In this edition of the “Fantasy Football Scout,” Scott Engel takes a spin around the AFC, addressing timely and controversial fantasy issues.

Usually in this space, I focus on one or two risky or challenging picks. Over the next two weeks, however, I will take a different spin on "fantasy scouting", going team by team in each conference with quick hitters on unique topics. In this installment, the "Fantasy Football Scout" goes outside the box with some distinctive things to look for in the AFC.

New England: Why the increase in production from Laurence Maroney late last year? He stopped dancing and became less tentative. Increased confidence over a full season in 2008 means he becomes an outstanding No. 2 fantasy running back and makes Sammy Morris useful only as a handcuff.

Buffalo: James Hardy is not going to post consistently good numbers as a rookie, but he will command respect and draw enough attention away from Lee Evans to help Evans perform more consistently than he did in 2007.

New York Jets: The changes on the offensive line draw much attention to the running game, but the group may actually be more improved as a pass-blocking unit that will protect Kellen Clemens well when he wins the starting job and becomes a quality fantasy backup.

Miami: Ronnie Brown is going to attract too much defensive attention, which means Miami will have to use Ricky Williams a lot, even if Brown can stay healthy.  The Dolphins certainly don’t want to overwork Brown and expose him to too many big hits.

Cleveland: Donte' Stallworth remains a risky fantasy pick for reasons we all know well. Yet when he is in the lineup, he adds another dimension to an already potent offense. Derek Anderson now has another deep weapon to ensure he won't be a flop. Anderson has a great supporting cast, and that includes a fine offensive line.

Pittsburgh: Don't get too excited about Limas Sweed just yet, as he is only a rookie. Hines Ward will likely be primed to prove he is not done and you will get one more solid season out of him. He's going to catch a lot of balls when the up-and-down offensive line breaks down and Ben Roethlisberger needs a quick throw to a trusted target.

Cincinnati: Any time missed by Chad Johnson can adversely affect the production of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. "Housh" often benefits greatly from the double-teams and bracket coverages Johnson usually draws. If he has to face top cover corners on a regular basis without much help, Houshmandzadeh's numbers could take a significant hit.

Baltimore: Willis McGahee is going to have to be the epitome of the oft-used phrase "workhorse" this season. Defenses will know he has to be the crux of the game plan, but McGahee is a willing battler who will work hard for his yardage. He may wear down later in the season, though.

Indianapolis: Any loss of Marvin Harrison is not going to adversely affect the Colts offense. Peyton Manning makes all receivers look even better than actually are, which means Anthony Gonzalez will step up and become a very good fantasy starter in 2008. Gonzalez has already developed a great on-field relationship with Manning.

Jacksonville: Even though he won't post good fantasy totals, the Jags could really use a quick return from Jerry Porter. At minimum, he will command the respect of opposing defenses and allow David Garrard to spread the ball around more effectively and post even better fantasy numbers than last year.

Houston: As much as I like Matt Schaub, I think he is going to be an injury risk again this season. The lack of a solid running game will cause opponents to bring heavy pressure on him often, and the offensive line still won't offer consistent protection. I'm not one to handcuff quarterbacks, but if you draft Schaub, you should consider getting Sage Rosenfels very late instead of that backup kicker or defense/special teams.

Tennessee: I can understand any skepticism surrounding LenDale White, even if I don't agree. Rookie Chris Johnson is more of a complementary RB to White, not a guy who can unseat him. He's simply not built for anything more than a part-time role and I don't view him as one of my top sleepers. He may be decent in point-per-reception leagues, though.

San Diego: With Antonio Gates battling a toe problem and Philip Rivers coming into the season with increased confidence, the starting wide receivers in San Diego can be good value picks. Chris Chambers can be more consistent than in the past, and Vincent Jackson still has considerable upside. The Charger's offense will be balanced and the passing game will be very productive and fantasy-friendly.

Denver: Selvin Young may not be capable of handling a full-time load, so it would not be surprising to see him share carries with Andre Hall. If that plan doesn’t work, rookie Ryan Torain is every bit the sleeper some have tabbed him to be. When Denver drafts a running back, you must take notice. One thing to regularly watch at RB: when someone shows a propensity for fumbling, it's not long before Shanahan pulls him, even during a game.

Oakland: Darren McFadden may not get all the carries, but he is going to get a lot of them. That doesn't mean Justin Fargas is going to fade away, though. With a shaky passing game, the running backs will be a two-headed offensive centerpiece, with Oakland using both players often to keep defenses off balance. McFadden is going to have some big games and be a good No. 2 fantasy RB, while Fargas will be a decent flex player.

Kansas City: Larry Johnson is going to be a moving target and an injury risk again, as he simply draws too much defensive attention behind a shaky line. Kolby Smith is the initial handcuff, but rookie Jamaal Charles is much more explosive and the two could split carries if Johnson goes down. Don't discount Charles in the late rounds, as he has big-play ability.

Scott Engel will tackle the NFC in next week's “Fantasy Football Scout.” E-mail Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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