Training camp is finally here. While the action and reports may be slow to develop right now, there are plenty of things to keep an eye on as a fantasy GM. Let’s go around the league and see what we can find out that translates into valuable fantasy information.

AFC EAST
Buffalo
The Bills spent money in the offseason to improve their offensive line. That’s good news for any offense, but especially rookie running back Marshawn Lynch, who should win the job. It’s significant because Lynch is also looked at as a receiving threat out of the backfield and that’s one more non-running back by committee back that could be available in the draft.

Miami
It will be interesting to see how new quarterback Trent Green gets acquainted with the offense. Green is used to airing it out during his time in St. Louis and Kansas City. I’m not sure if Green is what he used to be though, but he seems to be a better option than what the Fish have had in a while. No matter what, Ronnie Brown will have to step up at running back and score more than five touchdowns. Monitor Brown’s status this preseason as new Head Coach Cam Cameron knows how to get the most out of his RBs (see LT in SD).

New England
Are the Patriots a fantasy goldmine on offense or are there not enough footballs to go around? The two biggest values right now look to be Lawrence Maroney and Tom Brady. The big question is how the wide receiver situation pans out. Randy Moss and Donte’ Stallworth could be Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison in a perfect world. This is something to pay attention to as the week’s progress.

New York Jets
Chad Pennington proved he was back last year leading his team to the playoffs. This year, Thomas Jones will bolster a backfield that struggled in 2006. Jones should help the entire offense be a lot more productive, including Pennington. Eric Mangini is supposedly a fan of the running back by committee but it’d be tough to envision anyone but Jones getting the goal line carries.


AFC CENTRAL
Baltimore
I can’t wait to see what Willis McGahee can do in Baltimore. The Ravens pounding running style and McGahee seem like a match made in heaven. McGahee seems like a bargain at number-12 as well. He should open things up for receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. Tight end Todd Heap could be poised for a monster year.

Cincinnati
With the exception of suspended wideout Chris Henry, the Bengals offense is back in action. The loss of Henry for 8 games could mean even more catches for T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson. Rudi Johnson will again be rock-solid at running back and Carson Palmer is a top-three quarterback. Keep those Bengals high on your draft board.

Cleveland
The thing to watch in Cleveland is of course the quarterback situation. Brady Quinn is missing valuable time by the day which means Charlie Frye has an early edge. Either way, it doesn’t look like Cleveland is going to be a hotbed of fantasy offense this year. Tight end Kellen Winslow should be rated high on your list and Braylon Edwards could make a nice two or three wide receiver.

Pittsburgh
With Bill Cowher gone in the Steel City, it will be interesting to see how the offense manages. Word is more passing. Willie Parker is a top-10 running back but that seems to be the only sure thing right now. Ben Roethlisberger needs to be more consistent to be a starting fantasy quarterback and the weapons seem to be there if that ever happens. Tight end Heath Miller could have a huge year but that position is starting to get pretty deep in fantasy value.


AFC SOUTH
Houston
The Texans made a nice pickup in quarterback Matt Schaub, just in time too. Schaub is one of the most talked about quarterbacks to rarely take the field. His situation should be interesting to track this summer and Schaub could make a very nice backup on your team. Houston gave a lot of money to Ahman Green but the defense will need to stop teams to allow Green to get his carries. Andre Johnson should get plenty of garbage time points and is a top receiver when it comes to NFL talent.

Indianapolis
Not much to say about this group aside from LT Tarik Glenn’s retirement. But, there are a couple of things worth watching: keep an eye of Joseph Addai. In just his second year he’s expected to be the main man in the backfield of a potent offense. It shouldn’t be a rough transition for Addai, but for how high he’s rated, you want to make sure he’s worth the pick.

Another thing to look at is the development of Anthony Gonzalez as the number-three receiver. You remember how important Brandon Stokley was a few years ago and as a result he was a valuable fantasy starter even as a number-three on the Colts. Gonzalez could take away receptions from tight end Dallas Clark this year.

Jacksonville
Running backs are the item of concern fantasy-wise in Jacksonville. Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor are a nice combo, but in the fantasy world it’s nothing but a headache. Drew is the player to track here. He’ll most likely split time with Taylor but he should get the goal line carries. As a result, Drew is ranked ahead of Taylor.

Another item of concern is the quarterback situation. Byron Leftwich looks to still be the number-one but David Garrard saw plenty of action last year. Either way, both are nothing more than FF backups.

Tennessee
The Titans have a lot of question marks coming into this season. Make sure you enter your draft with a good read on Vince Young. Young is ranked higher than I like at this point. To me he’s a bigger bargain if he slips a little but if he proves worthy in preseason you may want to move him up your board.

The running back situation seems to be up in the air with second year player LenDale White and returning Chris Brown. Neither look to be anything to jump up and down about, but both should be available later in your draft and are worth a look.


AFC WEST
Denver
Is Travis Henry for real? All indications point to yes, that he WILL be the main back Denver hasn’t had in a while. We’ll scout the situation.

Jay Cutler will take over the duties at quarterback and showed flashes of what he can do with the talent around him. All key Denver players look like they can put up big numbers this year.

Kansas City
Uh-oh…Larry Johnson holding out? This is the big thing to watch this year and could alter your draft day big time, whether you pass him up early or take him late if he’s not in camp anywhere. And Priest Holmes?

The quarterback situation is another thing to watch with Damon Huard looking to keep his job from last season over Brodie Croyle.

BTW, you’ll be able to watch KC’s camp on HBO this year, similar to seasons that featured Baltimore and Dallas.

Oakland
What a mess things still seem to be in Oakland. LaMont Jordan was a major bust last season and there’s no reason to assume he won’t be again, especially with the team drafting Michael Bush and signing Dominic Rhodes. In the middle is rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who seems to have some talent at wide receiver. Be sure to keep an eye out for who he develops chemistry with early on.

San Diego
The Chargers start with LaDainian Tomlinson who should be the first pick in most drafts. Philip Rivers could be a nice quarterback this year, even as a starter on your team. Watch the development of Vincent Jackson, who could emerge as the team’s number-one receiver.


NFC EAST
Dallas
The Cowboys bring back a load of talent fantasy-wise. Terrell Owens is a top-five receiver and Terry Glenn (knee) proved he’s also fantasy worthy. Everyone questions whether or not Tony Romo can get them the ball. I like Romo to have a nice season, but lets watch to see how he looks in the preseason. Also monitor the running game and Marion Barber and Julius Jones may split time with Barber, of course, getting the goal line carries.

New York Giants
The Giants are another team in chaos. Tiki Barber, a top-five fantasy back, is retired and Eli Manning looked like a deer in headlights most of last season. While Manning still has his job, Brandon Jacobs looks like he’ll be given every chance to earn the starting running back spot. This is what you want to watch in camp. Reuben Droughns will be the backup but could eventually emerge. Jeremy Shockey seems to be the only sure thing on this squad, but if things are falling apart around him, it may be best to stay away from him too.

Philadelphia
All eyes are on Donovan McNabb, who commented he can still be a top quarterback, even at his current 75%. But, chances are he won’t be a running quarterback at 75% and that’s a big part of his game. McNabb is at his best when he’s moving and without that he’s just a pocket passer. I liked McNabb as a top-5 QB before camp, but if he’s going to be limited like he’s indicating, I may have to alter my rankings. Brian Westbrook should get his share of touches and Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are nice sleepers are wideout.

Washington
The Redskins always have the talent but never seem to put it together. Jason Campbell is slated to be the quarterback and it looks like the offensive success of the team rides on his shoulders. Ladell Betts showed he can be just as dangerous as Clinton Portis so make sure you have a read on this running back situation before drafting Portis too high. Santana Moss and Chris Cooley look to be good options at wideout and tight end respectively.


NFC NORTH
Chicago
The Bears are a quarterback away from having a potent fantasy offense. That spells good news for those who draft Cedric Benson, who will be an early second round pick. Benson will be the difference maker in this offense without much competition in camp.

Detroit
The Lions have an offense that should put up a boatload of points this year. Make sure you don’t miss out Roy Williams or Calvin Johnson. Jon Kitna looks to be a bottom of the top-10 pick but could put up top-5 numbers, even if they lose 10-12 games. Kevin Jones continues to battle injuries while Tatum Bell keeps rising on the running back depth chart.

Green Bay
Brett Favre is back for another year but many argue that losing Ahman Green makes the team worse. The Packers were in rumors concerning Randy Moss and now are talked about in the same breath as Larry Johnson. Rich now, Vernand Morency (currently hurting) is slated as the top back. However, RB Brandon Jackson could be the biggest boom or bust for the Packers this season. The rookie is taking reps with the 1st team offense now that Vernon Morency is on the shelf for the next two weeks. If interceptions don’t come into play in your league, Favre is worth a late pick as are wideouts Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.

Minnesota
The good news is Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good fantasy situation. It’s hard to believe Peterson won’t end up with the job at some point this season. Troy Williams is emerging nicely as a wide receiver and is worth a look in later rounds. Only problem is Tarvaris Jackson is very unproven at QB. Can you say Donte Culpepper?

Atlanta
Yet another team in disarray… Wouldn’t Matt Schaub look good on the field instead of Joey Harrington?

Keep an eye out for Jerious Norwood as running back as Warrick Dunn is hurt. Norwood was impressive during the time he saw last year and should be moving up your draft board as the Falcons look for any kind of positive in the wake of you-know-who.

Carolina
The story for the Panthers isn’t who starts, but who may start by the midpoint of the season. While Jake Delhomme and DeShaun Foster are listed first, many feel David Carr and DeAngelo Williams will pass them on the depth chart. This is what to watch in Carolina.

New Orleans
Wow, what fantasy goldmine. Drew Brees is top-two at QB and Reggie Bush should be even better this season with more touches. Deuce McAllister may lose out on some carries but might be worth a start during bye weeks. Marques Colston should be rated high on your charts and Devery Henderson will fill in nicely for Joe Horn. Draft your Saints early.

Tampa Bay
Watch Cadillac Williams this year. He’s sure to be better than he was last year so he may be a nice value in the 3rd or 4th round. Joey Galloway is a nice number-two fantasy receiver. Watch the quarterback situation, as Jeff Garcia looks to be doing well so far as the listed starter.


NFC WEST
Arizona
Will Edge James really get to run the ball 30 times a game? I find it hard to believe considering they do have to stop teams on defense. And, with Matt Leinart, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in the passing game, it’ll be hard to deny them the ball. Watch to see how the play calling works out.

St. Louis
Steven Jackson is the big name of course, but don’t forget about Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and newcomer Drew Bennett. Not much to watch at this camp that we haven’t seen before.

San Francisco
Frank Gore’s broken hand will give Michael Robinson a nice look. Gore should be back for the regular season but monitor how things work out. The thing to watch is quarterback Alex Smith and how he progresses. This might be a big year for Smith who now has Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie to throw to. That means Smith could be at least a highly drafted number-two QB and maybe emerge as your starter.

Seattle
Will Shaun Alexander’s broken foot heal enough to make him the kind of back he was a few years ago? That’s the big question in Seattle and will greatly affect your running back board. Matt Hasselbeck is aging but worth a pickup as maybe a backup. Deion Branch could have a monster year having a full camp under his belt. The stock on D.J. Hackett seems to be rising as well at ride receiver.