Armchair Quarterback: It’s fantasy football time again
For many of us, it’s becoming that sacred time of year when we get out our cheat books, spread sheets and magazines to prepare for fantasy football.
Those of you who are into fantasy football know it becomes a consuming pastime, often dictating what kind of mood you will be in for the week. Whether it be that great feeling, knowing you’ve bumped off your rival, or that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach knowing you let one get away, it adds something to the sport of football.
Normally, it’s all the chatter months in advance of the draft as members of my league begin talking about who they plan to take with their early picks. Trades and deals are made as each team maneuvers for that favorable position. However, there’s no such chatter this year, given the uncertainty going into the season.
In years past, the No. 1 selection in most football fantasy league drafts was a coveted position, with most folks immediately knowing who to pick. Whether it be Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner or even Randy Moss, there was always that player who stood head and shoulders above the rest. Not so this year.
With the ever changing landscape of the NFL, it’s become harder than ever to pencil in those top spots. The apparent demise of the Rams has contributed somewhat to this since Faulk and Warner were normally high picks. With Faulk and Warner showing injury tendencies and the Rams offense not what it once was, there’s now a gamble taking these former top picks.
Same goes with the top fantasy dog last year in Priest Holmes. Sure, he put up massive numbers, but that was before his injury last year. His performance is shrouded in mystery going into the season, as is his status with the Chiefs by the standpoint of his contract.
Still, with this uncertainty, most fantasy books have Holmes going first overall with Ricky Williams bringing up a close second. Williams, who has also had a history of nagging injuries, performed well last year and put up career numbers. Given the fact the Dolphins are expected to revert to a Titan-like smashmouth offensive scheme this year, odds are good a healthy Williams will be the fantasy king this year. Given a first overall, which I have never drawn, I would likely take Williams.
As for top receiver, it’s a little more clear. It’s a toss up between Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison. Personally, since I’m in a league which rewards yardage, catches and touchdowns, I’d go with Harrison. He tends to be consistent while Owens tends not to show up until six weeks into the season. Randy Moss, while capable of big numbers, has proven not to be consistent, possibly because of the inconsistency of Daunte Culpepper.
As for quarterbacks, Rich Gannon would be a no-brainer this year as top pick. He’s been consistent for years and he’s on a passing team with two future hall of famers. Mike Vick would take second since he’s a threat to run as well as pass, given you dual scoring opportunities. Of course, Peyton Manning and Donovan McNabb are also locks for good numbers.
If your team uses defenses, well, they are painfully inconsistent from year to year. The Dolphins and Bucs appear to be the leaders going into the season.
While the top picks are the ones that get the talk, it’s those middle picks, in rounds five and later that decide who generally wins your league. You’ve got to figure everyone will get an all-star or two in the first couple of rounds. It’s those who supplement their franchise players with other scoring forces that will get the prize at the end of the year.