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Fantasy football bargains: Look for Jeremy Maclin to soar

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Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: Rivers is coming off a down season, and he still finished ninth in fantasy points among quarterbacks. His biggest problem was turnovers -- he threw 20 picks and lost five fumbles. If he cuts down on those mistakes, which I think he will, Rivers could post top five numbers at his position at a fourth- or fifth-round price.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: The 13th-best quarterback based on fantasy points last season, Roethlisberger could fall into the seventh or eighth round in some 2012 drafts. That would make him an absolute steal, as the Steelers improved their offensive line through the draft and will throw the ball more often under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles: Vick is coming off a disappointing season, especially when consider how incredible he was in 2010. But that could make him a steal in this year's drafts. The versatile quarterback should post much better totals in 2012, and he won't cost a first- or second-round pick. In fact, his ADP on NFL.com is right around the fourth round.

Fred Jackson, RB, Bills: Jackson was one of the best draft bargains in fantasy land last season, at least until a broken leg cost him the final six games. The injury didn't require surgery, however, so Jackson will be ready to roll in time for camp. The presence of C.J. Spiller is a concern, but that's what could make Jackson such a nice draft value.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: An enormous fantasy bust last season, Johnson finished 16th in points at his position. That was due in large part to the lockout and a contractual holdout that caused him to miss more of camp. Now that he's back in his routine and motivated to prove that 2011 was a fluke, CJ2K could produce first-round numbers this season.

Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys: Once an elite fantasy wideout, Austin has dealt with injuries and declining stats in recent seasons. But now that he's in great shape and motivated to produce alongside Dez Bryant, he should bounce back and make a greater impact. Remember, Austin will also pick up those valuable targets with Laurent Robinson no longer with the team.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: Bowe was on pace to post solid totals last season, at least until Matt Cassel went down with an injured wrist. That left him to catch passes from the noodle-armed Tyler Palko in an offense that also lost its best running back in Jamaal Charles. With Cassel and Charles back at 100 percent, Bowe should see his numbers rise again.

Brandon Lloyd, WR, Patriots: The top-scoring fantasy wideout in 2009, Lloyd fell to 25th in points last season. Now back with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in New England, the veteran is in a position to put up 1,000-plus yards and eight to 10 touchdowns. Oh, and it won't hurt him to have that Tom Brady guy throwing him the football either.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: After suffering from a mysterious illness in camp, Maclin never seemed to get on track last season. He scored just five touchdowns and finished 34th in fantasy points among wide receivers. He's back at his previous playing weight now, however, and should post improved totals in what will continue to be a pass-laden offense.

Fred Davis, TE, Redskins: Over the first 12 games of 2011, Davis was on pace to record more than 1,000 yards. Unfortunately, a league-imposed suspension cost him a chance at reaching that level of success. He'll be one of the top options in the pass attack for Robert Griffin III this year, however, and Davis won't cost more than a middle- to late-rounder.

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