Offensive Line Rankings

The best offensive line in the NFL last season tops the pre-season rankings in 2009 as well. The unit averaged 157 yards per game on the ground and gave up only 28 sacks all season facing some of the league's best pass rushes in their own division. The addition of Connecticut's William Beatty in the NFL Draft adds valuable depth to the league's premier offensive line.

Philadelphia started the offseason losing both starting tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas to free agency, but replaced them both by trading for Pro Bowler Jason Peters from Buffalo and signing Stacy Andrews to play alongside his brother Shawn Andrews on the right side of the offensive line. Philadelphia appears to have assembled an elite group that should mean big things for both Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb in 2009.

Minnesota boasts the best left side in football and the addition of Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt through the NFL Draft adds another run blocking monster to the equation. Ryan Cook (last season's starter at right tackle) has the ability to play center as well and provides valuable depth off the bench. This is one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and there is nothing fantasy owners should worry about when selecting Adrian Peterson 1^st overall in fantasy drafts.

Boasting the league's most massive offensive line, Dallas will be an overpowering force running the football in 2009. The three headed monster consisting of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice will all be productive fantasy commodities this season. Expect a shift to a run based offense this season with WR Terrell Owens out of town.

Carolina's entire offensive line stayed healthy and the results were a franchise record 2,437 yards and 30 TD's in 2008. The Panthers were also great in protecting Jake Delhomme, giving up just 20 sacks all of last season. Depth could be an issue if injuries strike as they have this unit in the past, but if the core of the line can remain healthy, fantasy owners should expect big things from DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in 2009.

Tom Brady's return will do wonders for this unit who struggled to protect Matt Cassel, giving up 48 sacks as a unit last season. The entire starting unit returns with the addition of 2^nd round pick Sebastian Vollmer -- who is expected to challenge Matt Light and Nick Kaczur for playing time. For a unit that ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing in 2007, averaging 142 yards per game in 2008 was impressive. Fred Taylor appears poised for a huge season as the Patriots' lead back in 2009.

The Jets had success when they put the ball on the ground, averaging 125 yards per game last season. Now with Rex Ryan calling the plays, expect to see a ton of run plays from the Jets this season (especially with Mark Sanchez under center in 2009).The Jets have a tremendously talented offensive line with the ability to overpower and wear down opposing defensive fronts this season.

The entire starting unit for one of the top offensive lines of the game returns in 2009, ready to clear the way for "Smash and Dash". Chris Johnson and LenDale White are solid bets for fantasy owners, and surprisingly aging veteran Kerry Collins was sacked only 12 times all of last season. With solid protection and the addition of Kenny Britt out of Rutgers in the Draft, Collins could be a sleeper late in fantasy drafts this season.

The league's most run heavy offense in 2008 ate up 148.5 yards per game on the ground, and the main reason for the run heavy diet last season was because of rookie Joe Flacco under center. Baltimore significantly upgraded its offensive front by adding C Matt Birk from Minnesota via free agency, and selecting Michael Oher in the 1^st round of the NFL Draft. An elite talented young group, the Ravens' offensive line should be able to open up massive holes for Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee in 2009.

The Steelers piled up the yards on the ground by averaging 105 yards per game last season, but struggled to protect Ben Roethlisberger by giving up 49 sacks which is far too many. The Super Bowl Champions' offensive line appears solid once again, so fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned this season.

Perennially one of the league's worst offensive lines, Houston's offensive line finished in the top half of the NFL statistically in 2008. The Texans averaged 115 yards per game on the ground and established rookie Steve Slaton as a fantasy star. This offensive line will only improve with the addition of Antonie Caldwell (a run blocking force at Alabama) in 2009.

Chicago wants to wait to move 2008 1^st round pick Chris Williams to left tackle, so they signed future Hall of Famer Orlando Pace to protect new franchise QB Jay Cutler's blind side. Cutler's mobility will greatly improve the pass blocking, and Matt Forte should post excellent fantasy numbers on the ground as well behind one of the league's best offensive lines.

Peyton Manning was a huge reason behind this offensive line giving up only 14 sacks (4^th best in the NFL). Joseph Addai was a major bust for fantasy owners last season, and it is no surprise that the Colts were 31^st in the NFL on the ground, averaging only 79 yards per game. UCONN product Donald Brown looks like a perfect fit for the offense, and this unit has the talent to rebound in 2009.

Green Bay was middle of the road statistically and has a very strong left side that should be able to open up running lanes for Ryan Grant and protect Aaron Rodgers' blindside. If Josh Sitton and Brent Giacomini do a solid job anchoring the right side of the line, then this unit has the potential to join the elite in 2009.

There aren't any big name Pro Bowlers on the Falcons' offensive line, but Atlanta's production speaks for itself. The #2 rushing offense in the NFL (152 ypg) also did a great job protecting rookie QB Matt Ryan, giving up just 17 sacks (5^th best in the NFL) last season. The entire starting unit returns for one of the league's most talented and productive offensive lines in 2009.

Jake Long was a home run, but until the implementation of the Wildcat formation, the Dolphins' offense struggled to get it going. Aside from Jake Long, there are some question marks along the Dolphins' line. Fantasy owners should approach the Dolphins running back tandem with caution on draft day, as this unit is poised to take a step back in 2009.