Michael Fabiano gives Fantasy Football owners a look into next season with his 2006 Player Rankings, which will be updated throughout the offseason based on depth chart changes, personnel moves and injuries.

Humans can sure be forgetful folks.

We forget to take out the trash. We forget meetings at the office, forget the names of co-workers and forget the fact that sometimes the boss walks past our cube while we're online checking our Fantasy Football teams. Sometimes we even forget our spouses and children on the weekends when college and pro football dominates the television.

While that level of forgetfulness is more serious and can lead to divorce, which would be hard to forget, another instance when we should remember not to forget is when it's time for our drafts.

(Still with me?)

Personnel movement, rookie additions or statistical failure in a previous season can lead some players to experience a decrease in value. A perfect example came last season when most prognosticators predicted that Cedric Benson was a lock to start ahead of Thomas Jones in Chicago. The rookie was drafted ahead of Jones across the board in most cases and as a result, Jones (1,335 yards, nine TDs) become one of last season's greatest values.

There are several scenarios that could mirror the Benson-Jones debate this season -- one of which is Benson and Jones -- and it would be wise for Fantasy Footballers to remember them in drafts.

Kevan Barlow, RB, San Francisco: Most of the talk about the Niners backfield revolves around RB Frank Gore, who led the team in rushing yards as a rookie even though he started just once all season. But this is a battle that still needs to be decided, and Barlow won't just hand over the top spot on the depth chart. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has been able to turn the fortunes of underacheivers in the past (Stephen Davis, Ricky Williams), so Barlow could benefit from his guidance.

Tatum Bell, RB, Denver: Several reports out of Denver have anointed RB Ron Dayne as the next back to break out under Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, but Bell remains atop the depth chart. The former Oklahoma State standout is upset that the backfield was considered an area of need in the draft, and that motivation could lead to his best statistical season. Shanahan has fooled us in the past with Reuben Droughns and Mike Anderson, so don't be shocked when Bell, not Dayne, carries the load.

Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago: Benson was overrated in drafts last season, and Jones is now seen as a more valuable asset. But the tables could be turned, as Jones was the subject of trade rumors and isn't thrilled that he might have to share carries. Furthermore, the Bears want some production from Benson as an NFL sophomore because of their lucrative investment in him. Jones appears to be the starter at this point, but don't be shocked if Benson takes over the role sooner than later.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay: Clayton was also involved in a forgotten man scenario last season -- he was the prominent choice in drafts but it was Joey Galloway who turned out to be the steal. The tide could turn for Clayton, however, as most owners focus on Galloway and forget that Clayton is a former 1,000-yard receiver who now enters his third pro season. He is also back to 100 percent health -- injuries were part of the reason for his failures -- so he could turn out to be a late-round jewel.

Samkon Gado, RB, Green Bay: The Packers re-signed RBs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, but the contracts were incentive laden and would be simple to reliquish. Green is considered the favorite to start, but he might not even be available until training camp due to an injured quadriceps. Davenport has also been brittle and could be limited, so Gado will see most of the work with the first-team offense. Gado proved he could be a productive starter last season and might still be the best choice of the three.

Joe Horn, WR, New Orleans: Horn had an awful statistical season -- his 654 yards and one touchdown were his worst totals since 1999 -- and the emergence of WR Donté Stallworth will cause his value in drafts to fall to new lows. But with the addition of QB Drew Brees and RB Reggie Bush and in an offense with potential under head coach Sean Payton, Horn could bounce back and have another 1,000-yard season. Don't be shocked if he falls into the middle rounds and still produces solid numbers.

Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: When owners look at Jones' numbers (664 yards, five TDs), it's hard to believe he was a first-round selection in countless drafts last season. But the addition of head coach Rod Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz could resurrect Jones' level of statistical success. Underutilized in the offense of former head coach Steve Mariucci, Jones will now see at least 20 touches per week and could be a steal for Fantasy Footballers when he falls into the third or fourth rounds.

Dominic Rhodes, RB, Indianapolis: The hot name in Indianpolis is rookie RB Joseph Addai, who is seen as the heir apparent to the departed Edgerrin James, but Rhodes is still the favorite to start for the Colts. A former 1,000-yard back, Rhodes has the skills and abilities to produce nice totals in an offense that is favorable for backs. While a committee scenario between Addai and Rhodes is probable once the season starts, don't be shocked if Rhodes retains the top spot on the depth chart longer than expected.

Koren Robinson, WR, Minnesota: Once considered a top-10 wide receiver on draft boards, off-field issues caused Robinson's fall from grace in Seattle. Now on the straight and narrow in Minnesota, he's again the most prominent option in a pass attack and should be a favorite of QB Brad Johnson. While WR Troy Williamson has far more potential and is considered the trendier selection, it's Robinson who will have a chance to produce at a high level and become a late-round steal in drafts.

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona: While rookie QB Matt Leinart has a decided edge over Warner in the significant other category (Paris Hilton vs. Brenda Warner), he doesn't have that same edge on the depth chart. The veteran is without question the starter for head coach Dennis Green, and his numbers in his final seven starts of last season (2,017 yards, 10 TDs) prove he can still find statistical success. Owners shouldn't over-think the presence of Leinart -- Warner will start and is a nice middle-round value.

Reader Feedback

Barbara: What is the reason Vince Young has been excluded from your quarterback rank list?

M.F.: When and if Steve McNair is traded or released, then Young would warrant Top-40 consideration. Until then, his value in seasonal leagues will remain limited.

Jeff: Michael, I think Willie Parker (No. 24) is ranked too low at the running back position. With Jerome Bettis retired, there's no one to steal his goal-line carries.

M.F.: Parker was a bit inconsistent last season from week to week, and he'll lose goal-line carries to either Duce Staley or Verron Haynes as well. At No. 24, Parker is a No. 2 back in leagues with 12-plus teams, and I feel that's a perfect fit.

Nick: I think you've disgraced the Philadelphia Eagles with Donovan McNabb ranked at No. 9 and their defense ranked at No. 15. I think this team has a chance to earn a wildcard berth next season.

M.F.: I realize McNabb was a top-5 quarterback before he had T.O., but his stats were increased because of his prowess as a runner. McNabb has become much more of a pocket passer now -- he has seen a decrease in rushing yards in each of the past six seasons -- and he rushed for 6.1 yards per start last season. He's still in the top 10, but McNabb isn't a top-5 choice at the position. As for the Eagles defense, it recorded a mere 29 sacks and allowed 5,206 total yards last season. Those numbers aren't impressive, so I think their position at 15 is warranted.

Josh: Hi Mike, I wanted to know when your auction values will be online. Thanks.

M.F.: I've had a lot of requests for auction values and will have those online in the first or second week of June.

Jeff H.: Reggie Bush will NOT be that good. I think he should be ranked No. 18-20 at the position, not at No. 14. He will share carries with Deuce McAllister, and it's hard to share time and still produce monster numbers.

M.F.: I like the point you make with Bush and his shared role in the backfield with McAllister, but remember that the rank list includes points for receptions and I think Bush could haul in 40-50 passes as a rookie. Based on potential alone, I think he's a cinch Top 15 back in seasonal formats.

Mailbag

Mark Kerchenski, Las Vegas Which three players should I retain: Kevan Barlow, Daunte Culpepper, Warrick Dunn, Frank Gore, Matt Hasselbeck, LaMont Jordan, Jamal Lewis and Terrell Owens. Suggestions?

M.F.: I'd have to side with the latter three -- Jordan, Lewis and Owens. Hasselbeck is a close fourth, but good quarterbacks will be available in the draft. In fact, you might be able to re-acquire Hasselbeck or Culpepper.

Mike Cavataio, Auburn Hills, Mich.: Should I retain Domanick Davis, Torry Holt, or Chad Johnson? Wide receivers are rewarded two points per reception in our league.

M.F.: Johnson is the most attractive choice in the event that running backs aren't also rewarded points for receptions. However, be sure to gauge the number of backs who will fall back into the player pool. The position could be thin in the draft, which would increase Davis' stock in this case.

Phil Hughes, Va.: Should I retain Steven Jackson, Lewis, McAllister or Carnell Williams?

M.F.: I'll have to advise the Cadillac over Jackson in a close call. All the moves the Buccaneers made this offseason seem to suggest an increase in their run attack and Williams will benefit into the foreseeable future.

Tim Sonnega, Shoreline, Wash.: I have the No. 7 overall selection in an eight-team draft. Who should I target in the first and second rounds?

M.F.: It's imperative to land two solid backs with those choices, and the ones who could be available include James (if he falls), Jordan, Rudi Johnson, Jackson and Williams.

Jason Kingston, Mass.: I have the Nos. 1 and 2 overall selections in our rookie draft. I will choose Bush first, but who should I look to land at the second spot?

M.F.: The choice depends on the needs of your team, but it will be hard to pass on another back. If it's a long-term keeper league and you need a quarterback, however, you might want to take a chance on Young or Leinart. If you want to stock up on running backs, then Laurence Maroney would be the best choice. You can also take Vernon Davis, who I think will be a beast in San Francisco.

You can e-mail your questions to us at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com Be sure to put Attn: In the Trenches in the subject field. Please be aware that due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.

Michael Fabiano is the champion of the 2005 Gridiron Guru League II.