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The Fantasy Buzz
PFW takes a look at fantasy news and notes from around the NFL
By PFW staff
Aug. 9, 2008
With training camps under way and the 2008 season just around the corner, the PFW staff has been hard at work collecting the hottest fantasy-related rumors and player news from around the NFL.
Here, we present an excerpt from "The Fantasy Buzz," a regular print feature that was published in our current print edition (cover date: Aug. 17, 2008). If you want to read about the seven divisions other than the AFC West, you can find the print edition at newsstands and bookstores across the country, or you can purchase a copy (print or PDF) online at PFWstore.com.
AFC West
 Raiders RB Darren McFadden is stunning the observers at Oakland’s training camp, providing them with what sources called one “wow” play each day. The speed he exhibited during his career at Arkansas has translated to the Raiders’ practice field, which should enhance his fantasy stock heading into drafts in the next few weeks. McFadden will share carries with RBs Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but he’s the big-play threat out of the trio and should easily be the first Raiders back to fly off draft boards.
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Chargers WR Vincent Jackson
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Word out of Chargers camp is that WR Vincent Jackson has looked “unbelievable” so far. At least that’s the term QB Philip Rivers used to describe him. Jackson has reportedly grabbed everything thrown his way, including balls that he’s had no business catching. The 25-year-old wideout had a spectacular three-game playoff run last season, hauling in 18 passes for 300 yards and two TDs, and it appears he’s going to carry that production over into ’08. Go ahead and bump him up at least a few spots on your draft board.
Nothing is settled in the Broncos’ backfield yet, although RB Selvin Young is still considered the front-runner for the top job. The second-year veteran has been outspoken since he arrived at training camp, creating some buzz about his fantasy value this season. Young said he thinks he can become more of a factor in the passing game, after having posted a respectable 35 catches for 231 yards in 15 games as an undrafted rookie in ’07. Head coach Mike Shanahan gets creative with his offensive personnel, and sources say he’d like to put Young in more situations where he’s out in space and able to create. Barring any setbacks in camp, Young appears poised to take on a larger role in Denver’s offense and could be a nice addition as a No. 3 back for fantasy rosters.
We know the Chiefs will be a run-first team under new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, but the lack of a proven fullback could hinder that plan. We hear that undrafted rookie Mike Cox, who played for Gailey at Georgia Tech, has the inside track for the starting FB job. And although Cox may have a lot of potential, his inexperience doesn’t exactly bode well for the prospects of RB Larry Johnson. Given the team’s hole at fullback, Kansas City likely will opt for a lot of two-TE sets, leaving no one to lead the way for Johnson.
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