If all the knowledge of the 2007 Fantasy Football Season could be condensed to 10 statements, it would look something like this:
By Guest Columnist Tom Van Wyhe
1. Carson Palmer has the potential to outperform Peyton Manning. This is certainly not meant to imply Palmer is better than Manning, but the former USC Heisman Trophy winner has more than enough talent around him – and a similar offense – to statistically catch Manning.
2. Peyton Manning is the only quarterback, however, worth drafting in the first round. While Palmer has the potential to pass him, Manning is still the most consistent fantasy star in the business. He's worth being drafted after the top-tier running backs come off the board: around 6-8 overall. Leave Palmer until the early-mid second round (if your scoring permits it).
3. Reggie Bush is a first round draft choice. Of course, your league will need at least 12 teams to justify it, but Bush is very much a first round candidate. He thrived in an offense built to cater his skills last season and this season should be no different; probably better if the team can get him more red zone touches.
4. Steve Smith is not the number one receiver this year. That spot belongs to Marvin Harrison, these days. The most consistent wide receiver in the business is still side-by-side with his partner in crime, Peyton Manning, while Steve Smith's quarterback situation grows shakier each week.
5. If you're picking number two, there should be one name on your list:
Steven Jackson. He's one of the most talented young backs in the league today and he's in an offense where he can break out and do something special this year. It wouldn't surprise me if he broke 2300 yards (from scrimmage) and 24 touchdowns this season, and earning a fantasy player of the year trophy along the way.
6. Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler are better picks than Vince Young. Young has the uncanny ability to win games using whatever skills he has (and they are aplenty). But his inconsistency will certainly annoy fantasy owners throughout the season. Cutler and Leinart, on the other hand, are both surrounded by more talented – and experienced – teammates. They'll consistently put up solid numbers week in and out.
7. If you're looking for a great late-second round running back, look no further than Cedric Benson. No one has more potential in that Bears' offense than Benson. While Grossman struggles, Chicago will undoubtedly look to build a strong foundation with the run game. And Benson has all the potential in the world to break 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
8. If you can't decide what to do with your last draft pick, spend it on Ron Dayne. Or Devin Hester. These two guys have potential if the right situations can present themselves. While neither will be on your roster for anything more than a 4th running back or 5th wide receiver, they have potential to move up much higher if injury strikes (Ron Dayne will be the team's starter if Ahman Green is injured) or the Bears use Hester like Reggie Bush, circa-2006.
9. James Jones (Green Bay) looks better every week, and you should find him very late in your draft. I'm beginning to get the impression no one outside of Green Bay knows about this young wide receiver who is quickly catching the attention (and adoration) of fans. He has exceptional hands and is reminiscent of a young, physical Sterling Sharpe. And with questions surrounding Donald Driver's health, Jones' potential grows by the day.
10. If Antonio Gates is drafted don't waste one of your mid-round picks on another tight end. Perhaps more than any other year, tight end has a lot of depth. And considering you start only one per week, it's safe to say you'll find someone you like in the 10-12th rounds of your draft.
Notes about the author: Tom Van Wyhe is the lead writer of The NFL Minute, a blog devoted to fantasy football. He has also contributed to other websites, such as SteelersFever.com and TheFootballExpert.com.
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