So, this year I have the 8th pick in my league’s fantasy football draft (12 team league). I’m pouring over the “experts” lists and cheat sheets, scanning mock drafts online, and skimming some random fan forums for likely picks.
I don’t know how much I like my options. Here are some of the names that have been nabbed near spot number 8:
Drew Brees
Drew Brees is projected by many to be the top QB in 2010 fantasy leagues.
Sure he’d be great to have on my team, but I’ve never been excited about him and picking a QB in the first round. The one time I picked a QB in round 1, I got burned. Bad. Tom Brady. Bastard. I’m still salty about that – and it hurts my vocabulary just thinking about it. If he’s there, though, I’ll have to consider it. I will need a backup plan, however . . .
Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson is a beast and a workhorse, but can I put my faith in anyone on the Rams?
Sjax is a beast, but I don’t know that I have faith in him to last all 16 games behind that line. With Sam Bradford behind center, Jackson will be the workhorse and will definitely have his opportunities. His touchdowns are expected to climb, but I just can’t see myself drafting any Rams players. Ever.
Frank Gore
Gore should see another jump in TDs in 2010.
I like Frank Gore. He’s talented and fun to watch. He had a good season in 2009, jumping his touchdowns into double-digits and posting solid figures in rushing and receiving yards. He has not had an injury-free season since 2006, however, and the 49ers rarely give him 20 rush attempts.
Andre Johnson
With Fitz depending on Leinart now, Andre Johnson has been projected to be the top WR in fantasy this year.
I like Andre Johnson too – he’s burned me when I’ve played against him in the past and his chemistry with QB Matt Schaub is spectacular. Barring any injuries, he could very well lead the league in receiving yards for the third year in a row. I have to say, though I usually go with a running back for the first round (and usually second, depending upon falls, etc), Johnson is whispering my name.
Michael Turner
Bowling ball Michael Turner runs and runs and runs.
Michael Turner was a workhorse in 2008, with over 370 carries. That’s a lot of carries and one of the things that the “experts” blamed for his 2009 injuries. I don’t know that I buy that, but when the guy is limited in the passing game and racks up carry after carry, I don’t know that I can risk my first pick on him – he’ll get injured if I pick him. If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have none at all.
So, let me know your thoughts. These are the five players I’ve seen the most in the number 8 spot (with the occasional Rodgers, Moss, or Manning), so I’m fairly certain that one of them will be on my team. I may not like my options, but you don’t have to like your options to win at fantasy football.
