Fellow fantasy fanatics, it has been some time since I last checked in late last season in the throse of all our collective playoff runs. I am truly enthused to be back on the blog and looking forward to making a run at a third straight PFW Fantasy crown. Yes, Fitz and Blunda, that was meant as a challenge to both of you.

It's been an interesting preseason thus far, what with Favre changing shades of green, affecting no less than seven key fantasy players (conservatively). And of course, there are the respective suspensions handed down to Steve Smith and Brandon Marshall, two of the top receivers in fantasy football. Both were slated to be top-15 receivers, in Smith's case considerably higher depending on who you asked. And now Smith is expected to miss two games as a result of his temper and Marshall 2-3 games based on his pattern of illicit behavior. And thus far, I've seen both plummet in drafts.

While, clearly, neither is worthy of being drafted where they would if they were eligible for a full 16-game slate, I think it's a mistake to let either fall too far based on these suspensions. Both are extremely explosive players who are capable of carrying your entire squad any given week. Smith at certain points of his career has been the best WR in fantasy football, and he will be getting his favorite passer back. Marshall is a keeper-in-waiting and the clear top option in a proven offense. 

It's worth noting that WR is a position where wide variance in productivity from week to week is absolutely a given. With the exception perhaps of Randy Moss in 2007, no one is immune to a three-catch, 40-yard performance. With that in mind, could you not sub in your No.3 WR -- say Kevin Curtis or Chris Chambers -- for two weeks and take your chances? Wouldn't that be worth using Smith or Marshall for 14 weeks?

Certainly, if you're choosing between Smith and another top-level stud such as Torry Holt or Anquan Boldin, then sure, two games should be the difference. However, I won't let Smith or Marshall slide too far without jumping at the chance at obtaining them for a discount. 

Blunda? Fitz? Thoughts on this?