Don’t look back; start planning your 2008 roster

The sun has set on so many leagues, it's just about irrelevant to keep writing about the playoffs. Four of my nine head-to-head leagues are over, three other leagues are in championship week and two are in the semifinals in Week 16.

So, really, there's not much you can do at this point. It's time to look to the future.

Here are my top 10 young studs to watch next season, and if you're in a keeper league and own some of them, count your lucky blessings.

10. Greg Olson, Bears tight end: Olson showed glimpses of future stardom in a midseason stretch -- 227 yards and two scores in Weeks 5 to 8. More playing time next season bumps him to the second tight end tier.

9. Deion Branch, Seahawks wide receiver: He has six high-point games and 637 yards despite missing five games. Over a full season, Branch will be a solid No. 2 wideout.

8. David Garrard, Jaguars quarterback: Garrard has been phenomenal in terms of efficiency (16 touchdowns, two interceptions), but with less erratic play from his wide receiver, he'll be a reliable fantasy No. 1 from the start next season.

7. Justin Fargas, Raiders running back: Fargas wrestled the starting job from LaMont Jordan this season and jumped over the 1,000-yard mark last week. With a decent offensive line and some improvement at the quarterback position, Fargas will mature.

6. Michael Turner, Chargers running back: A free agent after the season, The Burner will get a boost from a change of scenery next season -- and a starting job.

5. Greg Jennings, Packers wide receiver: He doesn't have much room to improve (12 touchdowns), but just wait until he becomes more of a possession receiver. Jennings' ceiling his huge.

4. Brandon Marshall, Broncos wide receiver; 3. Tony Scheffler, Broncos tight end; 2. Jay Cutler, Broncos quarterback: I lumped these three young stallions together because their development hinges on each other. I expect Marshall and Scheffler to grow as Cutler does, and Cutler will be the next great NFL quarterback.

1. Marion Barber, Cowboys running back: A Pro Bowl pick as a backup, Barber gets the starting nod next season. As long as Jessica Simpson stays away from Tony Romo and the Cowboys, Barber could be a top-5 pick next season.

On to the locks of the week:

MONEYMAKERS

Top-tier players who should perform to their value:

• Terrell Owens, Cowboys wide receiver, vs. Panthers: Owens disappeared with the rest of the Cowboys' offense (besides Jason Witten) last week, his second straight off week. He'll rediscover his talent against Carolina.

• Chad Johnson, Bengals wide receiver, vs. Browns: The only wideout in the NFL with a bigger ego than T.O. can't be satisfied with the emergence of T.J. Houshmanzadeh and his Pro Bowl selection. Johnson will take it out on the Browns.

• Marques Colston, Saints wide receiver, vs. Eagles: Colston has quietly had a big resurgence as Drew Brees' season stats have improved.

WINGMEN

Mid-round picks who should feast on favorable matchups:

• Vince Young, Titans quarterback, vs. Jets: Young regressed this season to the point that I benched him for seven weeks. Unfortunately, one of those weeks was last week, when he had 191 yards and two touchdowns at Kansas City. He also ran for 32 yards and is beginning to realize that his true value is as a multi-threat.

• Calvin Johnson, Lions wide receiver, vs. Chiefs: With Roy Williams done for the season, Johnson has taken the top spot for the Lions. He's in for a huge end-of-season push.

• Dallas Clark, Colts tight end, vs. Texans: The Colts will rest their main starters relatively early, but Clark will still mix in at the tight end spot. Even with Peyton Manning exiting early in the third quarter, Clark will still put up points.

BANK-BREAKERS

Top-tier guys who won't perform up to their value:

• Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals wide receiver, vs. Falcons: Fitzgerald has ascended to the highest fantasy level, but the Falcons' pass defense is solid.

• Giants passing offense vs. Bills: The only thing colder than Buffalo's weather this time of year is the Giants' passing game minus Jeremy Shockey.

• Clinton Portis, Redskins running back, vs. Vikings: Minnesota's run defense is fantastic, and Portis will struggle.

QUICK PICK SIX

The best bets for the week, based on value:

Colston, Johnson, Chris Cooley (vs. Vikings), Wes Welker (vs. Dolphins), Roddy White (vs. Cardinals), Chris Chambers (vs. Broncos).

Jon Gold is a Review-Journal sportswriter with 10 fantasy football teams. His column is published Friday. He can be reached at jgold@reviewjournal.com.