Well, it’s that time of the year again. Yes, Fantasy Football is almost upon us. In the first of a short series, I’m taking a look at good value picks. Later on I’ll look at people to avoid and for those in deep drafts, those who could be a good sleeper pick.

Well, obvious choices aside (AKA the Yahoo! Rankings Top 25) I see the following as good value picks you should be able to get after the first 2 rounds:
Santana Moss
Anquan Boldin – The guy just loves getting yards and touchdowns. He moved to the Baltimore Ravens this year where no doubt he will be the main guy. After so many years in Arizona basically playing second fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald we finally get to see what he can do as a No. 1. Boldin and QB Joe Flacco have been practising together all off-season to get their chemistry right so expect big things from Anquan, and you can get this player as a 3rd round or 4th round pick.

Santana Moss – Santana has been the Redskins number 1 guy for going on four years. His numbers have always been solid, and yet he never really seems to stand out from a lot of other number 1 wide receivers. Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Greg Jennings, Braylon Edwards, Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald… These are the names you hear banded around all the time. That’s great for us Fantasy players though. Santana will be available at round 5, possibly 6 and will provide you with a good load of points. He did well with Campbell throwing to him, now he has Donovan McNabb who will greatly improve the passing game.

Jonathan Stewart – This fella doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves in my opinion. He’s one half of the best running back duo in the league along with DeAngelo Williams. His numbers are fantastic, and although he is classed as the number 2 RB in the depth chart I actually think he’s the better of the two. In the mock drafts I have done young Jonathan usually falls to around the 4rd round, so if you’re in a big draft (14+) and looking for value, this is your guy. He can go straight in a starting spot.

Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer- Here’s a guy just waiting for a huge season, and with Ocho, TO and Bryant in front of him (along with the addition of rookie Jermaine Gresham) he could well be thinking “This year…”. I’d agree. I’m expected a huge season from Carson. Don’t get me wrong, he’s never been bad, he’s just never been… outstanding. In all of my mock drafts I have done this off-season Carson has always fallen to me in the final round. If I didn’t pick him, he wouldn’t have been picked. He will be good enough to be your starting quarterback leaving you to pursue other targets in the first half dozen rounds. Picking Carson later whilst you build around him will definitely give you an edge.

Malcolm Floyd – Malcolm is in a similar position to Mike Wallace (see below). Vincent Jackson will not be available for the first few games of the season, and if rumour is to be believed we might not see him until week 10 or 11 due to a sit-out over his contract. Make way for Malcolm Floyd. With Rivers’ number 1 wide receiver out of the picture a lot of the receptions will be coming his way. So if you’re looking for a good option in round 8 or 9, you will be hard pressed to beat this pick.

Mike Wallace – With departure of Santonio Holmes to the Jets, Mike Wallace will be expected to see a lot more balls coming his way. He showed last year that he has the talent, ability, skills, whatever you want to call it. Granted, Big Ben won’t be around for the start of the season which seems to be putting people off and letting him slip down the rankings, but don’t let it put YOU off. If you see him available in later rounds, don’t hesitate to snap him up.

So there you have a few guys to look for in the 3rd round onwards who will provide you with good depth in your squad as well as a healthy return on points…. Hopefully. :)

To get playing, visit one of the many Fantasy Football sites. We use Yahoo! Sports, but there are plenty of others about.

Image Credits:
Santana Moss: Keith Allison
Carson Palmer: Keith Allison