Brutal news out of Cleveland today: Montario Hardesty(notes) reportedly has a torn ACL. He's done for the year.

Hardesty injured his left knee on Thursday night against Chicago, in his first preseason action. The rookie rushed for 25 yards on seven carries and scored on a 1-yard first quarter run, but he hurt the knee on a fairly routine cut. Terrible break. If you already drafted Hardesty in any sort of non-dynasty format, you can drop him.

Jerome Harrison(notes) obviously deserves a significant bump in the running back ranks. If we were drafting today, he'd be the No. 24 RB on my cheat sheet, just ahead of Felix Jones(notes) and Matt Forte(notes). The Browns clearly don't view him as an every-down back — if they did, they wouldn't have spent a second-round pick on Hardesty. But Cleveland opens the regular season with games against Tampa Bay and Kansas City, so you'll want to start Harrison early in the year. The Bucs and Chiefs finished last and next-to-last in run defense in 2009, and you might recall that Harrison posted a pretty decent line against KC in Week 15. 

James Davis is behind Harrison on the depth chart, and he had a featured role on Thursday. Davis gained 66 yards on 15 carries and added five catches for 53. Peyton Hillis(notes) is a candidate to poach short-yardage and goal line work, so keep him on the radar, too.

No, we don't expect Cleveland to field a high-scoring offense, but eventually you may have to own a member of the Browns. As Harrison taught us last year, there's hope for the running game.

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Photo via AP Images

The Juggernaut Index is a forward-looking series, so let's begin our Dallas preview with a prediction: Dez Bryant is going to be a consensus top-10 fantasy wide receiver in 2011.

That isn't to say he'll actually finish among the top-10 scorers at his position as a rookie, but if Bryant is healthy, he's going to be ridiculously impressive and we'll all project a second-year leap. Next season, if you want this guy, you'll have to target him in Round 3.

By the time the Cowboys head into their Week 4 bye this year, you'll already be disgusted with yourself for not owning him in more leagues. At his current average draft position (87.6), Bryant is a steal. This is an impact player. Bryant is a physical receiver, explosive, deceptive, dominant on jump balls, and he makes degree-of-difficulty catches appear routine. He was easily the best wideout in his draft class. As a sophomore at Oklahoma State in 2008, he had 87 receptions for 1,480 yards, and he caught 19 of his team's 25 passing TDs. His junior season began well enough, but it ended prematurely thanks to a remarkably harsh ruling by the NCAA.

Before you dismiss Bryant's rookie-year potential, at least check the tape. He may have slipped to pick No. 24 on draft day due to character concerns — as if the rest of the NFL were just a big, milk-drinking Kansas scout troop — but on skill, he was clearly a top-10 player. He's exactly the sort of fantasy commodity you should reach for at the draft table.

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Each Friday the ADP snapshot below, similar in appearance to the monthly reports we were issued by Mrs. Fernandez in second grade, will highlight the movers and shakers over the past week from data compiled by Mock Draft Central. Satisfactory check-pluses in courteousness, self-control and neatness are not required. However, mom may withhold MoonPie money if a strong effort to improve isn't made.

Key:

LW ADP=Last week average draft position
TW ADP=This week average draft position

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We're back to a full slate of games on Friday with 30 starters to choose from. Only 29 are listed on our grid below; when the Marlins make a decision on who will replace Ricky Nolasco, we'll add to the ranks.

Cory Luebke of San Diego is someone you'll want to scout and consider in deeper leagues. The Padres need to figure out a September rotation plan with so many of their young starters getting near scary inning counts, and Luekbe has been solid in Triple-A this year (2.97 ERA, 1.023 WHIP, 2.59 K/BB). Sure, he's a little old for the level at 25, but that doesn't mean he can't be successful in the pitcher-coddling NL West.

To the grid:

1. Clay Buchholz (CWS) – Red Sox lucky they never shipped him.
2. Jered Weaver (@Oak) – You love him in a roomy park.
3. Gio Gonzalez (LAA) – He might even be the ace here someday, honest.
4. Daniel Hudson (Hou) – Sorry it went down like this, Chicago.
5. Matt Garza (@Bal) – He's gotten his stuff back over last month.
6. Cole Hamels (Mil) – Some runs and support from the mates would be nice.
7. Brandon Morrow (@NYY) – A cruel place to make his final start of 2010.
8. Jaime Garcia (Cin) – No signs of fatigue yet.
9. Zack Greinke (Det) – The Tigers no longer scare anyone.
10. Brett Myers (@Ari) – The most underrated pitcher in the NL.
11. John Danks (@Bos) – Wrong time for a slump, wrong park for a slump.
12. Bronson Arroyo (@StL) – Hope the fly balls stay in the park.
13. Chad Billingsley (SF) – He he an ace or just a fantasy tease?
14. R.A. Dickey (@ChC) – Knuckler in Wrigley, I'm a touch nervous.
15. Nick Blackburn (Tex) – At least it's the warmth of home.
16. Luke French (Cle) – In Safeco against a modest opponent.
17. Cory Luebke (Col) – Can he work his way into September plans?
18. Randy Wells (NYM) – Really just a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.
19. Derek Holland (@Min) – A shame they can't keep him healthy.
20. Livan Hernandez (@Pit) – No strikeout upside but location is right.

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Paging through the NFL’s historical record, numerous undrafted players have left an indelible mark on the game. Past overachievers Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Priest Holmes and Rod Smith forged legendary careers. Today, previously overlooked players Ryan Grant, Tony Romo, Wes Welker, Pierre Thomas and hot commodity Arian Foster are following in their footsteps. The ultimate beneficiaries of unpredictable circumstances, their rags-to-riches stories have captivated fanatics and mystified scouts for years.

Tampa underdog Kareem Huggins is the latest example.

Though he showcased unique skills during a Pro Day exhibition two years ago, the little-known product failed to attract a suitor, an almost unfathomable outcome when considering he once logged a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash (Watch it here). Durability concerns stemming from a high ankle sprain suffered as a college senior forced many teams to turn a blind eye. To evaluators, a slender, undersized back from a small private college on Long Island (Hofstra) simply couldn’t handle the demanding rigors of the NFL.

Despite the unappealing label, the diminutive back remained stedfast in pursuing his lifelong dream. His undeterred nature and deep spirituality kept the flame alive.

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The Juggernaut Index is our annual ranking of NFL teams for fantasy purposes. Repeat: FOR FANTASY PURPOSES. This is not an NFL power ranking. We're reviewing each team's projected fantasy contributions — that's it.

When you look at the year-end numbers, you might assume that the 2009 Baltimore Ravens were purely a running football team. They finished seventh in the league in rush attempts and fifth in rushing yards. Even when the Ravens threw, it was often an extended handoff — Ray Rice led the team in receptions (78) and he led all NFL running backs in targets (101).

But early in the 2009 season, Baltimore actually featured a high-scoring, multi-dimensional offense. The team threw the ball frequently, and not just to Rice. Joe Flacco opened with a 307-yard passing performance in a win over the Chiefs, going 26-for-43 with three touchdowns. He attempted 47 passes in Week 4 at New England, then 43 in Week 6 at Minnesota. Flacco topped 300 yards in three of his first six games, and he entered the Week 7 bye with 10 TD passes, on-pace for 27.

However, after the break, the Birds were grounded. Rice emerged as an absolute star, and Flacco never attempted more than 36 passes in any game the rest of the way. He put the ball in the air just 10 times in Baltimore's Wild Card win against the Patriots, completing only four throws.

We've since learned that Flacco was limited by leg and hip issues late in the year …

“If you actually saw those injuries and saw the amount of rehab and everything it took for him to get ready to play on Sunday, people would be amazed at his performance,” [coordinator Cam] Cameron said.

… so perhaps we need to forgive his mid-year decline, and begin to appreciate what the 25-year-old quarterback has already achieved.

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It's a limited Thursday slate, with just six games on the sandlots. Let's see if we can find you some short-investment winners.

Jhoulys Chacin looks like he best streamable arm. He's owned in just 10 percent of Yahoo leagues, he's at home, and I'll be stunned if the Rockies don't do something against Joe Blanton. Even if Chacin can't score us a victory, he's got decent strikeout upside (20 whiffs over his last 19 innings).

Thursday's Probably Starters

1. CC Sabathia (OAK) – Large and in charge
2. Tim Hudson (NYM) – Modern statheads are skeptical, but this has gone on five months now.
3. Johan Santana (@ATL) – Just one win here in five starts, despite 2.57 ERA.
4. Scott Baker (DET) – Like most Twins, his best comes at home (where ERA is 1.38 lower)
5. Justin Verlander (@MIN) – Still has that foul-ball problem; the pitches add up so quickly.
6. Jhoulys Chacin (PHI) – Come chase a win with us.
7. Doug Fister (CLE) – Bloom has come off the rose in second half, but this matchup is non-threatening.
8. Dallas Braden (at NYY) – You and No. 13 will have lots to talk about.
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka (@BAL) – He's been dead to me for over a year.
10. Brad Bergesen (BOS) – He's been more than useful of late (2.72, 0.99) but opponent a concern.
11. Josh Tomlin (@SEA) – He crash-landed in August (5.48, 1.65, just nine strikeouts).
12. Joe Blanton (@COL) – This is the worst possible spot for him, a fly-baller in Coors.

Now that you're armed up, let's take a look at the recent happenings on the diamond.

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Follow the Noise on Twitter. Your questions, commments and verbal jabs are strongly encouraged.

With summer winding down, temperatures across much of the country have started to cool. However, in the cactus-dotted valley of Southern Arizona, the mercury continues to climb. There controversial pigskin clashes, not meteorological effects, are responsible for the thermometer spike. The undecided battle between Derek Anderson and Matt Leinart may be the hottest topic to conventional football fans, but to the fantasy faithful the workload split between Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells is significantly steamier.

Beanie backers should feel stuffy.

The bruising product from Ohio State entered training camp with a sense of entitlement. Understandably, expectations were high. After he averaged 106.3 total yards per game and crossed the chalk in each of his fantasy playoff contests a season ago, the starting job was supposed to be presented to him on a silver platter.

What a difference four weeks can make.

More weenie than meanie, Beanie has grossly underachieved this preseason. Pesky gnat Tim Hightower has outplayed, outgained and outhustled the former top pick in nearly every facet of the game. His standout effort last Saturday in Chicago is a prime example (Watch highlights here). Though Wells has shown some improvements across the board, he continues to struggle executing the little things. Blitz recognition is still a work in progress. Passes have slipped through fingers. Crippling fumbles have occurred. Ken Whisenhunt has demanded versatility. Beanie simply hasn’t delivered it.

Despite his bone-crushing power, vicious stiff-arm and superior pedigree, Wells remains firmly planted in the No. 2 spot on the team’s RB depth chart. To Beanie believers, Hightower is the clueless ex-girlfriend who keeps drunk-dialing during the midnight hour in the hopes of rekindling a flatlined romance. He’s completely annoying.

Don’t expect the pestilent rusher to disappear anytime soon.

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We're on the eve of September, so it's basically winning time on the fantasy sandlots. You've got streaming needs for Wednesday and I've got answers. Since it's impossible to know for sure who's available in your league and who isn't, I'll just handicap the entire Wednesday field and you can mix and match as you please.

After we go through the Islands in the Stream, we'll take a look back at Monday night's action and some of the current aches and pains.

Wednesday's Probable Starters

1. Jon Lester (@Bal): Not in top form lately, but still great chance at a win.
2. Mat Latos (@Ari): Last month: 1.69, 0.94, 37 Ks.
3. Clayton Kershaw (Phi): Strikeouts guaranteed, becoming more efficient.
4. Roy Oswalt (@LAD): Just 3-1 in six PHI starts despite 2.18, 0.97 numbers.
5. David Price (Tor): He's owned Toronto in 2010 (three wins, 1 ER).
6. Tommy Hanson (NYM): Only 17 Ks in last five turns.
7. Francisco Liriano (Det): Better at home (2.72, 1.16) than road (4.16, 1.37).
8. Ubaldo Jimenez (@SF Strikeouts still there, but 4.01 ERA since break.
9. Tim Lincecum (Col): Flip your own coin, shake your own 8-ball.
10. Max Scherzer (@Min): Breakthrough is legit but he's an underdog here.
11. Tommy Hunter (@KC): Nothing special but the matchup is right.
12. Johnny Cueto (Mil): A paper cup in a hurricane - inconsistent.
13. Mike Pelfrey (@Atl): Strong results over last month, but no strikeouts.
14. Brett Anderson (@NYY): At least it's not a day game, but still, dangerous spot.
15. Barry Enright (SD): Another ERA master without true dominance.

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Follow the Noise on Twitter. Your questions, commments and verbal jabs are strongly encouraged.

Within the fantasy community St. Louis’ Steven Jackson is unequivocally the virtual sport’s most polarizing figure. Despite steady contributions over five consecutive seasons, fanatics either adore or deplore him. Due to his hefty Round 1 price tag there really isn’t any middle ground. Essentially, he’s Terrell Owens with a pinch of Kobe Bryant rolled in Tim Lincecum’s favorite ‘airplane’ paper puffed by Glenn Beck.

Division over his true worth (or lackthereof) is an unfair and undeserved consequence.

Poring over Jackson’s historical record it’s hard to discredit his on-field accomplishments. His per year average since 2005 is unmistakably RB1 material – 52 receptions, 1,627 total yards and nine touchdowns. His sterling skill set, relentlessness and bullnose toughness have routinely steamrolled opponents. Without question no rusher works and plays harder. If Darren McFadden owned one-sixteenth the determination and zeal of Jackson, he would be a perennial first-round fantasy selection.

Uncontrollable circumstances, not a lack of talent, are responsible for the Jackson schism.

St. Louis’ humiliating play over the past several seasons has greatly hindered the two-time All-Pro’s reputation as a dependable roster cornerstone. When upright and adequately protected, which was rare, Marc Bulger was able to keep defenses occasionally honest. However, when the signal caller was sidelined disastrous stopgaps Gus Frerotte, Brock Berlin, Keith Null and Kyle Boller did little to prevent stacked boxes. The passing game remained stagnant, generating few red zone opportunities for the bulldozing back. Last year, Jackson totaled only one more attempt inside the 10 than Darren Sproles and the same number of touchdowns as fossilized Fred Taylor (4).

Despite the obstacles, Jackson has courageously trucked along, consistently racking up yards. The brutish Ram really is the Rasputin of RBs. No matter how many times he's beaten, shot, stabbed or drowned he finds a way to eclipse 100 total yards every single week. His steady play in the face of constant adversity is truly remarkable. The man has earned a Purple Heart.

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