six fewer receptions. This could be a good get. If the Bucs let Freeman play with the ball and not hand off, he needs a veteran receiver. Winslow is it.

3. Jeremy Shockey, Saints: 53 receptions, 600 yards, 5 touchdowns.

He only played in 13 games and had 48 grabs in 2009 because of injuries. His numbers might be determined based on how much Drew Brees trusts the promising rookie Jimmy Graham.

4. Dante Rosario, Carolina: 28 receptions. 500 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Jeff King has become a blocking tight end, and may even end up as a fullback. Here comes an opportunity for Rosario.