Fantasy Football is upon us again – and that means it’s time for you to assemble your list of football studs, get your best trash talk lines ready and prepare to begin another season.

The majority of fantasy leagues are won on draft day – where one can outsmart other owners by not overvaluing some players, while also drafting the right sleepers at the right time.

Take the following players that I consider to be the seven best Fantasy Football sleepers of 2011:

If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, then all signs point to him being a legitimate Fantasy sleeper in 2011

Sexy Seven: Top Fantasy Football Sleepers for the 2011 NFL Season

Mario Manningham (WR – New York Giants) – Steve Smith is now in Philadelphia, leaving Manningham as Eli Manning’s clear #2 option behind Hakeem Nicks.  It also shouldn’t be ignored just how strongly Manningham finished the 2010 season, posting 16 catches, three consecutive 100-yard games and 4 TD’s over the final three contests combined.

Matthew Stafford (QB – Detroit Lions) – Everyone knows the injury history, but we all know the potential, too.  In two games during the middle of last season, Stafford threw for 450+ yards and had 6 passing TD’s.  The Lions are clearly a team on the rise and Stafford could be a solid backup QB addition to your fantasy team and if healthy, he may wind up as quality trade bait, or even your team’s starter.

Mike Sims-Walker (WR – St. Louis Rams) – With an average drafting position of 131.4 in ESPN Fantasy Football leagues, Sims-Walker is clearly a man flying under the radar.  It’s understandable considering how he plummeted down the depth chart in Jacksonville last season.  But St. Louis has a quality passing quarterback in Sam Bradford, they play in a weaker division and the Rams clearly needed a top wide receiver target for Bradford to throw to.  Sims-Walker could be that guy in 2011.

Ryan Mathews was a 2010 Fantasy bust, but KP thinks he'll bounce back this season

Plaxico Burress (WR – New York Jets) – Michael Vick was a redemption story seeking to prove he’s still got it after being away from the game due to jail time.  One hundred million dollars later, you know the drill.   Plaxico Burress is the latest edition of that story, and while it’s been a few years since he played in a regular season game, Burress clearly has the talent.  Four years ago, he had a 1,000-yard season with 12 TD’s.  His 2011 campaign is a question mark, but he would be a worthwhile gamble later in your draft.

Ryan Mathews (RB – San Diego Chargers) – Many team owners will be gunshy when it comes to Mathews, the rookie who was drafted early in 2010 and became somewhat of a bust (678 yards and 7 TD’s).  It’s important to note that Mathews scored five TD’s over the last four weeks of last season, and while Mike Tolbert will likely still take away some goal line carries, it’s clear that Mathews is still the primary back on a team that’s loaded.  Expect bigger things from him in 2011.

Jimmy Graham (TE – New Orleans Saints) – It’s no secret that the Saints have one of the more potent offenses in the NFL.  With Jeremy Shockey out the door, Jimmy Graham steps in as the primary tight end target for Drew Brees in 2011.  Better yet, Brees already knows that Graham is a reliable target, as he hit him for four touchdowns over the last three weeks of the 2010 season.

Ben Tate (RB – Houston Texans) – Tate’s average selection in ESPN Fantasy drafts is 130.9, clearly far down the list, and rightfully so, considering he’s currently a backup.  But that’s the key, as Tate is a solid runner that is backing up Arian Foster, who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.  If Foster’s injury lingers or possibly gets worse, the doorway opens for Tate, who would be a solid late round add to either use as trade bait, or as insurance to those Foster owners.

The biggest key to success in Fantasy Football is not overvaluing certain players during your draft, because as most of us know, there are only so many players that emerge as surprise stars during the regular season and only so many owners that are willing to make trades.

Last season, I was able to hit on all but one of the players that I listed under the category of players being overvalued.

Here are seven players (most of which are running backs) that I feel are currently being overvalued in 2011 Fantasy Football drafts, plus a few alternative options that are being selected with similar picks:

Sexy Seven: Players Being Overvalued in 2011 Fantasy Football Drafts

* Note: Average Pick according to ESPN Fantasy Drafts as of 9/2/11 *

Arian Foster  (RB – Houston Texans) – Average Pick: 5.5* – Last year, I correctly labeled him as a 2010 sleeper, but this preseason, Foster is battling a hamstring injury and while he claims that he’ll play during Week 1, these types of injuries can linger and slow a player down throughout a season.  Not only that, but Foster’s breakout 2010 season (1,616 yards rushing, 16 TD’s) will be very hard to match in 2011.  Currently, Foster is being selected in the Top 5 of most Fantasy drafs.  The existing risks surrounding him indicate that there are better options to take that early.

Instead: Focus on Ray Rice, LeSean McCoy or Michael Turner

Roddy White (WR – Atlanta Falcons) – Average Pick: 14.0* – Don’t get me wrong, Roddy White is a stud and clearly a #1 receiver in the NFL.  However, with the drafting of Julio Jones, it would be wishful thinking for owners to expect White to match his 2010 stats (115 receptions, 1,389 yards, 10 TD’s).  Even White admitted to that on the Dan Patrick Show last week, when he said (about Jones), “He’s going to catch a lot of balls, so I probably won’t catch 100 balls this year.“  White also went on to say, “I don’t have a problem catching 80 balls”.  That’s likely true, but many fantasy owners might care, especially when taking Roddy White at the tail end of the first round, or early in the second.

Instead: Focus on Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings or Calvin Johnson

Felix Jones (RB – Dallas Cowboys) – Average Pick: 44.5* – There is a lot of hype circling around Jones as a possible breakout candidate, what with Marion Barber moving on to Chicago.  While he clearly has the talent and could see more carries in 2011, it’s not a sure thing that his numbers will be worthy of a pick this high.  Jones saw more action during the second half of 2010 and from Week 10 on, he saw double-digit carries in every game, but failed to post a 100-yard effort, while only scoring one touchdown.  Those facts, plus the question marks that continue to surround the Dallas O-line, leave me thinking that Jones is not a Top 50 pick.

Instead: Focus on Ahmad Bradshaw or LeGarrette Blount

Many prognosticators are high on Dallas Cowboys RB Felix Jones, but KP still has his doubts

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (RB – New England Patriots) – Average Pick: 49.6* – “The Law Firm” is clearly a punishing runner in a potent offense.  Therefore, he will get his share of Fantasy points during the season.  But with Bill Belichick not afraid to use a multi-back system – and everyone knows how frequently Danny Woodhead was used in 2010 – it’s tough to make BenJarvus Green-Ellis a draft pick in the Top 50.  By this point in the draft, one should either be focusing on taking a talented receiver or perhaps one of the near-elite quarterbacks.

Instead: Focus on the aforementioned duo under Felix Jones or Jahvid Best

Beanie Wells (RB – Arizona Cardinals) – Average Pick: 57.2* – Beanie Wells falls under the same category as Felix Jones.  With the departure of Tim Hightower to Washington, Wells’ main competition from last season is gone, which could mean a heavier dose of carries.  However, it’s important to keep in mind that Beanie Wells has been an injury prone back throughout his young NFL career.  Last season, he posted double-digit carries in only five games and his highest output of the year was a mediocre 75 yards during Week 3.

Instead: Focus on Ryan Mathews or Shonn Greene

Jonathan Stewart (RB – Carolina Panthers) – Average Pick: 61.3* – Stewart is an interesting case.  Two seasons ago, Carolina relied heavily on its running game, highlighting a two-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Stewart.  Last season, each of the two backs dealt with injuries for part of the season.  In 2011, DeAngelo Williams signed an extension to be the primary back, plus there’s a new coaching staff in town and a rookie starting at the quarterback position (Cam Newton).  As a result, it’s not known just how significant Stewart’s workload will be, but it appears clear that it’s not worthy of a pick this high.

While she likely makes your real-life Fantasy team, Cedric Benson or Jonathan Stewart should NOT make your Fantasy Football team

Instead: Focus on a dual-threat like Percy Harvin.

Cedric Benson (RB – Cincinnati Bengals) – Average Pick: 67.6* – For starters, he’s serving a 20-day jail setence, which means he could be rusty when he finally sees the field.  Combine that with the possibility of rookie QB Andy Dalton being the Week 1 starter, and opponents will likely instead be focusing on the running game.  The Bengals appear that they will be one of the worst teams in the AFC this season, and as a result, don’t expect much from Benson – and therefore, he’s not worthy of a Fantasy pick in the Top 75.

Instead: Focus on Mark Ingram, Fred Jackson or Tim Hightower

With the First Four round concluding tonight and the round of 64 set to tip off on Thursday afternoon, many are still putting the finishing touches on their brackets.  But in order to successfully win a pool, it’s often the folks that not only can predict most or all of the Final Four, but also those that can nail a few of the early round shockers.

Cinderella is always the key when it comes to March Madness – and here is a list of seven teams that I feel will “exceed its seed” – and become the official “Bracket Busters” of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

Here’s who and why:

Sexy 7: KP’s Bracket Busters for March Madness 2011

Oakland Golden Grizzlies (#13 – West Region)

For those that have Texas in the Final Four, you have been warned.  Oakland is the real deal.  The Golden Grizzlies have the highest ranked scoring offense in the tournament (85.6 PPG), and they are second to Kansas in field-goal percentage (49.4%).  Oakland is also battle tested after facing seven tournament teams during the regular season, including a win over Tennessee and a loss to Michigan State by one point.  They also have size to compete with the big boys, specifically 6’11” senior Keith Benson, who averages 18 points and 10-plus boards a game.  Don’t be shocked if the Golden Grizzlies knock out the Longhorns.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Oakland upsets Texas, but defeated by Arizona in 3^rd round

Utah State Aggies (#12 – Southeast Region)

Like Texas, a lot of folks have Kansas State going far in the tournament.  Here’s yet another warning.  Utah State (30-3) is a veteran team, with four seniors and a junior in its starting lineup.  This Aggies squad has been down the road before, and had success.  USU is ranked 3^rd in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 58.2 PPG.

Kansas State is one of two high seeds (Vanderbilt, the other) that have an assist turnover ratio under 1.0 (more turnovers than assists).  That won’t bode well against a solid defensive team.  The Wildcats also commit over 20 fouls per game, and struggle from the free throw line.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Utah State eliminates Kansas State, beaten by Wisconsin in 3^rd round

Richmond Spiders (#12 – Southwest Region)

Justin Harper and the Richmond Spiders could be this year's Cinderella

Richmond is going to be a tough out for anyone.  The Spiders won three games this year against the RPI Top 50, including victories over tourney teams Purdue, VCU and Temple.  They feature a lethal veteran duo of guard Kevin Anderson and 6’10” big man Justin Harper, a tandem that averages a combined 34 points per game.  Like Utah State, Richmond also has four seniors in its starting lineup, and riding the momentum of its Atlantic 10 conference championship, the Spiders will give Vandy headaches in its opening game.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Richmond knocks out Vanderbilt, eliminated by Louisville in 3^rd round

Gonzaga Bulldogs (#11 – Southeast Region)

John Stockton’s son David (a freshman) has had an impact on the team down the stretch, and the ‘Zags have lost just once over its last 12 games.  Mark Few and Gonzaga excelled as an underdog in the past, and perhaps this team can relish that role and return to being a talked about presence in March Madness (after a few subpar performances).  The trio of Gray, Harris and Sacre each average in double figures, and should have an impact.

Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s potential high-seeded opponents have issues.  St. John’s lost D.J. Kennedy to a knee injury during the conference tournament.  BYU, while having the nation’s leading scorer in Jimmer Fredette, hasn’t been the same team since Brandon Davies was dismissed after violating the school’s honor code.

KP’s Bold Prediction: The ‘Zags eliminate both St. John’s and BYU, but lose to Florida in the Sweet 16 round

Washington Huskies (#7 – East Region)

Both Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan Amaning each average over 16 points per game, and Washington as a team has one of the most explosive offenses in the tournament.  The Huskies have the third highest scoring offense in the nation (83.5 PPG), while draining nearly 9 triples a game.  A cold night from behind the arc would certainly do them in, but riding momentum from the Pac-10 tournament and potentially facing an inexperienced North Carolina team in the third round, there’s reason to believe that these Huskies can make the Sweet 16.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Washington defeats Georgia and upsets 2-seed North Carolina, but falls to Xavier in the Sweet 16 round

Xavier Muskateers (#6 – East Region)

The Muskateers were involved in arguably the most exciting game of last year’s tournament, a heartbreaking OT loss to Kansas State.  This is a team that has made noise in recent tournaments, and once again, is playing well at the end of the season.  Led by scoring machine Tu Holloway, Xavier has the talent to make a run, even against the Big East teams that it would potentially have to face in the opening rounds.  They also have some size in the paint, led by seven-footer Kenny Frease.  As long as the Muskateers can avoid any prolonged shooting slumps (especially behind the arc), expect Xavier to make a surprise run.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Xavier upsets two Big East squads in Marquette and Syracuse, and then knocks out Washington to advance to the regional final, where the Muskateers fall to Ohio State

KP thinks Tu Holloway and Xavier could make a deep run in the 2011 NCAA Tournament

Wisconsin Badgers (#4 – Southeast Region)

After losing its last two games (a blowout to Ohio State, and scoring just 33 points in a loss to Penn State), it’s no shock that the Badgers are a popular out in the first round, especially when taking on Belmont, an NCAA team that leads the nation in scoring margin (18.4 PPG).  But this is a Wisconsin team that has plenty of veteran leadership (Leuer, Nankivil, Jarmusz and Taylor), and a team that plays very solid defense.

Here are two key reasons to look at the Badgers: 1) Wisconsin leads the nation in assist turnover ratio and 2) While Belmont is 294^th in fouls committed, the Badgers have the nation’s best free throw shooting percentage.

Wisconsin – with its experience and talent – would also have a great shot to eliminate a team like Pitt, who frequently underachieves in the tournament.  But Bo Ryan’s team will need disciplined defense and red-hot shooting from the trio of Leuer, Taylor and Nankivil.

KP’s Bold Prediction: Wisconsin outlasts a scrappy Belmont team, then defeats Utah State and upsets top-seeded Pitt to advance to the regional final

Who are your Cinderellas for 2011?

The 2010 Penn State football team faced more turmoil and criticism than Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes, but the key point to note is that very little of it was warranted.

The Nittany Lions finished the season 7-6 and struggled against ranked opponents, Joe Paterno faced health and retirement rumors during most of the season, and the upcoming recruiting class has taken its fair share of lumps, too.

Only, here’s the thing: Paterno isn’t going anywhere, he’s said so.  This was a very young Penn State team that is only going to get better, and with less than a dozen seniors on last year’s roster, why would anyone expect there to be a large number of top recruits flying to Happy Valley?

Penn State is going to be fine, and so is the 2011 recruiting class, and here is the current top half of the group of current verbal commitments:

Sexy Seven: Penn State’s Current Top Recruiting Commitments for 2011

7. Matt Zanellato – WR (Burke, VA)

The Nittany Lions have two seniors at the position in Brett Brackett and Graham Zug, both who had size and got significant playing time.  There will be a need for depth at the WR position, and Zanellato – while not ranked highly by Rivals – is a four-star recruit according to Scout.  He’s unofficially listed as being nearly 6’4”, and Scout lists him as a fiery player with “excellent route running skills”.  If he pans out, he’d be a great addition to the offense.

6. Ben Kline – OLB (Dallastown, PA)

Linebacker U saw a slight dip in 2010, and rightfully so, what with some great talents departing the year before, as well as injuries occurring, most notably to star Michael Mauti.  Penn State has a lot of linebacker talent in house, but the school could use more – and as many are aware – a number of local PA kids have flourished in the PSU system.  Scout has Pennsylvania native Ben Kline listed as 6’3” and 225 lb., with 4.5 speed, which if accurate, is very solid.  Former PSU linebacker Sean Lee is listed as 6’2” and 240 lb.

5. Donovan Smith – OT (Owings Mills, MD)

Penn State’s biggest need heading into 2011 is adding offensive line depth, as the Nittany Lions had three seniors from that group in 2010 – specifically Stefen Wisniewski, Doug Klapacz and Lou Eliades.  Donovan Smith is a talented kid, and one that’s listed as a four-star recruit by Scout, Rivals and ESPN.

4. Shawn Oakman – DE (Lansdowne, PA)

Joe Paterno will be back for another year, and he hopes all these recruits will sign on to join him

Over recent years, the Penn State defensive line has been loaded with talent, often falling near the top of the national list in total sacks.  Last year’s group tallied just 17 sacks on the year, which was good for 96^th in the nation.  New additions and depth are welcome, especially with senior Ollie Ogbu moving on.  Oakman is listed a local PA kid that is listed as 6’8” on Scout.  Along with his great size, Scout also lists his pass rushing skills as a strength, which is just what the Nittany Lions need after a down year in that department.

3. Anthony Zettel – OG / DE (West Branch, MI)

As mentioned previously, Penn State needs to add depth and talent in the trenches, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  Zettel played on both sides in high school, and the major recruiting sites are conflicted when predicting which position he will play.  In particular, Rivals has Zettel as PSU’s top recruit, and listed as a defensive end.  Either way, he will be a welcomed addition, especially since he was swiped away from the state of Michigan.

2. Angelo Mangiro – OG (Succasunna, NJ)

Mangiro is listed as one of the top guards in the country by multiple recruiting sites.  With one of the best guards in recent Penn State memory leaving (Stefen Wisniewski), it was important for Penn State to bring in some new blood.  It’s common that the Nittany Lions rarely play its offensive linemen as freshmen, so only time will tell how Mangiro develops and if and when he breaks into the starting lineup.  There are enough departing linemen that starting positions could be available.

1. Bill Belton – WR / ATH (Atco, NJ)

Belton was a recent verbal commit to the Nittany Lions, after he decommitted from a Pittsburgh team that was dealing with major coaching changes and issues.  In high school, Belton was known to play running back, wide receiver and quarterback.  With talents like Evan Royster graduating, the Nittany Lions need new weapons on offense.  Belton is an athlete with multiple talents, and ESPN listed him in its ESPNU Top 150 for 2011.  With a need for athletes to complete with the best of the best, Belton could earn playing time sooner rather than later.

* Also posted to my Bleacher Report page

* For full reports on all recruits, I’d recommend checking out Scout.com, Rivals.com and ESPN

The 2011 AFC Championship game is set, and the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in the Steel City next weekend.

During an AFC divisional playoff weekend that saw the Jets upend the Patriots and the Steelers comeback against the Ravens, the performances of these seven players stood out the most:

Sexy Seven: Top Impact Players from AFC Divisional Playoff Weekend

7. Shaun Ellis – New York Jets

After its 45-3 loss in New England earlier in the season, many didn’t give the Jets much of a chance against the Patriots.  Shaun Ellis and the New York defense pressured Brady all day, accumulating five total sacks, two by Ellis himself.

6. Terrell Suggs – Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore’s defense had its moments, from Cory Redding to Terrell Suggs, who by far had the biggest impact in the game.  Suggs gave Roethlisberger headaches all day, tallying five total tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.

5. Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh wide receiver doesn’t carry a name that many people know, but the rookie from Central Michigan made a name for himself against the Ravens.  Brown handled punt and kick returns, led the team in receiving yards, and had the game’s biggest catch, hauling in a deep ball from Ben Roethlisberger that led to the go ahead touchdown.

4. Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers came through in the clutch against the Ravens

Down 21-7 at halftime, Roethlisberger got the offense going in the second half, posting steady numbers throughout, and continuing to be productive in the playoffs.  Big Ben’s deep ball to Antonio Brown was the biggest play of the game, and Roethlisberger’s numbers on the day ended as such: 19-32, 226 yards and 2 touchdowns.

3. Jerome Harrison – Pittsburgh Steelers

The highlight of Harrison’s day wasn’t any fines or issues on the field, but just another dominant defensive performance, one that included three sacks against Flacco and the Ravens offense, which had all sorts of problems moving the ball in the second half.

2. Mark Sanchez – New York Jets

Mark Sanchez received the most criticism heading into the game against the Patriots, and many thought that he would be the player that kept New York from competing against New England.  Sanchez didn’t just push the Jets to a victory, but he also outperformed Brady, throwing 3 TD passes, while having no interceptions.

1. Santonio Holmes – New York Jets

Many may argue that Holmes doesn’t belong in this spot, since he had just 20 yards receiving over three catches.  Still, Holmes – who has been known for making clutch playoff catches in the past – arguably made the biggest catch of the game.  After New England closed the gap to 14-11, New York moved down the field, and Holmes made an incredible catch in the corner of the end zone, which pushed the Jets lead back to two scores, and completely changed the momentum of the game.