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1. "What should I do about Maurice Jones-Drew?"
If I had a nickel for every time I heard this question, I'd probably have enough to buy a soda from the breakroom vending machine. This has been the biggest question of the preseason and anyone who lived through last season's Chris Johnson holdout is understandably wary of dealing with another disgruntled ball carrier. I still believe that MJD will play for the Jaguars this season, but you might have to wait a week or two before you see him in action -- and another week or two before he's back in game shape. Holdout running backs have always been a dicey proposition. Rashad Jennings seems less likely to roll snake eyes.
2. Can Michael Vick survive a 16-game season?
I'm confident saying Michael Vick will indeed be alive at the end of a 16-game season. Will he be healthy? That's a different story. Vick hasn't played a full 16 games since his return to the NFL in 2009. Plenty of people, including Vick himself, have talked about the need for the quarterback to change his style of play. That's a wonderful thought, but I'm reminded of something about old dogs and new tricks. Or, as Jay-Z once said "you was who you was 'fore you got here." Michael Vick is going to be the same quarterback he's always been. That means fantasy football owners need to decide what's an acceptable amount of risk ... then get a reliable backup as an insurance policy. Which leads to our next question...
3. Can Darren McFadden survive a 16-game season?
In four NFL seasons, Darren McFadden has never played more than 13 games. It's a real positive that new Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp says McFadden will be the team's primary goal line back. That means more touches. But more touches also means chances to get hurt. Run DMC will always be a huge risk/reward option. It's like that ... and that's the way it is.
4. Will A.J. Green and Julio Jones do it again?
Whenever rookies break out, my challenge has always been: "Do it again." This year, that challenge is actually more of a request. I'm really high on Jones this year -- I've selected him in three of the four drafts I've had so far. Everything points toward him making the leap to being a top five fantasy receiver in 2012. Green is a little more complicated because his success depends on Andy Dalton not falling into the sophomore slump. The pair has had and up-and-down preseason, but I think they'll pull it together and have a nice year. Especially if defenses have to respect BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
5. Is Peyton Manning worth the risk?
The short answer is: Yes. The longer answer is: Yes, because he's Peyton Manning. A guy with his lengthy track record deserves the benefit of the doubt until he proves to us that he just can't do it anymore. That doesn't mean rushing out to draft him in the first two rounds. He is dealing with a new offense and a new set of teammates. Realistically, he probably shouldn't come off the board until the fifth round. But there aren't too many quarterbacks in this league that can touch down in a new spot and keep throwing touchdowns. Manning is one of those guys.
6. What's stronger -- Calvin Johnson or the Madden Curse?
There are plenty of people who don't believe that being on the cover of a certain popular video game franchise can lead to bad things. Those people also probably don't enjoy the taste of bacon. At this point, it's happened far too often to just be coincidence. But if there's anyone who can fire a silver bullet through the heart of this digital boogeyman, it's Megatron. Every rule needs an exception and Johnson will be it.
7. Which RB returning from injury -- Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson or Trent Richardson -- will be the most productive in 2012?
It's Charles in charge here (sorry, had to). His injury happened early last season, giving him plenty of time to work back into shape. Since the college football season ended in January, Richardson's had more knee surgeries (two) than rushing attempts (zero). Not to mention he's being asked to be the centerpiece in a Browns offense that's still trying to find its way. Peterson very well could bounce back, but because he's only recently been allowed to have contact in practice, it will take him a few weeks to look like the old A.D.
8. Which rookie QB is most likely to succeed in 2012?
Robert Griffin III wins this by a hair -- and not because he has the best hair, which he does. Accounting for skill set and best overall offensive situation, RG3 edges out Russell Wilson. Over the long haul, Andrew Luck will be the best quarterback in this class and Brandon Weeden could be a nice pick for the Browns. But for an immediate impact, Griffin is the guy.
9. Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow -- who ya got?
C -- none of the above.
10. How will the Cardinals' QB competition affect Larry Fitzgerald?
More than any other skill position, wide receivers are dependent upon the rest of their teammates in order to be successful. However, there are a few who can excel in spite of suspect offenses -- Fitzgerald is one of those guys. His numbers will undoubtedly take a hit regardless of whether John Skelton or Kevin Kolb win the job, but a diminshed Larry Fitzgerald is still better than a majority of the receivers out there.
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG
