Over the holiday, I compiled my list of the top ten players in 2008, with the most value going int 2009. Overall, It was such an interesting season, that when you look at this Top ten, you might be surprised at some of the names on there. But then again maybe not. Let’s break it down!
10.) Matt Forte, RB Chicago- The best rookie rusher period. I would have him higher, but it isn’t evident that Forte can carry the ball as a full time back. What is interesting about Forte is despite the fact that he rushed for over 1200 yards, he only averaged about 77 yards a game on the ground. Expect him to climb draft charts in 2009.
9.) Steven Jackson, RB St. Louis- 4.1 yards per carry, but only seven touchdowns on the year will bring down Jackson’s value in 2009. He eclipsed over 300 yards reveiving this season though. That offense is in pretty rough shape, so it will be hard for him to produce to his full ability. Combine that with injury, and it is hard to shoot Jackson into the top five.
8.) Tony Gonzalez, TE Chiefs- Gonzalez almost cracked the top ten….. In reciever stats in 2008. If there was any doubt who the number one tight end was before this season, Gonzalez has regained that title. In a very week posisition, we could see Gonzalez go as high as the second or third round. I still believe that Antonio Gates is the creme of the crop, but all i can say about his 2009 season is wow.
7). Aaron Rogers, QB Green Bay- Beyond Drew Brees, Rodgers is really the only quarterback worth talking about when it comes down to fantasy stats. 4,000+ yards and 28 touchdowns later, He did a wonderful job filling in for Brett Favre, and 2009 could be an even bigger outbreak season.
6.) Andre Johnson, WR- in a really weak class of wide recievers, Johnson sticks out yet again this year. He led the league in receptions and revieving yards in 2009. He will definitely be in the top three at wide reciever in 2009. I expect Johnson to bring down more than 8 touchdowns in 2009 as well.
5.) Micheal Turner, RB Atlanta- Turner just missed 1700 yards rushing in his premiere season. 4.5 yards per carry and 17 total touchdowns. One stat that sticks out is the fact that he lost only two fumbles in 2008. He did take a heavy load (the most handoffs in the NFL), but should fare well in 2009, because of his vision on the field
4.) Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota- Many wondered if Peterson would answer the bell, or flop in his second season in the NFL. How did the running back respond? Only with the most yards of any runner in the league. There is no doutbt that Peterson’s legs need the off-season off, and the Vikings
might be thinking double team in the running game. Peterson has rushed for 1300+ yards in each of his first two seasons in the league.
3.) Larry Fitzgerald, WR Ari- Earlier in the season, Fitzgerald became the youngest player to catch 400 passes. With his 12 touchdowns and 1,400 yards you add the fact that he is the only receiver to score 200 fantasy points this season. Every game, his play just gets better and better. His draft rank will be a lot higher than last year of course.
2.) DeAngelo Williams, RB Carolina- After being drafted on average 87th in fantasy leagues to start the season, Williams became the most valuable running back in 2008, eclipsing 1500 yards and adding 18 touchdowns. I think it is safe to say that nobody expected this type of production. The only question will be if he can carry the load in 2009. Only 63 yards on the ground in the playoffs this season could give Jonathon Stewart more looks next season. One of those two runners could also be used as trade bait, to get back some defensive talent.
1.) Drew Brees, QB New Orleans- Is this even in question? Brees became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. Not once did Brees throw for less than 200 yards in a game, and ten times he threw for over 300 yards. Let’s not forget that he went without Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and David Patten throughout the season. The man had 38 touchdown passes. That just blows my mind. So much for being just a short guy that can’t get it done. My Theory, he is back in the black and gold that has always done him well.
for
FanSided
Loading ...
