By Bryan Douglass
July 26, 2009 10:30am CDT

The Fanball Sports Network, currently the home to more than 70 blogs about fantasy sports, features some of the internet's best and most thought provoking team writers. This will be a weekly series profiling the recent Fanball Sports Network NFL blog posts and news, as well as how this news and analysis impacts fantasy owners.

The Breakdown is also available on Owner's Edge for the Fanball Sports Network suite of MLB, NBA and NHL blogs as well.

RespectTheStar.com - A Deeper Look at the Wide Receivers

Dallas Cowboys front man for the Fanball Sports Network, Mr. Don Potts, checks in with an intriguing look at one of the more curious receiving corps in the NFL this season.

"Going into this season I expect Roy Williams to have his best year to date. He is too talented not to shine in this offense. 10 touchdowns is a real possibility and with about 75 catches for 1,100 yards seems about right. Loads of potential with this pick in fantasy and it seems he is going later then he should it most drafts."

Impact: Williams, along with Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, and Sam Hurd, are garnering a ton of attention from fantasy owners but it may be for all the wrong reasons. With such a talented quarterback working behind a stout offensive line, one would think this group could identify a couple of fantasy-worthy targets. Potts has the inside info you need to determine who (if anyone) that may be.


BillsHerd.com - Hold Out Schmold Out

Jon Munoz, our correspondent for the Buffalo Bills, checks in with rumors regarding the team's top draft pick, defensive end Aaron Maybin.

"I like the hold-out from a business perspective and think the Bills are smart to wait it out at this point. Let's not forget, for every Donovan McNabb there is an Akili Smith, Tim Couch and Cade McNown. For every Curtis Martin there is a Ki-Jana Carter, Tyrone Wheatley, Napoleon Kaufman, James Stewart and Rashaan Salaam. Basically, it is very rare to get a 'can't miss' prospect out of the draft. Good job to Buffalo for making sure they don't overpay for the good-but-still-unproven Maybin."

Impact: The Bills have put in work this offseason with hopes of improving a horrific defensive effort in 2008. Maybin is an amazing talent but he is far from certain as an NFL commodity, and he'll have competition for starting snaps. With so many questions in the linebacking corps it would be crucial for the Bills to solidify a worthy pass rush, and as we've seen so many times in the past, these rookie deals will get done… you just hope Maybin doesn't suffer from lessons missed.


RoarOfTheLions.com - Maywheel the Pirate

Joshua Pung is one of the newest additions to the Network and he has wasted no time in getting comfortable in his new digs. In this post he examines the targets in the Motor City with a hopeful eye towards progress (and a humorous eye towards their resemblance to the Pirates of the Carribean).

"I expect it to be some time before we really get our sea legs - if ever - with Maywheel at the helm because he is willing to do the unexpected if it will improve the crew. Mr. Schwartz needs to send other NFL teams to Davey Jones' Locker. And that is great news for fans of a franchise that in recent years had become so predictable even my 7-year-old daughter knew which plays were coming.

Impact: Josh won't be pulling any punches in review of a franchise in the mire, but he believes the changes made this offseason speak to a brighter road ahead. He's going to give the visitors of the Fanball Sports Network a ton to ponder and he'll keep you entertained along the way. Make sure you check Josh out today and keep an eye for his review of this young Detroit crew as training camp gets underway. It's going to be very interesting.


RaidersRadar.com - Miller Genuine Draft

Stu Rosenberg, a Fanball regular, has taken the reins at the site we've dedicate to the Black Hole and is bringing some of the best coverage you'll find on the net of the AFC West's most hated team. This time around he offers a poignant look at tight end Zach Miller.

"It hasn't taken Zach Miller long to become a Raider Nation favorite, but Oakland's third-year tight end is far from a household name around the NFL or in most fantasy circles. That could change in 2009, however, if Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is able to take the next step and it not be on his own feet."

Impact: We don't want to sell the farm on Stu, but needless to say this post is one you must check out as a fantasy owner. The Raiders are an enigmatic collection and Miller could be the cream of their fantasy crop in terms of receiving targets. Struggles along the offensive line could push a significant number of targets towards the high-powered tight end, and as Stu notes, expectations are high. Make sure you become a regular at the Radar to keep up with the latest on the Silver and Black. Stu won't leave you hungry.


RamsHerd.com - Rams Predictions, 2009: September

Will Horton is doing an outstanding job in bringing insights and thoughtful analysis to the fans in the Gateway City. This week he was as busy as ever as training camp rounds the corner, including this post

"Ancient Roman soothsayers used to slice open sheep and read fortunes from their entrails. As I put on my mystic hat and stare at the guts of the Rams - last year's leavings mixed with this offseason's portents - I can't say I like what I see. I'm overall pretty optimistic about the prospects for the Rams, who are beginning what looks like a significant turnaround. But the scheduling gods have not been kind"

Impact: Horton is providing quality introspections on each and every game on the Rams schedule. As one of the more exciting teams of the coming season - new coach, new receivers, new offensive line, new defensive commodities - fans of every make and model would be wise to track the happenings in St. Louis. Horton knows the season ahead will be a challenge, but there are gems in there for fans and fantasy owners alike.


PatsChowder.com - Top 10: Fantasy Quarterbacks for 2009

The season of lists may be ending for most (that time of year when the Draft has passed us by and OTAs are the only thing standing between the football enthusiast and death from boredom) but Eric Cunningham, our correspondent for the New England Patriots, is just getting started. He's got a fantasy slant for the Fanball group and, warning, he puts a lil' flavor of his own in the Chowder for this one.

"1) Tom Brady: Yeah, yeah. I know. This is the biggest homer pick ever, but can you really think I would go a different way? Yes, Brady is coming off of a knee injury, but I haven't heard a single negative report yet and Brady has been participating in all of the offseason workouts. I know, expecting 4,806 yards and 50 touchdowns is ludicrous, but let's say those numbers drop by 15% because everyone in the league is catching on to their game plan. That puts him at 4,086 yards and 42 touchdowns… conservatively. That's ridiculous."

Impact: While most of the fantasy world is happy to put Drew Brees as the top passer of choice, Cunningham makes a valid point and stirs the debate a bit (also listing Peyton Manning ahead of Brees). That's why they play the games, and that's why folks are spending a good chunk of time at the Chowd. Eric is providing some of the best features on the Network and you would be wise to check in today.


IDPZone.com - Ten Bold IDP Predictions

As a special treat for the fantasy faithful the Fanball Sports Network has inducted a few specialty blogs to meet your various needs on the fantasy side of the sports world. IDPZone.com features two of the prominent defensive minds in the fantasy industry, Mark Hooper and Christian Rivera. The boys are diving into each division with 10 risky suggestions for those hardcore owners wise enough to include individual defensive players on your rosters.

However, in this edition we are blessed to have Mr. Rick Hawes, the Managing Editor of Fanball's NFL Department, joining the fight, and when the discussion turns to defensive back Brandon Meriweather in New England, Hawes isn't afraid to share the love.

"I'm sky high on Brandon Meriweather and consider him a legitimate threat to finish the 2009 campaign as the top defensive back in the IDP world. On the flip side, I envision Meriweather moving to free safety in 2010, while second-round draft pick Patrick Chung takes over the old Rodney Harrison role that was so productive from 2003-04."

Impact: These boys are serious, and if you are the same in terms of your fantasy experience, you need to bookmark this site and visit daily. Hooper has been covering the defensive commodities of the NFL since Dexter Manley wasn't learning how to read. Rivera is the up-and-comer and his take on the defensive side of the National Football League is refreshing, insightful, and direct. They will be bringing other members of the Fanball staff in from time to time to offer their views as well, making this one of the top spots to add to your daily internet menu.