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FFL: Breakthrough playersBy Scott Engel

ESPN Fantasy Games

Here is a quick-hitting list of players who might considerably improve their statistical performance in 2005.

Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta: There must be someone who can become a more dependable target for Michael Vick. The Falcons fully intend to give Jenkins much more of an important role in the offense this year, and he could become Vick's much-needed playmaker. Look for Jenkins to display good leaping ability, soft hands and a deceptive quickness that may propel him into becoming at least a viable No. 3 fantasy receiver.

Antonio Bryant

Wide Receiver

Cleveland Browns

Profile

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC

58 812 4 14.0 55 231

Antonio Bryant, WR, Cleveland: Having a veteran quarterback in Trent Dilfer should assure he gets the ball often, and he has displayed a flair for making the important catch in the past.

Julius Jones, RB, Dallas: He is explosive and has the pure abilities of an elite fantasy running back. After showing glimpses of the future last year, he should develop into a full-time standout in 2005, and Bill Parcells should get him be able to get enough breathers to keep him from getting overworked or injured often.

Tatum Bell, RB, Denver: When the Broncos draft a running back, as they did with Bell last year, he's destined for some success. Bell could become the next in a long line of standout Bronco running backs. But like many other Denver runners, he could have issues staying healthy in an offense that exposes ballcarriers to many big hits.

Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: A fearless and thrilling downhill runner, Jones will benefit from additional quality talents around him this year. He'll break loose for several big runs and should finish off a healthy amount of scoring drives once the new-look offense has a chance to gel after a few games. He has top-10 potential for '05.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis: Now that Marcus Pollard is gone, Clark's importance and opportunities will increase. He's just about perfectly refined his timing with Peyton Manning, and this should be the year he delivers top-five TE numbers.

Mewelde Moore

Running Back

Minnesota Vikings

Profile

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD

65 379 0 27 238 0

Mewelde Moore, RB, Minnesota: Last year, Moore proved he can be very reliable if needed. Michael Bennett always seems to have unfortunate injury issues, so Moore could be asked to take over the top running back slot at some point. There is much less of a possibility of a committee approach in Minnesota this year, and Moore rushed for 339 yards in three starts in 2004.

LaMont Jordan, RB, Oakland: He's finally got the opportunity to shine as a starter, in a great situation. He'll finish off a good amount of scoring drives, and with the passing game spreading the field, he'll have many opportunities to show off his quick feet after hitting holes with authority. Jordan could approach 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Antwaan Randle El, WR, Pittsburgh: With Plaxico Burress gone, someone has to step forward. Look for Randle El to continue to develop a good on-field relationship with Ben Roethlisberger. Randle El had two touchdowns in his final three regular-season games last year.

Minnesota defense/special teams: We'll call this the breakout "unit." Yes, the team added a considerable amount of talent during the offseason. That doesn't always necessarily mean success. What does bode well, though is the tough, winning attitude of the newcomers. Fred Smoot and Darren Sharper in the secondary. Nose tackle Pat Williams will also make the team much more sturdy up front. Linebacker Sam Cowart has seen better days, but he still should have a positive influence. This unit should make a lot more important plays and turnovers in 2005.

We should finally get some sort of settlement to the question - is Lamont Jordan a stud every down player or not for the Raiders

I will not believe Minny's defense with a bunch of players thrown together will do it with Ted Cotrell running it

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FFL: Breakthrough playersBy Scott Engel

ESPN Fantasy Games

Here is a quick-hitting list of players who might considerably improve their statistical performance in 2005.

Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta: There must be someone who can become a more dependable target for Michael Vick. The Falcons fully intend to give Jenkins much more of an important role in the offense this year, and he could become Vick's much-needed playmaker. Look for Jenkins to display good leaping ability, soft hands and a deceptive quickness that may propel him into becoming at least a viable No. 3 fantasy receiver.

Antonio Bryant

Wide Receiver

Cleveland Browns

Profile

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC

58 812 4 14.0 55 231

Antonio Bryant, WR, Cleveland: Having a veteran quarterback in Trent Dilfer should assure he gets the ball often, and he has displayed a flair for making the important catch in the past.

Julius Jones, RB, Dallas: He is explosive and has the pure abilities of an elite fantasy running back. After showing glimpses of the future last year, he should develop into a full-time standout in 2005, and Bill Parcells should get him be able to get enough breathers to keep him from getting overworked or injured often.

Tatum Bell, RB, Denver: When the Broncos draft a running back, as they did with Bell last year, he's destined for some success. Bell could become the next in a long line of standout Bronco running backs. But like many other Denver runners, he could have issues staying healthy in an offense that exposes ballcarriers to many big hits.

Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: A fearless and thrilling downhill runner, Jones will benefit from additional quality talents around him this year. He'll break loose for several big runs and should finish off a healthy amount of scoring drives once the new-look offense has a chance to gel after a few games. He has top-10 potential for '05.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis: Now that Marcus Pollard is gone, Clark's importance and opportunities will increase. He's just about perfectly refined his timing with Peyton Manning, and this should be the year he delivers top-five TE numbers.

Mewelde Moore

Running Back

Minnesota Vikings

Profile

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD

65 379 0 27 238 0

Mewelde Moore, RB, Minnesota: Last year, Moore proved he can be very reliable if needed. Michael Bennett always seems to have unfortunate injury issues, so Moore could be asked to take over the top running back slot at some point. There is much less of a possibility of a committee approach in Minnesota this year, and Moore rushed for 339 yards in three starts in 2004.

LaMont Jordan, RB, Oakland: He's finally got the opportunity to shine as a starter, in a great situation. He'll finish off a good amount of scoring drives, and with the passing game spreading the field, he'll have many opportunities to show off his quick feet after hitting holes with authority. Jordan could approach 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Antwaan Randle El, WR, Pittsburgh: With Plaxico Burress gone, someone has to step forward. Look for Randle El to continue to develop a good on-field relationship with Ben Roethlisberger. Randle El had two touchdowns in his final three regular-season games last year.

Minnesota defense/special teams: We'll call this the breakout "unit." Yes, the team added a considerable amount of talent during the offseason. That doesn't always necessarily mean success. What does bode well, though is the tough, winning attitude of the newcomers. Fred Smoot and Darren Sharper in the secondary. Nose tackle Pat Williams will also make the team much more sturdy up front. Linebacker Sam Cowart has seen better days, but he still should have a positive influence. This unit should make a lot more important plays and turnovers in 2005.

We should finally get some sort of settlement to the question - is Lamont Jordan a stud every down player or not for the Raiders

I will not believe Minny's defense with a bunch of players thrown together will do it with Ted Cotrell running it

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Marcus Pollard, Charles Rogers... they both have the potential to be huge fantasy players. I've gotta agree with Tatum Bell. Ernest Wilford... the WR from Jacksonville. He could be a late round steal. Last year, through the first few games, he had real good red zone production. Then he stopped getting the ball. He's a big boy... somewhere around 6'5", and should beat out most guys for a jump ball.

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Sleepers by position:

QB

Jake Plummer - 27 TDs last year, and Denver was not pleased with the offense. The passing game will be a focus for them. Plummer has to take a step up to make Denver a winner, but he'll put up good fantasy stats no matter what.

RB

Tatum Bell would be the pick, but the word is out on him. He'll go early. JJ Arrington is the pick. Arizona has a solid OL, and they'll get to run block more often since the improving Cards will play less from behind. Arrington should step in early and will catch his share of passes as well in Denny Green's offense.

WR

Drew Bennett will continue to move toward the upper tier of receivers for the Titans. He will at least equal the 11 TDs he scored last year as the Tiatns figure to play catch up early an often this season.

TE

Rutgers grad LJ Shelton will benefit from the attention T.O. gets each Sunday. He'll be on the field more often with Chad Lewis gone, and McNabb likes the TE in the red zone.

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Sleepers by position:

QB

Jake Plummer - 27 TDs last year, and Denver was not pleased with the offense. The passing game will be a focus for them. Plummer has to take a step up to make Denver a winner, but he'll put up good fantasy stats no matter what.

After 14 years in the league, I am not sure I would call Plummer a sleeper! :P

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