By Anthony Voelpel

Every year since I started playing fantasy football, I’ve noticed you never really get what you draft. Either your precious “franchise pick” flops or a late draft pick prospers, but no matter how your team looks on paper, it’s all about player performance (as well as a lot of luck ). So far, the 2007 season hasn’t proved any different, with it’s fair share of letdowns and pleasant surprises.

MAJOR LETDOWNS

Steven Jackson:

Wow, letdown is a complete understatement. The No. 2 projected overall pick barely ranks in the top 50 of running backs through four games. Granted he was out for last Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, Jackson hasn’t gotten anything going. It doesn’t help that the Rams are averaging 9.8 ppg and have two starting linemen sidelined, but rumor had it Jackson was supposed to top his 2,000 offensive yardage from last year. Keep him though because he can’t get any worse.

Drew Brees:

I can tell you this, nobody, not even “fantasy experts” could have predicted that Rex Grossman would have more points than Drew Brees. The No. 2 rated quarterback from a year ago has been less than dismal this season and losing Deuce for the year certainly doesn’t help. May god have mercy on his soul.

Larry Johnson:

Virtually a top-4 pick in any draft, Johnson, just like in the pre-season, is holding out. But not on money this time, on production. Currently, Johnson is on the threshold of top 25 rated backs thus far this season. Second and third rounders, such as Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Petereson and Edgerrin James, all have twice as many points. Unfortunately, this guy falls under the “if you sit them, they’ll definitely have three TD’s or more” category so don’t even think about benching him.

Lee Evans:

Although he may of been rated in the second tier of wide receivers in the draft, he is certainly not living up to his high expectations after a terrific end of the ’06 season. With J.P. Losman quarterbacking, Evans had five catches for 26 yards thru three games. Hopefully new QB Trent Edwards will rip open the potential out of this speedy wideout.

BEST SURPRISES

Brett Favre:

He has to be the top name on the surprise list so far this season. His team is 4-0 but more importantly, Favre is a top-5 rated QB. I’m not sure about your league, but he went undrafted in one of mine.

Randy Moss:

Another big name that has been a pleasant surprise. Currently the No. 1 ranked WR in football, Moss is starting where he left in Minnesota, only with Tom Brady as his QB. To think he went in the seventh round of my draft still makes me laugh (and cry)..

Braylon Edwards:

Everyone knew he was due for a breakout year, yet he was still available in later rounds of most drafts. Unlike Moss, Edwards could be dealt for or obtained via trade.

Tony Romo:

Boy am I lucky I drafted this guy. Not only is he dominating the entire league in points, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down. And just think, he gets his No. 2 receiver (Terry Glenn) back in a couple of weeks.

Adrian Peterson:

No, I’m not talking about the RB on Chicago, I’m talking about the stud rookie from Oklahoma. Peterson is already ranked in the top-5 for RB’s but with Chester Taylor coming back off an injury, it’ll be interesting to see if he still gets a bulk of the carries.

PICK ‘EM UP

New York Giants Defense:

Finally starting to play to their potential, the G-men D broke out last week against Philly for 12 sacks. After a horrible start, I think we’re starting to see a talented group gaining confidence at an alarming rate.

Jerry Porter/Ronald Curry:

Both these Wide outs have been bright spots for the 2-2 Raiders. And now with Culpepper behind center, their value is going to rise faster than a Picasso painting.

Kevin Jones:

Not sure if he’s still available in most free agent pools, but if he is, you better jump on him. He’s going to be seeing lots of carries and game time starting within the next two weeks in an already high powered offense.

Favre proves to be one of the best surprises in fantasy leagues as Green Bay heads to Week 5 in the 2007-08 season with an undefeated record of 4-0 . (greenbaypackersjersey.com)