Top 20 2006 NFL Fantasy Players
By Kevin Nowins
Falling Off the List:
Randy Moss
Randy Moss suffered a bone bruise in Week 6 that has hindered him significantly. This injury reminds me of how Moss missed half the season last year. As a result, there is no way Moss will finish with the kind of stats he is accustomed to getting in a suspect Oakland offense. Is it just me, or has Moss's lack of durabilty finally caught up to him?
The List:
#20 Willis McGahee
Willis has been allright this season. At one point, he scored in 4 straight games. And according to head coach Mike Mularkey, the Bills plan to keep McGahee at the center of their offense.
#19 Brett Farve
The Packers have a horrible offensive line, and lost their best receiver and running back to season-ending injuries. Yet, Farve has somehow managed to put up decent stats. Interceptions are a small concern, but a -2 is no biggie. So with no running game, look for the crafty veteran to continue to air out tons of passes in the upcoming weeks.
#18 Santana Moss
Santana is a playmaker, and it seems that Brunell and him have formed a groove with one another. Also, getting out of New York has done wonders to his fantasy value. Moss is capable of putting up big numbers every week.
#17 Tom Brady
Brady is the best quarterback when forced to perform under pressure situations. We all know this by his incredible streak of playoff wins. Although, the Patriots haven't been the same team from last year, and Corey Dillon has been non-existent. Brady is still a decent option, but don't expect too much until he gets some help.
#16 Brian Westbrook
With T.O. and McNabb out, expect Westbrook to be the man in Philly both rushing with and catching the football.
#15 Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald has proven that he is ready for the NFL. He is enjoying the best season of his career, as this sophmore just keeps getting better.
#14 Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the history of the NFL. The former basketball player is so big and athletic that he can jump up and grab the football wherever it is thrown. Also, with all the attention on L.T., it opens up the passing lanes for Gates. He set an NFL record last season with 13 tds, and I expect him to shatter that record in 2006!
#13 LaMont Jordan
With Moss stuggling with injuries, LaMont is the Raiders' go-to-guy. Rushing, receiving... you name it, Jordan does it. Can anyone say sleeper?
#12 Marvin Harrison
Harrison and Peyton Manning recently connected for a touchdown for the 86th time in their careers, breaking the all-time NFL mark formerly held by San Francisco's Steve Young and Jerry Rice. Other than that the receiver has been quite uneventful. At least he makes the catches that count (the ones in the endzone).
#11 Stephen Jackson
Stephen has picked up where Faulk left off. He's been amazing. The Rams offense will be very productive, and so will Jackson.
#10 Tiki Barber
Tiki has been so consistent in a strong New York offense. And with Eli Manning playing well opening up the ground game.. Tiki should suprise defenses with long breakout runs.
#9 Carson Palmer
Palmer leads the NFL in passer rating, and tied Peyton Manning's record of 9 straight games with a passer rating of over 100. At one point, Palmer had thrown 148 consecutive passes without an interception. Also, Carson averages a very good 262.2 yards per game. I cannot say enough about this former Trojan except that he just absolutely amazes me!
#8 Chad Johnson
What about Chad Johnson and those Cincinnati Bengals? They have to be the story of the year so far.. This young wideout has developed into a stud as him and Carson Palmer really have developed a groove with one another. Chad Johnson is a straight play maker which is why Palmer loves throwing the pigskin his way. So look for Chad and Palmer to continue to do big things this season!
#7 Torry Holt
Over the years, Torry Holt has been the most consistent wideout in the NFL. He might not be the best, but one thing's for sure... you can always count on him to put up consistent fantasy numbers.
#6 Larry Johnson
So Priest goes down for the season... maybe even for his whole career. Chiefs in trouble? No way. Bring in Larry Johnson. This guy has all the potential in the world. The main reason Priest broke the record for most tds in a season is because of the system. And with Kansas City's strong offensive line and running mindset, no reason LJ can't.
#5 Edgerrin James
Edge is a HUGE reason why the Colts have remained undefeated this year. Unlike last year, Edge has been able to score a lot of touchdowns rushing and catching the ball. So if he continues to average 24 carries and 4.7 rush yards per game, Edge has to be considered the third best fantasy running back in the NFL.
#4 Steve Smith
Steve Smith is on fire! And because of last year's injury, many fantasy owners have forgotten how talented this speedster really is. He scores touchdowns in mass amounts, and at this rate, Smith should lead all wideouts in fantasy points at the end of this season.
#3 Peyton Manning
Who knows how many NFL records this stud QB has shattered? This year, Peyton's surrounded by talented wideouts.. actually make that an all-around talented team. He had 49 passing tds last season.. an obvious NFL record. Expect a big second half of the season from Manning as his undefeated Colts try to live up to the superbowl expectations this season.
#2 Shaun Alexander
Some say he's the best running back when it comes to finding the endzone. Some say he's the best pure rusher in the NFL. Some even argue that he's MVP. Well, all I know is that he broke the record for most tds after 11 weeks with 19 and has gone 6 straight season with at least 10 tds and 1000 rush yards. Also, he led all running backs in fantasy points last season (including LT). Like I said before, look out for a MONSTER season from Alexander!
#1 LaDainian Tomlinson
This is an easy pick. LaDanainian does it all. He is even 3-for-3 throwing the ball this season for three passing touchdowns. He could be a quarterback! In week 6, L.T. became the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to rush, pass, and catch his way to a touchdown. He just dominates out there! Plus, L.T. tied for the most consecutive games with a td at 18. Marty and the Chargers just love going to him (Who wouldn't?). L.T. is the epitome of consistency as he has surpassed the 1200 rush yard mark and the 10 rush td mark the past 4 years (his whole career). And don't expect that to change this year.
