While only a select group of extremely wealthy individuals have the privilege of owning a real NFL team, anyone can enjoy the thrill of owning a team of NFL players by playing fantasy football. Whether you’re a hardcore or casual fan, fantasy football brings people together in a competitive style, with bragging rights on the line. There are different types of leagues, but the main objective is to draft players from the NFL player pool and gain points based upon their success during the season. But to win your league, you need to have a great set of strategies, and you must be aware of any players who are on the rise or on the decline. Here at Bleed Green, we are all fans of our beloved Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are one of the more interesting teams in fantasy football, as they posses an enormous amount of fantasy talent, where many of their starters have the potential to start for your fantasy football team on Sundays.

The Eagles Who Can Make A Fantasy Impact

Quarterback: Donovan McNabb
McNabb has never had it so good. In the upcoming 2009 seaso n, the receiving corps is the best he has had to work with in his career. With DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, and rookie wideout Jeremy Maclin, McNabb (see picture) has many reliable options that should improve their already stout offense. McNabb has made the most of his mediocre receivers in the past, now he finally has a dangerous set of receivers.

Projections - 3, 987 passing yards, 25 TD, 9 INT
Expected Draft Position - 4th Round

Running Back: Brian Westbrook
Though he will be slowed down in training camp after surgery to clean up some bone spurs in his right ankle, Westbrook is still a reliable running back in fantasy leagues. The 2009 season may not be his best, he should still put up pretty solid numbers. With the addition of LT Jason Peters, he should see bigger and more running lanes than he did last season. If Westbrook can show us that can make his cuts and continue his dominance in the open field, expect another good campaign in 2009.

Projections - 1, 1,27 rushing yards, 13 TD ( Rushing/Receiving)
Expected Draft Position - 2nd Round

Wide Receiver: DeSean Jackson
DeSean is coming off of a great rookie season in 2008, a nd with all the attention on him this season, we will see if he can be our future #1 WR that we expect him to be. His lightning quick speed and ability to make defenders miss will prove lethal again in 2009, and he should see more passes thrown his way. The chemistry that McNabb and Jackson built last season assures to us that the duo will continue to frustrate defenses, and keep the Eagles atop the NFC East standings.

Projections - 82 Receptions, 1,215 yards, 8 TD
Expected Draft Position - 5th/6th Round

Wide Receiver: Kevin Curtis
He has been labeled “Mr. Inconsistent” in the fantasy world, as we never know what Kevin Curtis will show up on gamedays. He has the capability to reach over 1,000 yards in 2009, but the big question is if he will be able to stay healthy and be consistent over the course of the season. If so, Curtis can be a late round steal in any fantasy league.

Projections - 48 Receptions, 786 yards, 5 TD
Expected Draft Position - 10th/11th Round

Defense/ Special Teams
The Eagles defense lost their heart and soul in Brian Dawkins, but will look for young Quintin Demps to provide some boost in the secondary. The defensive line is still bolstered by Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley, with Trent Cole wrecking havoc on the outside. The linebacker corps remains the same, with Stewart Bradley taking charge at Middle Linebacker. At corner, Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are helped out with the additon of Ellis Hobbs after the loss of Lito Sheppard. Expected Draft Position - 11th Round

Sleepers
Running Back: LeSean McCoy
He will see a lot of time in 2009, and it will increase if Westbrook is unable to play at full level. Don't rely on him as a full-time starter, but at least consider him if yout league's RB pool is running thin of talent during the season.

Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin
His speed and athleticism should keep the secondary confused all day, and if can prove that he can play against NFL defense’s, expect him to possibly have a dominant rookie campaign.

Tight End: Brent Celek
Possibly the most underrated TE in 2009, Celek showed in the playoffs that he can play with the best of them, and he should be a redzone threat all season.

Injury-Risk Players
Running Back: Brian Westbrook
You have to be worried about how he will bounce back after off-season surgery.
Wide Receiver: Kevin Curtis
How will he come back after his injury prone 2008 season?

Risers in 2009
Wide Receiver: Jason Avant He's never been a reliable fantasy target, but he's probably a safer pick than rookie Jeremy Maclin, and with a confident McNabb under center with a new contract, he just may see an increase in catches and yards.

 

Tight End: Cornelius Ingram Although he's yet to play a down in the NFL, Ingram may be a rising player throughout the season if the Eagles decide to run quite a few two-TE formations when near the endzone. With these types of plays being called, Ingram could potentially become a late-round worthy player capable of recording scores and catches every now and then.

 

Sinkers in 2009 Kicker: David Akers Despite his brilliant fantasy season in '08, Akers is going into his 11th season and could see a decrease in Field Goals if the team scores more touchdowns in 2009 as they are predicted to do. If McNabb, Westbrook, and Jackson have great fantasy seasons which include many TDs, then it is likely Akers will not get as many field goal chances as he did in 2008 (40). --- Not every Eagles player will make a huge impact on the 2009 Fantasy Season, but if you plan ahead and evaluate the key players, you will most likely experience a great season that can be supported by several of the Eagles' dominant performers.