Pre-season should be used as crunch time for preparing for a fantasy football draft. You have already downloaded the 2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets, you have formulated a plan and you are studying everything that is fantasy football news related. You need to be on top of things, so remember to always check in with the Bruno Boys and Training Camp Talk, where you will find the up to date fantasy news around the NFL.

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Packers lock up running back Ryan Grant to 4-year contract

The Green Bay Packers have come to terms with last season's surprise running back Ryan Grant and he has reported to camp. The contract is unofficially for four years for near $30 million. This is great news for the Packers fans and fantasy football owners alike, especially if you already own him in a keeper or dynasty league. Grant looks to take over where he left off after amassing over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns in 2007 (he only started seven games), but might find it a little tougher if Aaron Rodgers beats out Brett Favre in the Packers open quarterback competition. Teams are going to stack the box against the run and force Rodgers to beat them. Grant is ranked 13th in the 2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets and should be viewed as a mid-level RB2 in most leagues.

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Carolina Panthers suspend Steve Smith for training camp altercation

What started like a typical training camp jawing match between teammates, ended with a broken nose and severe cuts to the face of cornerback Ken Lucas and a two game suspension to start the regular season for star wide receiver Steve Smith. This is slightly disturbing news for fantasy owners, you don’t just replace a number one wide receiver for two games. Smith is currently ranked 5th in the Bruno Boys wide receiver rankings, but with the automatic loss of two games he fits more into the number 9-11 spot. Smith is still an end of the road number one wide receiver and he should be able to flirt 90 receptions and go over 1,000 receiving yards, but If you draft Smith, make sure to plan for the first two weeks without him. It might be wise to target his teammates D.J. Hackett or Muhsin Muhhamad, as they will see more targets with Smith watching from the sidelines.

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker contemplating retirement

It has been reported that Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker has offered to retire and is willing to pay back his $11 million signing bonus, but reportedly Raiders Owner Al Davis has talked him into playing. The Bruno Boys suggests keeping a close eye on this situation if you are interested in Walker. He has had a rough few years since his bitter exit from the Green Bay Packers, including his injury plagued time with the Denver Broncos, the death of close friend Darrent Williams in his arms, and his own beating and robbery this past June in Las Vegas. Walker will have trouble holding onto the number one wideout position on the Raiders, with Ronald Curry, ranked 45th on the Bruno Boys cheat sheets in the shadows, if he cannot get his head in the game.

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Wes Welker activated from the PUP list

Wes Welker was activated from the physically unable to perform list by the New England Patriots, and this is great new for fantasy football owners. Welker had an amazing first season for the Patriots, as he hauled 112 balls and gained over 1,100 yards with eight touchdowns in 2007. The Bruno Boys have Welker ranked as the 17th best wide reciever in our 2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets  and believe he is capable of 7-10 points a week along side Randy Moss in the high-powered Patriots offense.

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Todd Heap injury saga already begins in 2008

Reports say that Todd Heap limped off the field Saturday morning. It did not appear to be serious and he is expected to play in the team’s first pre-season game against the Patriots on August 7th. If you are targeting Heap make sure to pay close attention, based on his history of injuries. Heap is ranked as the 8th best tight end in our 2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets  and we believe he is a lower end number one tight end that should be available in the middle to late rounds. Keep in mind that if he can stay healthy his value could increase, as new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron loves to get the tight end position involved.

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Remember to keep checking in with the Bruno Boys for Training Camp Talk to get the up to date player information you need heading into your fantasy football draft. Plus, head over to the Bruno Boys Forums and sign up for an account to discuss fantasy football throughout the year.