Saturday, July 18, 2009

2009 FANTASY FOOTBALL: DRAFT TOMLINSON


One of the biggest questions heading into fantasy football drafts for the upcoming season is where does San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson fit in?

I'm usually pretty good with at least one or two preseason NFL predictions, like last season when I predicted Tom Brady would get hurt and not finish the season. I know, I know, you've probably heard me pat myself on the back for that prediction many times but what the heck, I might as well beat that into the ground as long as I can.

Last season, Tomlinson had a toe injury most of the regular season then had a torn groin muscle in the playoffs. He posted unTomlinson-like numbers with 292 carries, 1,110 rushing yards, 426 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. One encouraging item is he wanted to stay in San Diego so bad that he restructured his contract in the offseason.

Bottom line: Do not underestimate the value of Tomlinson this season. Prior to last season he was a fantasy football running back stud and I see him returning form - or better - this season.

This scenario reminds me of last season's scenario involving back Michael Turner who signed with Atlanta. Turner was a longtime backup to Tomlinson and for the first time he was out of Tomlinson's shadow. I predicted a huge year for Turner and I drafted him in trhe second or third round in several leagues last season. Turner did not disappoint.

Tomlinson wants to prove last season was an aberration and that even at age 30 he is still an elite back. Sure, Darren Sproles lurks close by as his backup and will take some carries away. But Tomlinson's motivation to succeed will produce huge fantasy numbers.

I see around 1,500 yards rushing, 500 yards receiving and at least 16-18 touchdowns (rushing and receiving combined). Of course, you have to hope he stays healthy and I think he will....

Still, as you would with any elite back, you should certainly get Sproles as a backup in your draft just to be safe if you draft Tomlinson.

On www.mockdraftcentral.com, in the thousands of mock drafts conducted on the site, Tomlinson has been drafted anywhere from No. 3 to No. 12. In my opinion, Tomlinson should be draft among the top 5 spots and I would certainly consider drafting him at No. 2 overall. If you're not picking at No. 1 and Tomlinson is available for your first pick, grab him.....

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Monday, July 13, 2009

FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTING HELP-DOING WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO



The video above couldn't be more accurate when it comes to drafting a competitive fantasy football team - you have to do what you have to do......

When it comes to drafting your fantasy football team for the upcoming season, it is a good idea to check out mock drafts and seriously consider where players are ranked in average draft positions. However, do not adhere to these mocks as the lock to a league championship this fall. Study mock drafts that are done on various sites and partake of some free mock drafts yourself. But be flexible and include your own personal hunches when ranking the players for your own draft. Do what you have to do to put together a team that best suits you.
For example, most mocks are placing Chicago back Matt Forte as the No. 2 or No. 3 overall pick. One reason for this is he had the most receptions for backs last season, which is a huge plus if your league uses the point-per-reception stat. But remember...he still plays for Chicago and is an unproven elite back.

Here are my personal top 24 rankings: 1) Adrian Peterson RB MIN, 2) Michael Turner RB ATL, 3) Maurice Jones-Drew RB JAX, 4) LaDainian Tomlinson RB SD, 5) DeAngelo Williams RB CAR, 6) Larry Fitzgerald WR ARI, 7) Steven Jackson RB STL, 8) Chris Johnson RB TEN, 9) Brandon Jacobs RB NYG, 10) Steve Slaton RB HOU, 11) Matt Forte RB CHI, 12) Andre Johnson WR HOU, 13) Brian Westbrook RB PHI, 14) Marion Barber RB DAL, 15) Frank Gore RB SF, 16) Randy Moss WR NE, 17) Clinton Portis RB WAS, 18) Tom Brady QB NE, 19) Steve Smith WR CAR, 20) Calvin Johnson WR DET, 21) Drew Brees QB NO, 22) Marques Colston WR NO, 23) Reggie Wayne WR IND, 24) Roddy White WR ATL.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKING UP STEAM



Major League Baseball's All-Star break is upon us with fantasy baseball team owners gearing up for their second-half push to win their league. But gaining momentum is fantasy football with fantasy football sites on Yahoo.com, ESPN.com, CBSsports.com and Sandbox.com bombarded by owners with thousands of leagues forming every day.
I know first hand because my three email addresses are also being bombarded by requests to join leagues throughout the country. Right now I'm in five leagues and counting....When I go the various sites mentioned above it's amazing the number of leagues that have formed and are forming.
While some sports enthusiasts believe fantasy football popularity is starting to level off, the numbers found on Internet reports, from Associated Press reports or the Fantasy Sports Trade Association indicate the numbers are still impressive.
-Depending on which report you find, anywhere from 27 million to 40 million people in the United States are playing fantasy sports
- Participation in fantasy sports grows between 7 and 10 percent each year.
- The economic impact is estimated between $1 billion and $2 billion annually.
- Fantasy sports players spend an average of $493 a year.
- Fantasy players spend an average of three hours per week managing their teams.
- About 85 percent of all fantasy sports participants play fantasy football, mainly online.
Football season is what I live for...I could watch football year round and as a result I've become a huge fantasy football fan.
Last season I was in 11 leagues, made the playoffs in 10, advanced to the championship game in six and won two titles.