The fantasy season is over for 2007, but it’s never too early to think about being in a great position to either defend your title or make 2008 your comeback year. At present time there are some obvious hot spots for players to excel. This season Jamal Lewis, Willis McGahee, Marshawn Lynch, and Randy Moss successfully filled their team’s glaring needs. Here is an early look of the 2008 fantasy “vacancies” at the most important fantasy position, running back.
Houston – Ron Dayne is serviceable and Walker is proving he can play in the NFL, but look for the Texans to add a free agent like Michael Turner. Their best offensive players are in their prime, so look for the Houston offense to be prolific in ’08.
Detroit – Kevin Jones can’t stay healthy and is no guarantee to be a significant fantasy play in 2008. T.J. Duckett probably is not the preferred choice for the Lions, but has played well when given the chance.
Chicago – The starter for 2008 is going to be Adrian Peterson, unless Cedric Benson gets healthy AND outplays him. The Bears are too stingy to sign a big name free-agent and they just spent a high round draft pick on a running back in Benson.
Seattle – Shaun Alexander will be the starter and either will be another fantasy no-show or could be a surprise 30-something back like Fred Taylor. If Alexander is around rounds 7 and up, go ahead and take a flier. The Seahawks will draft a running back high this spring.
Oakland – Three different running backs rushed for over 100-yards. No we’re not talking about the Denver Broncos, we’re talking about the Oakland Raiders. With Russell under center next year, look for the Raiders to rely on the run again. Fargas had a breakout 2007 and will be rewarded with first dibs at the starting job in ’08.
New Orleans – Reggie Bush is looking more and more like Dave Meggett than Tiki Barber and Deuce McAllister suffers another season-ending ACL injury. The Saints can afford to try to find answers within thanks to the late season play of Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker.
Atlanta - The Falcons Warrick Dunn just said he will come back for his final year next season. That being said, there is no guarantee he is even on the roster in ’08. But who will beat him out even if he was, Jerious Norwood? Sure he had some spectacular runs, but he also had nagging injuries. Atlanta will draft high at running back. Maybe Darren McFadden.
Monday, December 31, 2007
FANTASY BACKFIELD VACANCIES IN 2008
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3 comments:
My friend Jon F. knows a lot of the college players. He might have insight into who will come into the draft and how much fantasy impact they will have.
Well Looking into the '08 season you will see some teams mixing up the backfield. Let's look at some of these teams.
Dallas:
Signs are already coming out that MB3 is going to get a contract extension. Is this the end for J. Jones in the Big D. He is a UFA and Dallas might not want to pay him the $ he wants. If So, MB3 should be a 1st RD RB in Fantasy Football.
Houston:
This is where I see M. Turner headed. I don't see the Texans going into next season with Dayne, Walker and A. Green. They need a RB and if they can get one this could be one of the funniest teams to watch on Offense.
Atlanta:
Norwood will be the guy if he can improve on his Blitz pick up. Dunn has stated that he wants to play at least 1 more season. Norwood would be a Great #2 or #3 Fantasy RB if he was the Starting RB and getting 20 carries a game.
Chicago:
Is kicking themselves for getting rid of T. Jones. They now realize that C. Benson is a BUST. You could see the Bears turning to T. Jones brother J. Jones if Dallas doesn't look at re-signing him.
Arizona:
Now most of you are probably asking yourself why I have them listed. The reason why is Edge is due 7 Million this coming year and right now he hasn't proved that he is worth that much. So, I think he takes a pay cut or they might just say Bye, Bye Edge.
Oakland:
The Draft will decide the Fate of the Raiders. If the Raiders can win the coin Flip against the Falcons they will get the #3 pick. With that they could be in-line for Darrin McFadden. I think #1 will be Dorsey or Ryan depending on what the Tuna will do in Miami. #2 will be Jake Long to the Rams. With O. Pace getting put on the IR for the second season in a Row and they had 9 different starters this year on the OL the could use the help.
If the Raiders Don't get McFadden then Look for them to re-sign Fargas. That and M. Bush will be coming back this year. He was on the PIP list all year still recovering from a Broken Leg.
Great insight Jon. Julius Jones in Chicago would be huge and somewhat ironic. He might be fantasy worthy next year. Maybe he would be a candidate in Houston as well.
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