CHAMBERS AND JACKSON ON FANTASY RADAR IN ‘08

In San Diego’s 17-6 playoff victory over the Tenessee Titans, both Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson remind folks that in 2008, it’s OK to draft a Charger not named Tomlinson or Gates. The duo recorded a 100 plus yard receiving game (121 for Chambers, 114 for Jackson), with Jackson also catching a touchdown. Neither wideouts should be counted on as number one fantasy receivers, but Chambers is making a strong case for being a solid number two.

Jackson will probably be bench worthy or a wide receiver ‘handcuff’ either Antonio Gates or Chambers goes down. Next season will be Jackson’s 4th season and he has the prerequisite size and speed to be a successful receiver, especially with LT and the ground game getting most of the attention. The only draw back is that their value is tied to San Diego’s inconsistent quarterback, Phillip Rivers who at times looks like the next J.P. Lossman versus the next Ben Roethlisberger.

Steel City Mystique Declining?

Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were more of a passing offense, even before Willie Parker went down with a season ending injury. Big Ben, for the most part, responded and got the most out of his receiving corps. However 2008 can be a slight shift in offensive philosophy as the team seemed to falter down the stretch in December, where the ground game is usually emphasized more. This could mean an upgrade for future Willie Parker owners, if he can get back and playing healthy.

Jones-Drew in ‘08

In the playoff game against Pittsburgh, Maurice Jones-Drew keeps showing he is the real big-play maker in Jacksonville. Fred Taylor had a season similar to Corey Dillon’s in the latter stage of his career, but I think the trend will be shifting towards more touches for Jones-Drew. He could play the Marion Barber role next season.

Alexander Not Being Counted on

In a windy playoff game, Shaun Alexander followed through on this season’s form and did very little. I still think he might have enough gas to be a good number three back next year, but should not be counted on for the remainder of this season. Quarterback Matt Hasselback through the ball 32 times against the Redskins and I don’t think the passing offense lets up next week in Green Bay. Maybe an off-season of rest and a high drafting of a running back will motivate him.

New York Versus Tampa Recap

You know I can only comment on the box score and the highlights I saw, since I majorly (Microsoft Word tells me majorly is not a word, but I don’t care) slept in and was too groggy to get amped up about watching an Eli Manning led playoff team. But what do you know?? Manning played within himself, took what the defense gave to him and he threw two touchdowns and no picks for a playoff in on the road.

Two interesting points – Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs split carries with Bradshaw getting more carries. Jacobs proved his bruising style probably works best in a thunder and lightning backfield and Bradshaw has the speed. Jacobs probably goes back to his old role as goal line wrecking ball.

In Minnesota, all we heard was how good Jeff Garcia was and how the Purple should have signed him. I don’t deny that he would have won an extra game, but at what cost? Jeff Garcia played very well during the 2007 regular season, but the playoffs was a different story. The 38-yeard old QB got hurt late in the regular season and didn’t play much in the last several games. He admitted to the press that he was a bit rusty heading into the match-up against the Giants. Garcia threw two picks and threw for a little over 200 yards on 39 attempts against the G-Man. The Vikes did OK by giving their young quarterback, Tavaris Jackson, a season to develop and ultimately made the right decision by not signing Garcia.