Wednesday, June 24, 2009

5 Guys I Won't Touch in 2009 Fantasy Football

Every year there a few guys that just scream "RED ALERT!" to me. Last year I had guys like WR Marvin Harrison (correct), RB Chris Johnson (wrong), WR Joey Galloway (right), and RB Brian Westbrook (wrong) pegged as players I would avoid. And while some might criticize me for being so negative and actually eliminating players before the draft, I find it interesting to see if I'm right or wrong when the season is over. Here's a few guys I could see either falling in production, or crapping out all together in 2009 ... so I probably won't draft them unless they fall way lower than their value.

- RB Clinton Portis (Was) Portis toughed it out through injuries last year to put up good numbers, but his history of bumps and bruises is starting to pile up. For the most part, he tends to carry the Redskin offense and with very few changes to personnel on that side of the ball he will again be counted on heavily which could easily lead to a very fatigued and very injured RB.

- WR Antonio Bryant (TB) The term "One Year Wonder" comes to mind whenever I see or hear his name. Yes, he had a huge season for the Buccaneers last year, but he was out to prove himself. This year, his ego will be recharged and he will be playing with a new QB (possibly a rookie) and working with a new coaching staff. Despite the fact he was franchised by the new regime in Tampa, I strongly believe he cannot repeat the numbers he had last season.

- QB Marc Bulger (STL) Inexperienced receivers, a young offensive line, and durability issues will be his undoing this year. With the departures of Torry Holt and Orlando Pace, Bulger is now the captain of a sinking passing game. It's unlikely he'll have any serious impact this year, so why even bother with him?

- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oak) I'm still trying to swallow the fact the Raiders took him instead of Crabtree or Maclin without trying to trade down to get him. He's already gotten injured in OTAs and I have a feeling it won't get a lot better in his rookie year. I'll be shocked if he scores more than three TDs this year, if that.

- RB Jamal Lewis (Cle) Give him credit for toughing it out in Cleveland the last couple of years, but the writing is on the wall for the former 2000 yard rusher. He is still projected to be the Brown's starting RB, but on a team with a new staff, a new offense, and an unstable QB situation I don't like his prospects for 2009.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

10 Sleepers For 2009

Every year in fantasy football there are a few players who surpass expectations and become solid starters. Last year we had QB Matt Cassell, WR Lance Moore, RB Tim Hightower, RB Leron McClain, just to name a few. Who will be the surprises of 2009? Let me get out my crystal ball....

- RB Rashad Jennings (Jac) With Fred Taylor gone to New England, the Jags needed a running mate for Maurice Jones-Drew. Enter Jennings who while projected higher by some experts, fell to the Jags in the seventh round. He's a big back who will be used as a short yardage specialist and probable goal-line situations. Possibility of half a dozen TDs.

- WR Derrick Williams (Det) Another rookie to watch out for, Williams has a knack for dynamic playmaking. Culpepper certainly has the arm to get it to Williams deep. If he manages to grab the third receiver spot away from Ronald Curry, we could see a few long TDs out of the former Nittany Lion.

- QB Kyle Boller (STL) Marc Bulger is an injury waiting to happen ... again. And while the Rams receiving corp is very inexperienced, the OL is greatly improved. Something tells me though that Bulger won't make it through the season. Boller has the arm and the experience to make a decent showing if Bulger goes down.

- RB Lamont Jordan (Den) Despite the fact that Denver drafted Knowshon Moreno, Coach Josh McDaniels is more familiar with Jordan from last season with the Patriots. I can see Jordan having a significant role in a RBBC and ending up with a few TDs along the way.

- WR Keenan Burton (STL) He was fairly quiet in his rookie season, but this year he gets a chance to start for the rebuilding Rams. With Donnie Avery making a little noise last year thus becoming the player most defenses will try to take away in the passing game, Burton may have a surprising year in a division not known for it's shutdown #2 cornerbacks.

- RB Fred Jackson (Buff) We know Marshawn Lynch will be out the first few games due to suspension which will give Jackson a chance to show his stuff. He's flashed the ability to carry the load in the past ... could this be the year he keeps it?

- WR Robert Meachem (NO) A former first rounder... in his third year ... and playing for the league's top passing offense. Three positive signs that Meachem could have a breakout year. If he can pass Devery Henderson on the depth chart, we might see some serious production.

- RB Glen Coffee (SF) Drafted to spell Frank Gore, Coffee has the elusiveness and the hands to have some serious impact on the field. Gore's questionable durability add to the intrigue. Handcuff material at worst.

- WR Brian Robiske (Clev) Word out of Cleveland is that Robiske already has the starting WR spot locked up opposite Braylon Edwards. The fact Edwards will draw more coverage might give the former Buckeye a chance to shine.

- TE Brent Celek (Phil) He caught 10 passes in the NFC Championship game against the Cardinals, so McNabb knows he can count on him. With L.J. Smith gone, Celek's numbers should increase. A definitive red zone threat.