FanHouse VincentJackson

As fantasy football draft season approaches, everyone and their cousin will become an expert at finding sleepers or those diamonds in the rough. It's your job to filter through the various press clippings and reach for the stars with your gut instincts. One thing we here at Fantasy FanHouse can help you with is finding the players you already know at each skill position that might be slipping or simply may not rank all that high on most draft boards. Yes, today it's the wide receivers you already know and love that can be had for the right price, while your co-owners are sleeping.

Hit the jump to read about five such wideouts.

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I initially just wanted to do a Johnson vs. Johnson debate (you can see the two studs to the right), on the wide receiver front, for a dynasty diaries selection. Then I realized that I'd have to wedge Larry Fitzgerald in there somehow.

Then, I realized you guys deserve some rankings. You deserve them for each position, dammit. So you'll be getting them all on Fantasy FanHouse. For now, though, we're gonna start with wideouts since that's where my head already was.

Yes, as I mentioned, there are three gentlemen head and shoulders above everyone else when it comes to keeper value. Remember, with keeper leagues we are trying to think about someone you could own throughout his prime and enjoy five to eight absolutely elite seasons. This is especially true with wideouts, because you probably won't be keeping many (if any). Finally, do not keep someone slightly unproven like Ted Ginn over an established stud like Terrell Owens. While Ginn might be the better player in three years, he definitely won't be for the next two. You aren't just building for the future. You are trying to win now and in the future.

So here you go, our top 15 keeper-league wideouts ...

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence. It was his second offense -- according to the San Diego Union-Tribune he was driving on probation for a prior DUI -- but this time is different.

You see, he's been framed. Okay, that may be overstating it a tad, but Jackson thinks he was wrongly accused. From a statement he released yesterday afternoon:

"This morning I was stopped by an officer ... I don't think any charges will be filed as a result of the stop. In the event they are, I look forward to clearing my name and proving my innocence."

While we wait for the results of the blood test (Jackson apparently refused a breathalyzer), the Chargers' best deep threat will be on the field against the Steelers for the AFC Divisional playoff game this Sunday. As the Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee writes, "The NFL's collective bargaining agreement gives the league, not teams, authority to punish players for alcohol and substance abuses. Any discipline by the league would be meted out for the 2009 season, several sources said."

Bad news. Good news. Bad news... Apparently, these things are cyclical in San Diego. First, a nagging groin injury forced LaDainian Tomlinson to the sidelines during Saturday's wild-card game. The Chargers still upset the Colts, thanks largely to the diminutive, inspirational Sproles.

Then we learn that LdT probably won't be available for this weekend's rematch with the Steelers, which, incidentally, could also be the case for San Diego's best receiver, Vincent Jackson. Unlike Tomlinson, Jackson's not injured, but thanks to his actions early this morning, the Chargers and their fans feel like they've been punched in the gonads. Ironical, for sure.

Via the San Diego Union-Tribune:

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Clairemont early Tuesday morning. Jackson, 25, was driving east on state Route 52 near Interstate 805 just after 2:30 a.m. when he was pulled over for an observed traffic violation, California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Baehr said. ...

Jackson faces the misdemeanor DUI allegations as well as charges that he was driving on probation for a prior DUI, Baehr said. The results of a blood test are pending, the officer said.

(Gets up on soapbox, pulls well-worn piece of paper from pocket, clears throat.)

Stay on top of all the postseason action with FanHouse's NFL playoff coverage.

Considering they reside in two different divisions, the Colts and Chargers are quite the familiar foes. Last season the Chargers won a regular season game against Indy when Adam Vinatieri shanked what should have been a gimme game-winner, and then the Chargers went into Indianapolis and shocked the Colts in the playoffs. This season, the Colts went into San Diego and knocked the Chargers to an extremely disappointing 4-7 -- this time on the strength of a clutch Vinatieri kick. At the time, you would have been crazy to think the Colts would have to travel out there again this season.

Instead, the Chargers come into the playoffs winning four straight, and -- by virtue of an embarrassing division -- get the pleasure of hosting a team which holds a four game lead and head-to-head victory in the W column. I'm sure arguments can be made about whether or not this is "fair," but life ain't fair.

You can bet Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy aren't bringing their Colts into San Diego feeling sorry for themselves. If anything, this will light a fire under their bellies.

LaDainian Tomlison on the sidelines with his helmet on. That was the image of the AFC Championship game last year, when the Patriots took out the Chargers 21-12. Tomlinson had two carries for five yards before leaving the game with a knee and being reduced to nothing more than a sideline fan.

The Chargers are hoping that doesn't happen again this Sunday against the Colts.

Tomlinson and star tight end Antonio Gates both missed their second straight practice on Thursday, Tomlinson with a sprained groin, Gates with a sprained ankle.

"If we were playing today he probably wouldn't play," coach Norv Turner said about Gates, the Pro Bowl tight end.

And L.T.? "Yeah, I think he would," the coach said.

"Both of them are a lot better than they have been," Turner said. "It really will be a Saturday decision, how they feel. We'll get them out there and run around and see how they feel. I'm optimistic about both of them."

It goes without saying that the Chargers will need all their offensive stars to overtake a team that won more games in November and December than San Diego did all season. The Colts have been rolling of late, and missing your top running back and second leading receiver isn't exactly optimal conditions when the MVP comes to town.

Even if LaDainian plays, Gates not being around hurts Philip Rivers and company. Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, I hope you guys have been paying attention in film class this week. The San Diego faithful might have to count on you if the Chargers are trying to mount a comeback at the end of the game.

Before you move any further, make sure to check out Part 1, if you haven't done so. I explain things in the intro. For our purposes on this post, however, there's no need to twiddle the thumbs. Let's dive in:

Wide Receiver

How about that Sunday night game for the Denver receivers? Last time around, they completely schooled the Chargers secondary. Now Eddie Royal has tons more experience under his belt, and Brandon Marshall is still just as talented. Both of them are in line for an obscene stat-line in what should be a shootout.

Only illegal formations by his teammates can stop Megatron. Yes, start Calvin Johnson in all formats. He's just too good to sit.

I'd avoid Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez, because of the fact that Jim Sorgi should be under center for the majority of the afternoon for the Colts. It's just too much of a gamble to try and predict where the touches go for Indy.

I'm a Bears fan, and I have absolutely no idea how they can do anything to remotely stop Andre Johnson. He's likely to go berserk. Again.

If you didn't catch the Chiefs-Chargers game yesterday, here is what you missed.

With 1:13 left in the game, the Chargers were down 21-10. Game over, right? Well, Philip Rivers hit Malcom Floyd over the middle to score a four-yard touchdown and tighten the gap. 21-16, gotta go for two. The Chargers failed on the two-point conversation and set up an onside kick.

Ball bounds towards Dwayne Bowe, he looks like he should wrap that thing up like Jesus in swaddling clothes, but Bowe can't hold it ("I think sometimes he takes his eye off the ball," said Chiefs coach Herm Edwards) and the Chargers recovered. With 1:11 to go, Rivers drove the team down the field, hooking up with Vincent Jackson for the touchdown. 22-21, gotta go for two again. The Chargers failed to score on the two-pointer and with no time left on the clock, Connor Barth missed a 50-yarder for the win to keep the Chargers playoff hopes alive.

Whew. Okay, enough of the recap. Here is the big mystery.

At 6-8, San Diego still has a chance to make the f-ing playoffs. No, seriously. Denver had a chance to clinch on Sunday but forgot that they were playing the best team in the NFL (no prob, Brinson), losing 30-10 against the DeAngelo Williamses, setting up the possibility of a Mediocrity Bowl if Denver losses next week and San Diego wins.

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

In the past two weeks, Andre Johnson has compiled 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Matt Schaub found his groove last week against a Dolphins defense that locked down Philip Rivers the previous week. And this week, the Texans face the hapless Lions. Keep those heads ringin', because Sunday is 'Dre Day.

- Roy Williams is an interesting case. He gets a major upgrade in surroundings, but he's likely catching passes from Brad Johnson. It's only his first week ever in the NFL not on the Lions, but he's facing a terrible St. Louis secondary. I think he needs time to get acclimated into the offense and his surroundings. I'd gamble with him this week if Tony Romo was under center, but not Johnson.

- I love Chris Chambers if he goes. Keep an eye on that injury report. Please note that if he doesn't play, Vincent Jackson sees a significant boost.

- Calvin Johnson is going to play. His talent makes him a really good start, but it's going to be interesting to see what he can do with an awful QB, no running game, and no talented receiver taking pressure off him.

1. Andre Johnson, vs. DET
2. Brandon Marshall, @ NE
3. Reggie Wayne, @ GB
4. Plaxico Burress, vs. SF
5. Steve Smith, vs. NO

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

As I said yesterday, this week was really weird from a fantasy perspective. Let's find some buy-lows ...

Edgerrin James -- I'm not a fan, but he's going to do more than 29 yards most weeks.

Steven Jackson -- As the Rams' confidence grows under their new regime, they'll remain competitive in games ... and when they are, Jackson's the focal point of the offense. He just faced a really strong Redskins defense.

Matt Hasselbeck -- As long as he's healthy, he's going to have a big second half. You just have to have the depth to wait on him for a few weeks.

Jake Delhomme -- I have no idea what that crap was all about. He's maddeningly inconsistent, but he also has Steve Smith.

Brett Favre -- Easy Jets schedule coming up. He'll get his.

Steve Slaton -- Detroit and Cincy the next two weeks, and the Dolphins run defense is underrated.

Jason Campbell and Santana Moss -- I'm not bailing just yet.

LeRon McClain -- That entire game was an embarrassment. Just write it off as the Ravens running into the buzzsaw known as the 2005 Colts.