When the calendar flips to mid-August numerous sports
enthusiasts become overjoyed. Some because of the playoff runs in
baseball or the WNBA; but for most Americans it’s NFL camps that
draw their interest, which means fantasy football starts soon.
Fantasy football drafts always prove to be tough. They don’t
have to be. Here is a guide to the top two picks at four positions.
After the top picks, there are some sleepers and underachievers for
this season.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning-IND
That mind and that arm, coupled with the talents of Marvin
Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark equals success. Peyton will
turn in another Pro Bowl appearance under center this season.
2. Donovan McNabb-PHI
McNabb puts up solid numbers year in and year out, with marginal
receivers. This year he gets Terrell Owens as a target.
S. Jeff Garcia-CLE
Garcia is a great fit in the Browns’ new west coast offense. He has
a talented group of young backs and receivers, to go with
number-one pick Kellen Winslow.
U. Kurt Warner-NYG
Warner is D-O-N-E, done. There will be too much pressure on him in
New York, and after one loss people will be calling for Eli
Manning.
Running Backs
1. Priest Holmes-KC
Holmes easily slices up any defense and racks up the points for his
fantasy owners. He is a good all-around back, who should and will
be the first pick in fantasy drafts.
2. LaDanian Tomlinson-SD
Coming off a huge contract extension, Tomlinson is eager to prove
his worth. L.T. is the only back to rush for 1,000 yards, and catch
100 passes in a single season.
S. Kevan Barlow-SF
Barlow rushed for 1,000 yards last year. That was while he split
carries with Garrison Hearst. Hearst is gone and Barlow will get
all of the carries. Look for a huge statistical year from him.
U. Jamal Lewis-BAL
He will struggle this year to deal with playing a full season,
not to mention handling a cocaine charge. Lewis will put up decent
numbers, but nothing close to last year’s.
Wide Receivers
1. Randy Moss-MIN
He is just that good. And now that he has a decent WR, Marcus
Robinson to start opposite him, Moss should post similar numbers.
Defenses will not be able to focus on just him, allowing for a big
year.
2. Marvin Harrison-IND
With the array of Colts receivers, some are nervous about Marvin’s
numbers. Don’t be. He was, is and always will be Peyton’s
number-one guy. If you are Peyton’s go-to, you put up good
numbers.
S. Javon Walker-GB
Someone has to catch all those Favre passes, and Walker seems
poised to take over the number one slot from Donald Driver. Walker
is big and fast, and can get vertical. Look for 1,100 yards and 10
TDs from him.
U. Anquan Boldin-ARI
Boldin is going to miss a few weeks off the bat. Couple that with
the inexperienced Josh McCown, and rookie Larry Fitzgerald, and
there is a slim chance that Boldin repeats last year’s numbers.
Avoid him.
Tight Ends
1. Tony Gonzales-KC
Tony just keeps getting it done, year in and year out. With the
lackluster wideouts Trent Green has at his disposal, Gonzales will
be the number one option. Tony will put up stellar numbers yet
again.
2. Kellen Winslow -CLE
Winslow is a great talent with a bad attitude. If he can keep his
mouth in check, Winslow will catch a lot of balls.
S. Antonio Gates-SD
Gates did not play football in college; he was a basketball player
at Kent State. The Chargers took a chance. Very fast, very quick,
very athletic and very big, Gates will flourish as a tight end.
U. Bubba Franks-GB
Franks is not as athletic as the other great Miami tight ends. He
does not get enough yards for how high he seems to be drafted every
year. Franks may be worth a later pick, but he fails as an elite
Tight End.
Best of luck to all gamers in the upcoming season.
