The NFL season is coming, meaning only one thing...fantasy football draft prep time. Everyone thinks they can evaluate talent, here are three players that insure victory.
Its that time of year again…for the efficient fantasy football owner, there is no off season as trades, retirements, brushes with the law and the draft keep NFL rosters in flux throughout the calendar year. As coaching and coordinator changes affect offensive and defensive schemes, there will be a few hidden players that will see an increase in their production with more opportunity being given to them. We will also see the dreaded decline of some usually reliable scorers as age or injury to them or their supporting cast affects their output. Here is a preview of what we can expect from the top 3 fantasy football players in 2007.
Coming in the top spot is LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers (2323 rushing/receiving yards, 34 total touchdowns (2 passing), and 56 receptions with only 1 lost fumble). Numbers like these makes you number one in any format. In formats that award players for receptions, LT racks up points equal to two roster spots. People think LT may lose carries to Michael Turner, don’t believe it, 2007 will mirror 2006 in terms of usage of the two backs. The use of Turner will do one thing for LT and that’s keep him fresh and healthy for the entire season. Norv Turner stepping in as the head coach only improves the ceiling for LT, as Norv is known to get the maximum out of a quality back (ask Frank Gore and Emmitt Smith). Expect another season of over 2000 total yards and at least 27 touchdowns, with 35-45 receptions for Mr. Tomlinson.
The number two spot goes to Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams (2334 rushing/receiving yards, 16 total touchdowns and 90 receptions with 2 lost fumbles). Steven Jackson is in a system that takes advantage of his impressive skill set. As evident by his 90 receptions he is an every down back that has no problem catching passes out of the backfield. Coach Scott Linehan loves getting the ball into Jackson’s hands and that should continue in ’07. In Linehan’s more balanced offense, the running game is major; Jackson being a bigger back can handle the load. As long as the Rams employ multiple receiver sets, preventing defenses from stacking the box, Steven Jackson should have more than enough lanes to run through. Mark this down: over 2200 total yards and an increase in touchdowns up to 20, with his receptions taking a hit, down to 70. Those numbers are still good enough for the second spot.
Stepping up to number three and the exception to the first pick being a running back rule is none other than Peyton Manning, QB Indianapolis Colts (4397 passing yards 35 total touchdowns). As long as Tony Dungy lets Peyton call the game as he sees it, you can best believe that the Colts will continue to control and dominate games through the air. Out goes Brandon Stokley, in comes Anthony Gonzalez to replace him. Just what Peyton needed to go with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne; a quick, smart, hard working rookie receiver. The numbers shouldn’t go down, as Peyton has never thrown for fewer than 26 touchdowns in a season. The running game should be improved as Joseph Addai becomes more accustomed to the league, providing Peyton with another option coming out of the backfield. Giving these opportunities to spread the ball around, there should be no drop-off on Peyton Place in 2007. These numbers are the minimum of what you can expect from Peyton; at least 3950 yards and 32 total touchdowns. Good Luck.
