High Side by David Shick
Last season Rod Smith finished #4 in fantasy points by a WR. I fully expect the same output this season. Detractors will throw out several names that might steal catches away from Smith. I don't see it. The overall health of the offense is what will help Smith the most. Smith put up his monster numbers last season with constant double teams and nagging ankle injuries. How can anyone see him slipping this season?

Low Side by Mark Wimer
First off, let me say that I love Rod Smith - he's helped me win it all in the past. But this is the present. And the changes around Rod Smith in Denver this season are going to lower his fantasy value from the astronomical heights of the last two years back to a merely great level in 2002.

For one thing, I think the Broncos have a real problem at quarterback. Brian Griese is injury prone, and for whatever reason, he just doesn't look sharp when he is healthy and under center. I respect Steve Beuerlein for his toughness and attitude (and his great 1999 season with the Panthers), but he is clearly past his prime.

Secondly, Shannon Sharpe and Ed McCaffrey are back with the team in 2002. They are going to get some of the balls and TDs that Smith got in the recent past (Smith had 100 receptions in 2000, and 113 in 2001). I don't see how they couldn't, barring injury to both of them.

Thirdly, Smith has started to show the wear and tear of many NFL seasons - he's been around for 7 NFL seasons and is on the wrong side of 30.

For all these reasons, I have Rod Smith projected at 1100-1200 yards (~75-80 receptions) and 7-8 receiving td's in 2002. There are seven other WRs I have projected at similar numbers, making up a tier in the mid-teens on my board. Thus, the #17 ranking.