We've all had this phone conversation before:

You: "Plug the square end of the cable into the computer."

Parent: "It won't fit."

You: "Flip it over."

Parent: "The computer?"

You: "No. The square end."

Parent: "But it's a circle."

This 21st century version of "Who's On First?" highlights the daily battle between man and machine. Historically, man's only defensive maneuvers were the CTRL+ALT+DELETE scare tactic or a baseball bat to the hard drive.

In the latter case, neither side wins.

The WhatIfSports.com simulation computer is immune to the propaganda and the slugger from Louisville. It's won many battles in the past, but this season I'm going to challenge its weekly projections in the feature Man vs Machine that will run on FOXSports.com's fantasy football page.

The cliche goes, "the pen is mightier than the sword" and now the words I ink will prove more powerful than any statistical spreadsheet.

2011 Fantasy Football Leaders
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
1	Philip Rivers	QB	Chargers	16	402.9
2	Tony Romo	QB	Cowboys	16	340.8
3	Tom Brady	QB	Patriots	16	336.2
4	Drew Brees	QB	Saints	16	335.8
5	Aaron Rodgers	QB	Packers	16	333.6
6	Ben Roethlisberger	QB	Steelers	16	325.8
7	Michael Vick	QB	Eagles	16	319.3
8	Jamaal Charles	RB	Chiefs	16	317.5
9	Matt Schaub	QB	Texans	16	317.4
10	Josh Freeman	QB	Buccaneers	16	312

Josh Freeman - (19.5 fantasy ppg / 4107 pass yards / 25 TDs / 12 INTs)

The third-year quarterback out of Kansas State finished 2010 with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 474 pass attempts. Freeman's ability to avoid the pick was second only to Tom Brady's four interceptions (based on QBs who passed more than 400 times).

If his pass attempts remain 400-plus, I believe Freeman throws at least four more interceptions and hits the double-digit mark in turnovers. With the Packers, Cowboys, Bears and Atlanta (twice) on the schedule, he will face tougher pass defenses in 2011. All those teams ranked in the top ten in interceptions last year.

LeGarrette Blount (15.5 carries per game in 2010) went from Tennessee Titans castoff to Tampa's go-to back. With Cadillac Williams now in St. Louis, Blount emerges as a consistent option on offense. If he sees a bump in carries per game, in the 20-25 range, that means less opportunities for Freeman to find Mike Williams, Kellen Winslow and Arrelious Benn.

I think Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford have better fantasy seasons.

11	Arian Foster	RB	Texans	16	305.5
12	Matt Cassel	QB	Chiefs	16	299.9
13	Matt Ryan	QB	Falcons	16	293.3
14	Kyle Orton	QB	Broncos	16	289
15	Kevin Kolb	QB	Cardinals	16	288.6
16	Peyton Manning	QB	Colts	14	285.2
17	Mark Sanchez	QB	Jets	16	280.9
18	Joe Flacco	QB	Ravens	16	279.6
19	Sam Bradford	QB	Rams	16	278.6
20	Jay Cutler	QB	Bears	16	275.2
21	Matthew Stafford	QB	Lions	16	266.4
22	Jason Campbell	QB	Raiders	16	263.9
23	Ahmad Bradshaw	RB	Giants	16	262.8

Ahmad Bradshaw - (16.43 fantasy ppg / 1407 rush yards / 13 TDs)

In order for Bradshaw to reach his simulated rushing total of 1407 yards, he will need to average 88 rush yards per game. That's nearly 11 yards more per game than last season. To place those projections under the microscope further, Bradshaw rushed for 88 yards or better in less than half of the games in 2010.

Brandon Jacobs' (nine rush touchdowns in 2010) role in the Giants' offense will dictate whether or not Bradshaw will hit 13 rush touchdowns this season. After driving fantasy owners crazy in 2009, BJ found new fantasy life in a redefined role as a vulture. This is not good news for Bradshaw owners.

Give me Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, Rashard Mendenhall and MJD (among others below this sentence) well before Bradshaw.

24	Eli Manning	QB	Giants	16	260.4
25	Ray Rice	RB	Ravens	16	259.7
26	David Garrard	QB	Jaguars	16	257.6
27	Donovan McNabb	QB	Vikings	16	257.3
28	Matt Hasselbeck	QB	Titans	16	256.1
29	Alex Smith	QB	49ers	16	253.4
30	Tarvaris Jackson	QB	Seahawks	16	253.2
31	Colt McCoy	QB	Browns	16	253.1
32	Rashard Mendenhall	RB	Steelers	16	251.3
33	Adrian Peterson	RB	Vikings	16	249.9
34	LeSean McCoy	RB	Eagles	16	249.1
35	Darren McFadden	RB	Raiders	16	240.6
36	John Beck	QB	Redskins	16	237.9
37	Michael Turner	RB	Falcons	16	236.7
38	Steven Jackson	RB	Rams	16	235.5
39	Frank Gore	RB	49ers	16	229.2
40	LeGarrette Blount	RB	Buccaneers	16	227.2
41	Maurice Jones-Drew	RB	Jaguars	16	225.9
42	Peyton Hillis	RB	Browns	16	225
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
43	Chad Henne	QB	Dolphins	16	225
44	Matt Forte	RB	Bears	16	217.9
45	Ryan Grant	RB	Packers	16	211.1
46	Ryan Fitzpatrick	QB	Bills	16	210.9
47	Brandon Lloyd	WR	Broncos	16	210.7

Brandon Lloyd - (13.18 fantasy ppg / 79 recs. / 1574 rec. yards / 9 TDs)

Let's play the law of averages game with Brandon Lloyd. Before 2010, his best receiving numbers were 733 receiving yards and five touchdowns with San Francisco in 2005. I think we need to take a step back with the simulation projections of 1500-plus receiving yards.

First, while Kyle Orton may remain in Denver, the Broncos' number two wide receiver is no longer Jabar Gaffney (875 rec. yards). Now, it's Eddie Royal, when healthy, and Eric Decker. Defensive backs will turn their attention to Lloyd, he of the 1448 yards and 11 touchdowns, and leave the second wide out in single coverage.

Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Mike Wallace and Larry Fitzgerald all ranked higher on my board.

48	Andre Johnson	WR	Texans	16	207.7
49	Joseph Addai	RB	Colts	16	206.5
50	Ryan Mathews	RB	Chargers	16	204.6
51	Chris Johnson	RB	Titans	16	203.7
52	Felix Jones	RB	Cowboys	16	202.5
53	Andy Dalton	QB	Bengals	16	194.7
54	Shonn Greene	RB	Jets	16	192.4
55	Roddy White	WR	Falcons	16	189.2
56	Knowshon Moreno	RB	Broncos	16	188
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
57	Mark Ingram	RB	Saints	16	187.6
58	Miles Austin	WR	Cowboys	16	185.9
59	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	RB	Patriots	16	183.8
60	Mike Wallace	WR	Steelers	16	178.4
61	Cedric Benson	RB	Bengals	16	172.6
62	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	Cardinals	16	170.7
63	Cam Newton	QB	Panthers	16	167.7
64	Santonio Holmes	WR	Jets	16	167.5
65	Antonio Gates	TE	Chargers	16	165.3
66	Reggie Bush	RB	Dolphins	16	164.2
67	DeAngelo Williams	RB	Panthers	16	163.6
68	Jonathan Stewart	RB	Panthers	16	163.5
69	Fred Jackson	RB	Bills	16	160.7
70	Vincent Jackson	WR	Chargers	16	159.7

2011 Fantasy Projections

Quarterback	Running Back	Wide Receiver	Tight End
Kicker	Team Defense

	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
71	Calvin Johnson	WR	Lions	16	158
72	Reggie Wayne	WR	Colts	16	157.8
73	Greg Jennings	WR	Packers	16	151.8
74	Dwayne Bowe	WR	Chiefs	16	151.3
75	Chad Ochocinco	WR	Patriots	16	151.2
76	Jahvid Best	RB	Lions	16	149.1
77	Mike Williams	WR	Buccaneers	16	147.9
78	Ryan Torain	RB	Redskins	16	147.8
79	Marques Colston	WR	Saints	16	147.3
80	Hakeem Nicks	WR	Giants	16	147.1
81	Marshawn Lynch	RB	Seahawks	16	146.8
82	Beanie Wells	RB	Cardinals	16	146.6
83	Nate Kaeding	K	Chargers	16	145.7
84	Brandon Jacobs	RB	Giants	16	141.2
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
85	Adam Vinatieri	K	Colts	16	140.1
86	Matt Bryant	K	Falcons	16	139.6
87	LaDainian Tomlinson	RB	Jets	16	138.6
88	Shaun Suisham	K	Steelers	16	136.9
89	Stevie Johnson	WR	Bills	16	135.8
90	DeSean Jackson	WR	Eagles	16	134.3
91	Alex Henery	K	Eagles	16	134.1
92	Rob Bironas	K	Titans	16	133.5
93	Percy Harvin	WR	Vikings	16	132.8
94	Jason Hanson	K	Lions	16	130.9
95	Neil Rackers	K	Texans	16	130.7
96	Jermichael Finley	TE	Packers	16	129.4
97	Jay Feely	K	Cardinals	16	128.4
98	Mike Thomas	WR	Jaguars	16	127.8

2011 Fantasy Projections

Quarterback	Running Back	Wide Receiver	Tight End
Kicker	Team Defense

	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
99	Garrett Hartley	K	Saints	16	127.2
100	Steve Breaston	WR	Chiefs	16	127.2
101	Dez Bryant	WR	Cowboys	16	126.9
102	Dan Carpenter	K	Dolphins	16	126
103	Jason Witten	TE	Cowboys	16	125.9
104	Stephen Gostkowski	K	Patriots	16	125.7
105	Daniel Thomas	RB	Dolphins	16	125.3
106	Phil Dawson	K	Browns	16	125
107	Billy Cundiff	K	Ravens	16	124.9
108	Robbie Gould	K	Bears	16	124.6
109	Ryan Succop	K	Chiefs	16	124.4
110	Ryan Longwell	K	Vikings	16	123.5
111	Matt Prater	K	Broncos	16	122.6
112	Wes Welker	WR	Patriots	16	122.3
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
113	Lawrence Tynes	K	Giants	16	121.4
114	Arrelious Benn	WR	Buccaneers	16	121
115	Josh Brown	K	Rams	16	120.8
116	Brandon Marshall	WR	Dolphins	16	118.7
117	Mario Manningham	WR	Giants	16	118.6
118	Julio Jones	WR	Falcons	16	118.5
119	Mason Crosby	K	Packers	16	118.3
120	Kenny Britt	WR	Titans	16	117.2
121	Lee Evans	WR	Ravens	16	116.9
122	Danny Amendola	WR	Rams	16	116.8
123	Connor Barth	K	Buccaneers	16	116.8
124	Lance Moore	WR	Saints	16	116.7
125	Tim Hightower	RB	Redskins	16	116.1
126	Jeremy Maclin	WR	Eagles	16	116.1
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
127	Nick Folk	K	Jets	16	116
128	Anquan Boldin	WR	Ravens	16	115.6
129	Braylon Edwards	WR	49ers	16	115.5
130	A.J. Green	WR	Bengals	16	115.4
131	Pittsburgh Steelers	DEF		16	114.8
132	David Akers	K	49ers	16	113.5
133	David Buehler	K	Cowboys	16	113
134	New England Patriots	DEF		16	112.9
135	Eddie Royal	WR	Broncos	16	112.7
136	Malcom Floyd	WR	Chargers	16	112.1
137	Louis Murphy	WR	Raiders	16	111.2
138	Jimmy Graham	TE	Saints	16	111.1

Jimmy Graham - (6.9 fantasy ppg / 62 recs. / 775 rec. yards / 5 TDs)

The successor to Jeremy Shockey in New Orleans made a name for himself at the end of 2010. Graham scored four touchdowns in the last three weeks. Right now, the simulation projects him to average 48 receiving yards per game. I believe, even though Drew Brees is known to spread the wealth to his receivers, Graham could average closer to 60 yards per game.

When you combine David Thomas' 2010 stats to Graham's and Shockey's, Saints tight ends hauled in 983 receiving yards and ten touchdowns. Graham is locked in as the starter and should see more looks in the red zone and outperform the projected five touchdowns.

139	Robert Meachem	WR	Saints	16	110.9
140	Pierre Garcon	WR	Colts	16	110.6
141	Atlanta Falcons	DEF		16	110.4
142	Nate Washington	WR	Titans	16	110.4
143	New York Jets	DEF		16	110.1
144	Derrick Mason	WR	Jets	16	110
145	Todd Heap	TE	Cardinals	16	110
146	Hines Ward	WR	Steelers	16	109.6
147	Philadelphia Eagles	DEF		16	109.4
148	Anthony Armstrong	WR	Redskins	16	109
149	Santana Moss	WR	Redskins	16	108.9
150	Dallas Clark	TE	Colts	16	108.6
151	Sidney Rice	WR	Seahawks	16	108.5
152	Zach Miller	TE	Seahawks	16	108.4
153	Baltimore Ravens	DEF		16	108.2
154	Mike Sims-Walker	WR	Rams	16	108.1
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
155	Chicago Bears	DEF		16	107.9
156	Roy Williams	WR	Bears	16	107.4
157	Vernon Davis	TE	49ers	16	107.3
158	Green Bay Packers	DEF		16	107.3
159	Darrius Heyward-Bey	WR	Raiders	16	107.2
160	Josh Scobee	K	Jaguars	16	106.7
161	Michael Crabtree	WR	49ers	16	105.6
162	New York Giants	DEF		16	105.5
163	St. Louis Rams	DEF		16	105.3
164	Javon Ringer	RB	Titans	16	105.2
165	Brian Hartline	WR	Dolphins	16	105.1
166	Olindo Mare	K	Panthers	16	104.8
167	Sebastian Janikowski	K	Raiders	16	103.6
168	Graham Gano	K	Redskins	16	103.1
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
169	Mike Williams	WR	Seahawks	16	103.1
170	Kevin Boss	TE	Raiders	16	102.7
171	Danny Woodhead	RB	Patriots	16	101.3
172	Benjamin Watson	TE	Browns	16	101.2
173	Andre Roberts	WR	Cardinals	16	101
174	Dustin Keller	TE	Jets	16	100
175	Joshua Cribbs	WR	Browns	16	99.2
176	Greg Little	WR	Browns	16	98.8
177	Patrick Crayton	WR	Chargers	16	98.1
178	Johnny Knox	WR	Bears	16	97.1
179	Devin Hester	WR	Bears	16	97.1
180	Earl Bennett	WR	Bears	16	96.7
181	C.J. Spiller	RB	Bills	16	96.1
182	Indianapolis Colts	DEF		16	95.5

2011 Fantasy Projections

Quarterback	Running Back	Wide Receiver	Tight End
Kicker	Team Defense

	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
183	Jeff Reed	K	Seahawks	16	95.3
184	Visanthe Shiancoe	TE	Vikings	16	95.2
185	Legedu Naanee	WR	Panthers	16	94.5
186	Chris Cooley	TE	Redskins	16	93.7
187	Tony Gonzalez	TE	Falcons	16	92.8
188	Tennessee Titans	DEF		16	92.4
189	Nate Burleson	WR	Lions	16	91.8
190	Mike Nugent	K	Bengals	16	91.8
191	Marcedes Lewis	TE	Jaguars	16	91.7
192	New Orleans Saints	DEF		16	91.5
193	Kellen Winslow	TE	Buccaneers	16	91
194	Deion Branch	WR	Patriots	16	90.9
195	Detroit Lions	DEF		16	90.9
196	Donald Driver	WR	Packers	16	90.9
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
197	San Francisco 49ers	DEF		16	90.3
198	Kansas City Chiefs	DEF		16	90.2
199	San Diego Chargers	DEF		16	90.1
200	Lance Kendricks	TE	Rams	16	88.7
201	Donnie Avery	WR	Rams	16	87.1
202	Cleveland Browns	DEF		16	86.8
203	James Starks	RB	Packers	16	86
204	Davone Bess	WR	Dolphins	16	85.9
205	Miami Dolphins	DEF		16	85.7
206	Seattle Seahawks	DEF		16	84.8
207	Josh Morgan	WR	49ers	16	84.3
208	Willis McGahee	RB	Broncos	16	84.2
209	Rian Lindell	K	Bills	16	83.8
210	Jared Cook	TE	Titans	16	83.8
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
211	Brandon Pettigrew	TE	Lions	16	83.5
212	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	DEF		16	83.5
213	Jermaine Gresham	TE	Bengals	16	82.3
214	Austin Collie	WR	Colts	16	82.2
215	Heath Miller	TE	Steelers	16	81.3
216	Jabar Gaffney	WR	Redskins	16	80.6
217	Tony Moeaki	TE	Chiefs	16	80.3
218	Mohamed Massaquoi	WR	Browns	16	79.7
219	David Nelson	WR	Bills	16	79.3
220	Maurice Morris	RB	Lions	16	78.6
221	Jacoby Jones	WR	Texans	16	78.4
222	Dallas Cowboys	DEF		16	77.9
223	Golden Tate	WR	Seahawks	16	77.2
224	Bernard Berrian	WR	Vikings	16	77.2

2011 Fantasy Projections

Quarterback	Running Back	Wide Receiver	Tight End
Kicker	Team Defense

	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
225	Oakland Raiders	DEF		16	77.2
226	Arizona Cardinals	DEF		16	77.1
227	Ed Dickson	TE	Ravens	16	76.9
228	Houston Texans	DEF		16	76.5
229	Anthony Fasano	TE	Dolphins	16	76.3
230	Plaxico Burress	WR	Jets	16	76.3
231	Donald Brown	RB	Colts	16	76.2
232	Isaac Redman	RB	Steelers	16	76.1
233	Jerricho Cotchery	WR	Steelers	16	76
234	Early Doucet	WR	Cardinals	16	75.9
235	Justin Gage	WR	Titans	16	75.7
236	Titus Young	WR	Lions	16	75.4
237	Kevin Walter	WR	Texans	16	75.2
238	Sammie Stroughter	WR	Buccaneers	16	74.9
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
239	Minnesota Vikings	DEF		16	74.6
240	Jerrel Jernigan	WR	Giants	16	74.4
241	Carolina Panthers	DEF		16	74.3
242	Aaron Hernandez	TE	Patriots	16	73.9
243	Steve Smith	WR	Panthers	16	73.4
244	Jordy Nelson	WR	Packers	16	73.3
245	Jerome Simpson	WR	Bengals	16	73
246	Owen Daniels	TE	Texans	16	73
247	Washington Redskins	DEF		16	72.7
248	Ronnie Brown	RB	Eagles	16	72.6
249	Devery Henderson	WR	Saints	16	72.3
250	LaRod Stephens-Howling	RB	Cardinals	16	72
251	Thomas Jones	RB	Chiefs	16	71.2
252	Rob Gronkowski	TE	Patriots	16	71.2
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
253	Torrey Smith	WR	Ravens	16	68.6
254	Joel Dreessen	TE	Texans	16	68.5
255	Michael Jenkins	WR	Vikings	16	68.2
256	Justin Forsett	RB	Seahawks	16	68
257	Denver Broncos	DEF		16	67.4
258	Chaz Schilens	WR	Raiders	16	67.1
259	Chester Taylor	RB	Bears	16	65.7
260	Seyi Ajirotutu	WR	Chargers	16	65.1
261	Andre Caldwell	WR	Bengals	16	65.1
262	Mike Tolbert	RB	Chargers	16	64.8
263	Michael Bush	RB	Raiders	16	63.8
264	Harry Douglas	WR	Falcons	16	62.9
265	Kevin Ogletree	WR	Cowboys	16	62.3
266	Jarett Dillard	WR	Jaguars	16	62.2
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
267	Buffalo Bills	DEF		16	61.9
268	Cincinnati Bengals	DEF		16	61.4
269	Jason Snelling	RB	Falcons	16	61.2
270	Antonio Brown	WR	Steelers	16	61.1
271	Jason Hill	WR	Jaguars	16	60.5
272	Ricky Williams	RB	Ravens	16	58.7
273	Pierre Thomas	RB	Saints	16	58.3
274	David Thomas	TE	Saints	16	57.9
275	Jacksonville Jaguars	DEF		16	57.9
276	Eric Decker	WR	Broncos	16	57.1
277	James Jones	WR	Packers	16	57
278	Roscoe Parrish	WR	Bills	16	56.7
279	Greg Olsen	TE	Panthers	16	56.4
280	Toby Gerhart	RB	Vikings	16	55.7
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
281	Travis Beckum	TE	Giants	16	55.6
282	Daniel Fells	TE	Broncos	16	54.8
283	Rashad Jennings	RB	Jaguars	16	54.6
284	Cecil Shorts	WR	Jaguars	16	54.4
285	Jordan Shipley	WR	Bengals	16	53.7
286	Bernard Scott	RB	Bengals	16	52.6
287	Randy McMichael	TE	Chargers	16	52
288	Brandon LaFell	WR	Panthers	16	50.4
289	Brandon Jackson	RB	Browns	16	50
290	Jason Avant	WR	Eagles	16	49.7
291	Micheal Spurlock	WR	Buccaneers	16	49.5
292	Tashard Choice	RB	Cowboys	16	49.1
293	Carnell Williams	RB	Rams	16	48.3
294	Brandon Tate	WR	Patriots	16	48.2
	Name	Pos	Team	GP	Points
295	Scott Chandler	TE	Bills	16	47.4
296	Brent Celek	TE	Eagles	16	46.8
297	Shane Bannon	RB	Chiefs	16	46.8
298	Danario Alexander	WR	Rams	16	46.1
299	Jerheme Urban	WR	Chiefs	16	45.5
300	Jacoby Ford	WR	Raiders	16	44.7

The individual players and defensive teams are ranked based entirely on projected full-season fantasy points using the FOXSports.com Fantasy Football default scoring where:

• QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs: TDs are 6 points
• QBs: 25 passing yards is 1 point
• QBs: Interceptions are -2 points
• RBs: 10 rushing yards is 1 point
• QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs: Fumbles lost are -2 points
• WRs, TE and RBs: Ten yards receiving is 1 point
• QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs: Two-point conversion are 2 points
• K: Extra points are 1 point and all field goals are at least 3 points with an extra bonus point for field goals made over 40 yards and another bonus point for field goals made over 50 yards.
• DEF: A sack is 1 point, an interception is 2 points and each DEF touchdown is 6 points

Ryan Fowler is the Content Manager for WhatIfSports.com. He can be reached at rfowler@whatifsports.com.