Therefore, in anticipation of my “Big Boards” that will be released over the next several Tuesdays, I thought it would be helpful to provide each of you with my most updated projections for the upcoming season with a brief explanation included with each team.

Note: Players whose names are in italics have seen their projections changed since the initial division-by-division breakdown.

(^) - Projection represents the player’s floor; he has significant upside.
(+) - Projection may be selling the player short; he has some upside.
(-) - Projection may be overselling the player; he is a slight risk.
(!) – Projection represents the player’s ceiling; he is a significant risk.

Note: The grey highlight in each team’s schedule reflects a road game.

NFC EAST

The only alteration I made in regards to the Cowboys was adding a TD to Austin’s total, giving him nine for the season. With every “skill” position a definite weapon in Dallas nowadays, the only thing that should keep Romo from finishing in the top tier of QBs is an injury. As for Austin, let’s throw out the two big games from last season when he exploded onto the scene (against the Chiefs and Falcons in which he compiled 421 yards and four scores) and use his second-half stats as a barometer for this season. Why? Because they would supply us with the information we want, most notably how Austin performed once teams realized he was the Cowboys’ new WR1: 54 catches, 708 yards and four scores in Weeks 9-17. Project those totals over 16 games and that is still a pretty healthy season. Because Bryant will miss a large chunk of potential “bonding” time with Romo, it’s probably a safe bet that Austin will be his QB’s preferred WR target for most, if not all, of this season.

I still believe Kolb owners will miss out on his full potential due to the Eagles’ insistence on getting Vick some snaps each game. However, I’ve decided to give him the benefit of doubt on staying healthy all season long. I see a fair amount of Aaron Rodgers in Kolb and he will be motivated to play through any minor injury in order to prove to the Eagles they made the right choice in keeping the young buck over the grizzled veteran (Donovan McNabb), just as Rodgers has over the last two years following Brett Favre in Green Bay.

Change rules the day for just about every member of the Redskins’ passing game. Right off the top, McNabb is a good bet to miss time at some point of the season. Secondly, it would be foolish for me to forecast his 2009 numbers in 2010 in an offense that will pass less to a group of receivers that are not in the class of DeSean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin. In fact, the WR group behind Moss is currently one of the worst in football; however, the TE situation may save McNabb’s fantasy stock. Thomas has the ability to take the WR2 job by the horns if he wants it, but he continues to be an enigma.

NFC NORTH

I have yet to make any changes to the Lions’ players, so I’ll take this opportunity to plug Scheffler – Detroit wants to use him in the same way the Colts use Dallas Clark. While it would be foolish to expect that level of production from the ex-Bronco, Scheffler may flirt with TE1 status in fantasy this year regardless. Also, I want to take a second to speak on the behalf of Best. Smith has no right to steal goal-line carries from him, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did. I will monitor this situation closely, because if Best is truly a feature back, he could easily move into the discussion of running backs worthy of being selected in the second round of 12-team PPR leagues.

Much like I did with Austin and Romo above, I added another score to Jennings’ total. Once the line improved its pass blocking and Rodgers sped up his decision making last season, Jennings became a weapon again. However, I firmly believe this passing game will rely heavily on Finley, who the Packers have announced will see time in the slot this season (a role that Driver had been placed in recent years). Nelson, not Jones, appears to be moving into the WR3 role in this incredible passing attack, so the former Kansas State product could be a very savvy selection late in drafts, especially if Driver’s surgically-repaired knees are not able to take another 16-game season.