Fantasy Football: 2012 Wide Receiver Projections

There is a lot depth this year at wide receiver. While the top tier players are immensely talented, fantasy owners will be able to find a lot of value in the middle rounds. 

According to ESPN's average draft position (ADP) data, most owners are holding off on drafting a wide receiver until they have at least one running back or elite quarterback. This is a smart strategy given the aforementioned glut of talent in the 30-70 pick range. 

The list below is projections based on standard scoring* fantasy leagues and risk and upside.

Free printable cheat sheets: Position rankings // Top 200  

1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

He's the best wide receiver in football and he's the only getting better. Johnson solidify his spot a top the receiver list with a monster season in 2011. He finished with 96 catches for 1681 yards and 16 touchdowns. With a healthy Matthew Stafford throwing to him, Johnson is a threat to score on any play. Projected fantasy points: 235

Fantasy Football: 2012 Running Back Projections

Drafting an elite running back is essential in fantasy football, but the problem is there are so few of them anymore. A majority of teams have abandoned the featured back role and have moved to running back-by-committee approach.

While running backs are still first round targets for many fantasy owners, according to ESPN's average draft position (ADP) data, fewer running backs are being taken in the first round of fantasy drafts this year.  

The list below is projections based on standard scoring* fantasy leagues and risk and upside.

Free printable cheat sheets: Position rankings // Top 200  

1) Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Despite missing three games due to injury, Foster still managed to have a great fantasy season. He finished as the fourth highest scoring running back in standard scoring leagues and led all fantasy running backs with 18.3 points per week. Projected fantasy points: 333

Fantasy Football: 2012 Quarterback Projections

The days of waiting on your quarterback in fantasy football are over. In today's pass-first NFL, quarterbacks carry more value than ever before and drafting one in the first or second round of your fantasy draft has become a smart move.

According to ESPN's average draft position (ADP) data, five quarterbacks are being taken in the first 17 picks. These are the elite quarterbacks that will have success, regardless of their match-up. With more teams moving away from featured backs and a more open offensive attack, an elite quarterback is the new must have in fantasy football.

The list below is projections based on standard scoring* fantasy leagues and risk and upside.

Free printable cheat sheets: Position rankings // Top 200 

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

After years of debating which running back to select first overall, next year draft a quarterback. Rodgers finished this fantasy season as the top scorer in standard leagues, despite playing in just 15 games. He also was the most consistent fantasy player, averaging more than 25 points per week. His low scoring week was in Week 14 when tallied 17 points. That type of dominance and consistency lands Rodgers a top the QB fantasy rankings. Projected fantasy points: 393

Adrian Peterson Hires High-Powered Attorney

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has hired high-profile attorney Rusty Hardin following his arrest for allegedly resisting police officers this weekend in Houston. Peterson was arrested at a Houston nightclub after police say he pushed an officer.

According to ESPN, Hardin is the attorney who successfully defended pitcher Roger Clemens during two federal trials.

Meanwhile, Peterson said on Sunday that "the truth will surface."