Bucs Fantasy Preview

[The Lung]

From: http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl/experts/george-winkler/20080813.html

Buccaneers: The over-the-hill gang
Aug. 13, 2008

WHAT'S NEW

We'd love to offer something new in this section, but what's more important to the Bucs' fantasy prospects in 2008 is the health of their old guys. And so far Tampa Bay's training camp has resembled a scene from Jurrasic Park.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia, 38, only recently returned to practicing after missing most of camp because of a calf strain. His top target, wide receiver Joey Galloway, 36, has been relegated to working out on the side because of a groin strain. Mix in the drama of missing out in the Brett Favre sweepstakes and it has been an interesting sequel to a playoff season so far for Jon Gruden and Co.

But there is hope in the form of running back Earnest Graham, who signed a contract extension and got to camp on time after being a breakout fantasy player last season. He'll be backed up by Warrick Dunn, who is a new addition from Atlanta but is on his second tour of duty in Tampa. Even Michael Bennett has looked good in the preseason, so a team that was 11th in rushing offense last year should be able to continue to methodically grind out some yards.

And if that's not enough, and by goodness how couldn't it be (he said with tongue firmly planted in cheek), there's always the Bucs' easy schedule. According to our rankings, Tampa Bay's schedule is a cakewalk that can't be matched. Six divisional games against the NFC South, four against the NFC North and four versus the AFC West will do that for you. Even a late bye week (10) is favorable for those who draft the Bucs' defense and don't want to carry a backup for awhile.

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