Football is almost here — and it’s about time.

There’s a handful of reasons the NFL has emerged as America’s most anticipated sport.

Fantasy football is one of them.

With every yard gained and touchdown scored this season, millions will be hovering at a laptop, checking up on their fantasy scores.

My fantasy football season kicks off on Saturday with a draft that’s admittedly way too early in the preseason. But it happens to be my vacation week and it’s the only time I can meet up with my buddies from home.

Preparation for the draft is a time for forgiveness. Certain players have disappointed us in the past, but it’s time to let it go.

No hard feelings. Everyone has a clean slate.

Here is my All-Forgiveness team — a list of veterans who I feel should bounce back after subpar campaigns last season:

QB: Matt Stafford

The Detroit Lions quarterback was up and down throughout the year, was prone to big mistakes — especially in the red zone. The inconsistency and untimely errors were a nightmare for fantasy owners who took him in the first or second round last year.

Don’t expect a repeat performance. Stafford is as talented as they come and has a freak-of-nature target in Calvin Johnson. Add Reggie Bush to the mix as a perfect guy to check down passes to.

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew

The typically reliable workhorse was slowed by a lengthy contract holdout and then predictably fell victim to injury after basically taking the summer off.

MJD will be back in camp. He is by far the most talented offensive weapon in Jacksonville and the lowly Jaguars will have no choice but to feed him the ball.

WR: Larry Fitzgerald

The Pitt product is one of the most physically gifted receivers on the planet.

New Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer has a tendency to throw it to the other team, but he should find Fitzgerald enough to warrant a big fantasy season.

TE: Antonio Gates

Health is always a concern with Gates considering he hasn’t played in a full 16-game schedule since 2009.

However, if he’s good to go, he’s the most lethal threat San Diego has in its passing game. He’s a big, reliable target in the red zone.

DEF: Steelers

Pittsburgh didn’t cause enough turnovers last season and it hurt fantasy owners and fans of the black and gold alike.

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of an oblong ball bouncing the right way. The Steelers are bound to catch a few more breaks this year.

K: Just Kidding

Kickers should always be the final pick of your draft. No exceptions.

There’s almost always a guy who reaches for one in the middle rounds.

If you’re going to take any advice, please let it be this: Don’t be that guy.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.