The Pre-Season is often the death of Fantasy Football Owners. People put way too much stock into what they see during pre-season games. Anything that happens in the third and fourth quarters is close to worthless. What a Backup Running Back does against people that will be bagging groceries during the regular season does not tell you much about a player’s ability. There are however things to look for. This article is designed to give you observations that will help your fantasy team win “real” games during the season.

The Good

Vincent Jackson: Wide Receiver, San Diego

            VJAX looked like a complete stud during the Chargers pre-season game against the Raiders. Phillip Rivers looked extremely comfortable passing the ball to the head case known as Vincent Jackson. Jackson looked quick off the line, physical with the secondary and at ease running routes. If Rivers and VJAX stay healthy, the two can have a huge year.

Phillip Rivers: Quarterback, San Diego

            Phillip Rivers looked sharp against the Raiders starting defense. Rivers will likely lead the NFL in Pass Yards in 2011. With a healthy Vincent Jackson Rivers will have a better year than he did in 2010.

Felix Jones: Running Back, Dallas

            Felix Jones ran the ball well against the Bronco defense. Marion Barber is now in Chicago which will add to the regular season carries of Jones. Felix looked sharp and explosive in the first pre-season game. Jones is backed up by DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice, neither player will threaten Jones for much playing time. Jones will have big holes to run through while the defense is paying attention to Dez Bryant and Miles Austin.

Marion Barber: Running Back, Chicago

            Marion Barber looked like a player on a mission during the Bears v. Bills pre-season game. Barber ran tough and did not ever go down after the first hit. As good as this game was for Barber it was bad for Matt Forte and Forte fantasy owners. After the demonstration Barber displayed on the field, it will be tough to justify Forte touch the ball in the red zone. Barber will rush for double digit touchdowns. Barber will also stay on the field a lot due to his innate ability to block the fragile Jay Cutler.  

Derrick Mason: Wide Receiver, New York Jets

            Derrick Mason has found the fountain of youth (again). Mason looked sharp against the improved Texans secondary. Andre Johnson will command double coverage every pass play, which will free up Mason in the middle of the field. Jacoby Jones is horrible and will lose the second receiver spot to Mason.

 The Bad

Cam Newton: Quarterback, Carolina

            For all of the positive hype that ESPN and other outlets are giving Newton, you would think he actually played well. This is not the case. Newton continually under threw his receivers and over threw his one chance to throw a touchdown to a wide open receiver. Newton will start numerous games this year; this does not however indicate his ability on the field. Carolina is banking on Newton selling tickets. Carolina will be awful this year, which will present some huge intrigue with the 2012 NFL Draft being the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.