As the opening day for the NFL's regular season approaches and the prreseason winds down, many fantasy football leagues are anticipating last-minute drafts.
I have had two drafts already with four drafts coming up over the next six days ( three online and one live draft on Labor Day that involves current and former members of the New Haven Register sports staff).

As the preseason winds down the stock of NFL players always rises and drops as the NFL playing environment comes into focus. What has drawn my interest recently is the rising stock of Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy and I am planning on drafting him if the other elite backs (and Calvin Johnson) are gone in my upcoming drafts.

In July and early August McCoy was being drafted late first round to middle second round. Now, in many drafts he is among the top five backs taken. At MockDraftCentral.com, McCoy's average draft position has dropped to 11th overall but he has been taken as low as No. 5 to as high as No. 17.

There are durability concerns since he was plagued by injury last season (concussion late in season) and he tweaked his knee early this preseason. According to the Eagles' website the knee injury was minor. Last season he struggled with 840 yards rushing and two touchdowns. There are also concerns backup Bryce Brown will get his share of touches, although he had some fumbling issues last season.

A big plus for McCoy this year is new coach Chip Kelly who believes in an up-tempo offense with plenty of option scenarios. The big plus with McCoy is he can help you in both standard and point-per-reception leagues with his ability to catch the ball.
I see McCoy getting back to form and rushing for around 1,400 yards and 10 TDs and 50-60 receptions for 350-400 receiving yards.

The New Haven Register and its nationwide newspaper group 21st-Century Media/Digital First Media is ramping up its fantasy football coverage this season.
One feature for fantasy football team owners to key on for some in-depth advice is the weekly Fantasy Football Lunchtime Chat held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The chat is conducted through our Michigan newspaper group with fantasy football experts Drew Ellis of the Oaland Press and Don Gardner of the Macomb Daily with yours truly serving as the third host.
The first chat was held on Wednesday (Aug. 21) and you can access the complete transcript at the following link: http://bit.ly/1arbpjk

Various subjects were discussed to help fantasy football owners get the edge in their upcoming league drafts from sleepers and injuries to what round is the most advantageous in drafts this season.

Throughout this week the New Haven Register has been publishing my top 10 fantasy football rankings with a different position published each day. My overall top 50 ranking (all positions combined) will be published on Sunday.

Here are the links to the top 10 rankings published through Thursday:

Top 10 quarterbacks: http://bit.ly/16H47GP

Top 10 running backs: http://bit.ly/13KFCTd

Top 10 receivers: http://bit.ly/13OLTgM

Top 10 tight ends: To come

Top 10 kickers: To come

Top 10 defenses: To come

Dan Nowak is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and has been covering fantasy sports for over 20 years. He won the FSWA Insiders Fantasy Football League national championship in 2010.