Publicly known personalities receive many suggestions and requests
from their readers. Like an online Madonna interviewer, readers
regularly ask me about my rankings for this or that position. I
normally decline touting any personal rankings, reminding them that
my draft list is likely not better that theirs. I also remind them
that player drafting is only the fantasy team's foundation. In-season
transactions and starter assignments are equally important to a
season of success.
Of course, that was not true in the pre-online days, when information
was either dated by paper publication or self-investigated. Now
it is much, much easier to field a respectable team with less effort.
And.. since I'm off the article topic already, let me say that...
I have mixed feelings about that the ease of today's fantasy success,
too. I recall that FF championships were more satisfying back when
we had to be more resourceful than just owning a modem.
Back by popular demand - actually it was just a few guys asking-
it is time for the 2001 edition of TC's FANTASY FAVORITES.
It is a somewhat limited list, by choice. Anyone can pinpoint the
likes of Marshall Faulk. Randy Moss, and Tony Gonzalez. In most
cases, we're trying to go a bit beyond the obvious and discuss players
I like to have 2001 success. Such as..
Fantasy quarterbacks seem to have a positive feel. Last year, we
saw how the position was richer than it had been in recent history.
Now, it looks even deeper. This presents us with an interesting
dilemma. Do we go after the true cream of the passer crop early,
or do we stock up on prime rushers and receivers before taking advantage
of the QB depth? The longer we wait, the riskier the selection becomes.
QB Trent Green KC has proved he can be productive with a
limited (Redskins) or superior (Rams) supporting cast. With the
Chiefs, Green could surprise many people, if the running game can
balance the offense to a reasonable level. He certainly has the
pure abilities to be an ace fantasy quarterback, and it looks like
he'll be given every chance to succeed.
Rushers have traditionally been responsible for our fantasy successes
and failures. An Emmitt Smith here or a Dorsey Levens there will
often decide our team's fate. despite the h-u-g-e number of productive
RBs, it remains important to claim the most productive ones possible
for our roster.
Jaguar RB Fred Taylor JAX is the most spectacular running
back in the NFL since Barry Sanders snuck out of the patio door
at the 2000 Meet-The-Lions Barbeque. He would be an expensive option
for an owner to build a team around, but he'd certainly be worth
it. The big and quick Taylor is equiped to score at the tough goal
line, too. If he plays all 16 games, Taylor could be the top
fantasy player. The same is true of RB Terrell DavisDEN;
who is likely my favorite fantasy player.
RB James Stewart DET is a middle-priced rusher that I really
respect. He tired from playing backup in Taylor's shadow and welcomed
the move to Detroit with a great 1450 yard season. Stewart is an
established talent with a nose for scoring. He's had 43 TDs in the
past 4 seasons. Within the new West Coast offense, I can promise
you that Mojo Stewart will be important. Stewart led the NFL in
goal line carries since joining the Lions. With an improved offensive
line in 2001, that might make him this year's "Wow-Oh-Wow"
player in basic scoring leagues (Does that restricted format
still draw interest?).
In terms of quality depth, wide receivers stand tall. While their
seems to be near two dozen capable fantasy starters. Not to be disrespectful
of their talent, but aside from Mister Moss, there is not a single
standout in the bunch that you'd kill to trade up for.
WR Eric Moulds BUF will continue to be a favorite this season.
He is an integral part of an unbalanced offense that depends on
his production. Big and strong. Moulds has a knack for making big
plays. He remains one of the super wide receiver picks.
The future is now for WR David Boston AZ. He emerged as quality
WR (71-1150-7) and established himself as the go-to receiver on
the Cardinal team. He is the ..pardon the cliché.. prototypical
NFL receiver, with size, speed, and opportunity. Despite having
the skills to be a fantasy favorite, Boston remains trapped in offense
featuring home-grown Jake Plummer's ineffectiveness. If if if the
Cardinals ever get their offense moving in the right direction,
Boston's potential to be a blue-chipper will be realized.
WR Oronde Gadsden MIA has been a steady-eddy, producing about
50 catches and 750 yards and 6 scores for each of his first three
Dolphin seasons. I expect him to springboard to a better level.
Consider him a late roster addition that will be valuable. I am
convinced that Gadsden can be a short term fantasy stud.
For most of us, the tight end position is a creator of frustration.
More free agent TEs are claimed in league, than any other position.
A few guys constantly put up good numbers - Sharpe, Gonzalez. Another
small handful preview a promising future - Alexander, Jones, Franks.
Plus, there is a cluster of non-peak been-there has-success fellas
- Walls, Wycheck, Riemersma. In short, it's a buyer's market.
TE David LaFleur DAL is an uncommon favorite of mine. With
speedsters Galloway and Ismail flanking him, the promising youngster
seems primarily restricted to blocking duty for Emmitt Smith. Yet,
he'll also see mostly wide open space in the middle of the field.
With his 6-foot-7 frame, he's a perfect king-size target and TC
fantasy favorite for his 2001 cost. Best of all, with the unpopular
QB Banks pitching, LaFleur can be a final round pick. Never again,
will he be such a bargain.
To quote Pro Football Weekly.. "The key to selecting place
kickers is the same as the key in making money in real estate. It
is all about location. Location. Location." Traditionally,
the elite PKs have short lived fame. The simpler truth is that the
best ones play on the better teams. If we can correctly project
the scoring opportunities, we can peg the best fantasy kicker choice,
too. Not an easy task.
PK Jason Elam DEN remains one of the best fantasy kickers,
in large part because he plays for the high scoring Broncos.
WR Jeff Wilkins STL is very similar. As go the Rams, so he goes.
It's all about "location".
Everyone knows TC. He is entering his 16th
season as an active fantasy football participant and his seventh
season as a leading member of the online FF community. In addition
to hosting the popular YouthFantasyFootball and FanEx websites,
he is active in various other projects within our hobby. Specifically,
he has become a popular freelance writer whose work has been widely
published both online and in print. Yep, everyone knows TC... sooner
or later.
