Brett Favre...to pick up or not pick up?
- Not a bad plan to pick up Favre if you're struggling to find that strong backup QB or even worse, if you don't have a decent starter.

The Pros: Favre had great numbers last year and will have quality targets in Jerrico Cotchery and Lavernius Coles and an improved offensive line.
The Cons: Even with a strong offensive output in 2007, he'll still throw a bunch of interceptions...and will likely have a bunch in 2008 as well. Favre is moving to a new offensive system and will need time to get comfortable with both the new playbook and receivers....after all, it's been nearly 20 years since he's had to learn a new system.
Bottom Line: If you need a solid backup or have filled the majority of your starting roster spots, Favre should be a safe pick for your team....maybe in rounds 7 or 8.

Marvin Harrison...be careful...
- It's hard to pass up on him based on what we all have seen from him for the last few years. However, there's a better than average chance that he's not going to be the same receiver he once was. Consider his injury...and an offseason injury to Peyton Manning could hamper your offensive numbers. If you have a chance to pick up a Reggie Wayne in the middle rounds...he wouldn't be a bad choice for a 2nd WR.

Lawrence Maroney is a rising fantasy star
- This year could be another big one for fantasy owners. Maroney ran for nearly 900 yards last season, on a Patriots team that was very pass-oriented a year ago. Even more helpful for fantasy owners, he's not likely to crack the Top 10 RB list...so Maroney should be available in rounds 5-7. Expect him to eclipse the 1000-yard rushing mark in 2008.

Draft Strategy...what to do in Round 4 and Beyond
ESPN.com
If you don't have two running backs by Round 4, your hand is forced: You must take one now, and you must consider reaching for project backs in Round 5 and beyond. The idea behind that is this: If you have studs at quarterback and wide receiver, throw a lot of names into your No. 2 RB mix and hope one sticks.

Thursday's Sleeper Pick
Check back everyday for my daily sleeper pick...some days may be more staggering than others. But consider, unless you're playing in a group of local fans, you may be able to snag players that fly under the radar and give you more wins

Today's Sleeper: Ben Utecht - Cincinnati
For the first time in ages, the Bengals will be able to utilize a pass-catching tight-end. Consider that Bob Bratkowski and Marvin Lewis have stressed the need (an oh-so-obvious need) for the Bengals to have a much stronger running game and balanced passing attack. Utecht will only benefit from that and should be a terrific sleeper choice. Also consider that he's hauled in 30 catches in each of his last 2 seasons....as a number 2 TE. He'll likely be an available choice at TE since the Antonio Gates' and Tony Gonzales' of the NFL world will likely get chosen first.

Bye Week Schedule
Week ...........Teams on bye
Week 4.........Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New England, NY Giants, Seattle
Week 5.........Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, NY Jets
Week 6.........Buffalo, Tennessee, Kansas City, Pittsburgh
Week 7.........Atlanta, Philadelphia, Arizona, Jacksonville
Week 8.........Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston
Week 9.........New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco, Carolina
Week 10.......Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington, Baltimore

Use the info above, then draft based on talent AND bye weeks
RotoExperts
While the bye week is often the bane of fantasy owner's existence, players and coaches love them. Byes are not going away; they’re here to stay. But that doesn’t mean you have to let them obliterate your fantasy football season.

- Submit your questions about your team in the FORUM section or email me.