Making the Case for Terrell Owens

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Many people think Terrell Owens' nickname (TO) stands for timeout, for his childish antics that warrant being put in a timeout. His act wore thin on the Dallas Cowboys who cut their star. Owens signed with Buffalo shortly thereafter and now starts a new chapter.

Many in the fantasy football world believe that being in Buffalo is a bad situation for TO. They worry about Trent Edwards throwing him the ball. They worry that playing for a team like Buffalo (with many holes in the offense) will affect his stats. They also worry that TO is on the back end of his career.

However, the stats don't lie. Owens has had nine 1,000-yard seasons in his career with various quarterbacks, of varying skill level throwing to him. A statistical breakdown of TO's career indicates that the 2009 season will be solid for him.

After bad-mouthing Jeff Garcia in San Francisco, TO was shipped to Philadelphia, as a cancer. His first year in Philly he had 1,200 receiving yards and 14 TDs. Then, after wearing out his welcome in Philly, he was sent to Dallas.

Again, his first year in Big D, with Drew Bledsoe and the then unknown Tony Romo throwing to him, Terrell Owens put up 1,180 yards and 13 TDs. See a pattern here?

Even last year, which was considered a disappointment, TO had 1,000 receiving yards and 10 TDs.

But what of Trent Edwards you say? He's no Tony Romo or McNabb. Yes, and no. Edwards has not had the personnel around him to prove if that's the case. Does Tony Romo blow anyone away with his talent? He's prone to interceptions and is more a beneficiary of a solid team.

With TO in Buffalo, and having Lee Evans (who had 1,100 receiving yards last year) to compliment him, he might turn Edwards into the next Tony Romo. And, because this is his first year in a new uniform, expect a solid year from Owens.

I would bet good money that he'll put up 1,200-plus yards and double digit TDs this year in Buffalo. His presence also increases Edwards' value, and even Evans' value.

Don't let any of the TO-bashers dissuade you from drafting/bidding for TO on draft day. He's a top five WR in 2009. Count on it!

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