The trash talk is already starting to fly. Just picking a draft time for our NFL Network Talent League was enough to start an e-mail war between Rich Eisen, Dave Dameshek and Warren Sapp -- the latter being the reigning champion of the NNTL. This year, the league has expanded and broken into two conferences -- the American and National.
The key point of contention was the use of partners in fantasy football leagues.
Should Sapp's championship last season be tagged with an asterisk because he had a partner? I say no, unless it was Nevin Shapiro offering some illegal benefits to his team. Otherwise, you can share your glory with whomever you want.
But for the record, I go it my own.
Who is ready for some answers to reader's questions?
What do you think of Lance Kendricks this year? I've got him and Cecil Shorts to have breakouts -- Richard Moore (via Twitter)
You are spot-on with Kendricks, Richard. The St. Louis FC tight end is poised to have a breakout season. This only illustrates a deeper point that the talent pool is deeper for tight ends than it has been in the past. Kendricks and the Titans' Jared Cook are a couple of the sleepers you should be looking for. Shorts may be a ways away.
Is it good to try to draft a QB from the same team as one of your WRs? -- Rmill96 (via Twitter)
The quarterback and receiver combo is a risk-reward scenario, much along the same lines as hitting on your ex-girlfriend's sister. You might not want to always do it, but sometimes it can be awesome. The problem you will face is if you have Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, because you will end up being disappointed when Vick throws a touchdown pass to Brent Celek. I avoid it when I can, but sometimes it is not avoidable.
Will Tim Hightower have a breakout year? -- Daemar Playnez (via Twitter)
No.
Are there any Buffalo Bills worth taking in the first five rounds? -- Denny Mazur (via Twitter)
A lot of this will depend on league size, but Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson should be taken in the first five rounds. Jackson is a guy I have really been targeting in flex spots as C.J. Spiller is looking to be a poor-man's version of Reggie Bush. Spiller just cannot run the ball.
But he should be able to show us what he can do as the primary back ... I hope? -- Daemar Playnez (via Twitter)
I tend to have a rule against taking Redskins running backs. Fantasy enthusiasts can never trust Mike Shanahan. That and Roy Helu is the hot name for the Redskins right now. But who are we kidding? The guy who ends up getting the most carries will be a guy we have never heard of.
Was it good for me to drop the Giants defense and add the Saints defense? -- Barry D. Givner, Jr. (via Twitter)
You are asking me a defensive question during the preseason? Come on Barry D., why would you do this? That being said, the Giants defense can be bad and you did upgrade by grabbing the Saints defense this year. The Saints are trending up, and Giants are going the other way.
For the record, you can submit your fantasy questions to NFL.com Fantasy Live, Michael Fabiano or me on Twitter. But realize, NFL.com Fantasy has 15,000 followers, Fabiano has 25,000, me, I only have 1,200. So your odds are better that I will answer a question, just based on the numbers. So hit me up on both via Twitter or via Facebook. Be sure to catch the latest on the Dave Dameshek Football Program.
