Now, I know I am by no means a master prognosticator, nor do I pretend to be. Last year in this column, I hit on Antonio Gates and Javon Walker, and missed terribly on Jeff Garcia and Kevan Barlow, among others.

This year, I intend to focus on three men per position. One guy I see as a breakout performer, one as an overrated/underachiever and one as a sleeper.

A breakout player is a “Walker-type,” who has been solid but really puts it together this year.

The overrated/underachiever will not put up the numbers that the entire world is hoping that he does, and, if you reach too early, you will kick yourself later.

The sleeper comes from nowhere and turns into a solid player all year, in the mold of Michael Clayton last year.

Quarterbacks

B-David Carr, Houston

Carr has the weapons around him to really put together a solid campaign this year. With a strong running game and an emerging line and receiving corps, this is the year that Carr puts it all together and becomes a top-10 fantasy quarterback.

O/U-Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh

This is not a Cleveland bias, I promise. Did anyone else notice how much Big Ben’s stats dropped off as teams gained film on him? He had five INTs versus three TDs in the last three weeks, and even posted an anemic QB rating of 33.6 in his third last game.

S-Kelly Holcomb, Buffalo

Call it a hunch, but I see J.P. Losman getting hurt or drastically underperforming in his first year under center. Holcomb led an impotent Browns offense to almost 50 points last season in one game. Imagine what he can do with Eric Moulds, Lee Evans and Willis McGahee.

Running Backs

B-Lamont Jordan, Oakland

Clearly, this is the sexy pick among running backs, but it is logical. With only four or five guys in the box due to the potent passing attack the Raiders have, Jordan should find ample running room all season.

O/U-Tiki Barber, New York Giants

Barber had a fantastic first half, but tailed off toward the end of the season. With an inexperienced Eli Manning underneath center, Barber will not be able to post the same numbers he did that made him the MVP of the first half of last season.

S-Frank Gore, San Francisco

Barlow struggled mightily last year, and I emphasize mightily. New head coach Mike Nolan feels no sense of entitlement when it comes to Barlow. Look for Nolan to replace Barlow with Gore around week six, and Gore should post solid numbers down the stretch.

Wide Receivers

B-Ashley Lelie, Denver

I have been waiting on this guy for three years now. This is the time. Rod Smith is aging, and Lelie has 4.3 speed. If Jake Plummer can get him the ball consistently, and that is a big if, Lelie should join the ranks of the top 15 receivers this year.

O/U- Eddie Kennison, Kansas City

This guy is the consummate example of my “Keeanu Reeves Factor.” Meaning, for all the greatness of the team around him, he should be better than he is, but for some reason, he just isn’t.

Sidenote: Seriously, Reeves might be one of the worst actors ever, sans Paul Walker, but the man does not make bad movies. From Bill and Ted, to The Replacements, to The Devil’s Advocate, the guy simply produces in spite of, well, himself. I will explore this further in a future Arts and Entertainment piece, but I digress.

S-Braylon Edwards, Cleveland

Edwards was the top-rated player on most draft boards around the league, and there is a reason: He can flat out play. Edwards will start the season as the third receiver, but he won’t be there long, and once he is starting, watch out.

Tight Ends

B-Dallas Clark, Indianapolis

With Marcus Pollard off to Detroit, the door is open for Clark to step in. Defenses will have to focus on Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, which will leave the middle of the field open for Clark to maneuver all day.

O/U-Bubba Franks, Green Bay

All he does is catch touchdowns. This used to be okay for fantasy, but with the new mold of tight end in the league, Franks needs to get up to speed. 300 yards receiving and six touchdowns do not qualify for elite status anymore.

S-Ben Watson, New England

Currently behind Daniel Graham on the depth chart, this Georgia product has the necessary tools to become a star tight end in the middle of the field for Tom Brady. Look for him to start slow, but pick things up big time around week five.

That is the extent of my advice for this year. If you still have a draft, I wish you the best of luck, and if yours has passed, well good luck to you, too.