Fantasy Football 2010: Brett Favre and 10 High Risk-High Reward Players

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With most fantasy football drafts coming up, it's time to do some in depth research in order to gain an advantage over your opponents.

Often, one must take risks in order to be successful. While they may backfire, there is also the chance that they will end up paying high dividends. 

Of course, whether or not you decide to draft these type of players is completely your decision. However, in order to help you in your efforts, here is my ranking and evaluation of the top 10  high risk-high reward players of 2010.

Note: When I say 'Draft Him' or 'Pass On Him', I mean at the spot he's currently projected to be drafted at. Obviously, I'm taking Drew Brees in the 12th round if he's available.

Larry Fitzgerald

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Even though Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, many are projecting his stats to drop this season, primarily due to a terrible quarterback situation.

However, the one reason I still believe that Fitzgerald's numbers won't dip significantly is because of how Calvin Johnson was still an elite fantasy player (78 receptions for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns) in '08 despite the Lions going 0-16.

What Would I Do?: Draft him. 

Jahvid Best

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Jahvid Best, based on talent alone, is a quality No. 2 back.

He possesses tremendous athleticism and has the ability to make big-time plays. Moreover, he's set to be the lead back in Detroit.

On the other hand, he's very injury-prone.

What Would I Do?: Pass on him. 

Ben Roethlisberger

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If it hadn't been for a four-six game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Ben Roethlisberger would have been widely considered a top fantasy quarterback.

While many question how he will perform when he returns, I believe he will do just fine.

The Steelers are a strong organization, will find a way to overcome the adversity, and will not allow Big Ben to come crashing down. 

Plus, I think it's wise to stash a player away who may be suspended or injured but will return later in the season.

What Would I Do?: Draft him.

Drew Brees

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Drew Brees has established himself as an elite quarterback, and is a great first-round option...if he weren't on the cover of Madden 11.

Call me crazy, but history proves me right. The 'Madden Curse' has been detrimental to several star players, and I simply wouldn't take a risk with a top 10 pick. 

What Would I Do?: Pass on him.

Terrell Owens

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At an old age, on a run-first team with several other passing options, and with the possibility of being a major distraction, I understand what many may be thinking. "How could this be a high-reward pick?"

Well, if you take look at the three-year span from 2006-2008 with the Cowboys when he had a legitimate starting quarterback throwing to him, Owens registered 235 receptions for 3,587 yards and 38 touchdowns.

That said, even at 36, the six-time Pro Bowler still has some gas left in the tank. 

And, he's showed that with his solid play in the preseason so far. 

To be honest, I wouldn't be all that surprised to see him near, if not surpass, a 1,000 yards.

What Would I Do?: Draft him.

Jay Cutler

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Jay Cutler is truly the definition of a high risk-high reward pick.

While he may throw for nearly 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, he will also surrender 20-25 interceptions. 

Furthermore, even though several so-called 'experts' have him ranked high due to the Mike Martz effect, I'm not sold yet.

Watching Cutler, I've noticed that he cracks under pressure and makes bad decisions. In Martz's system, the quarterback is constantly under pressure, which is why I don't expect this experiment to work.

At the spot he would be drafted at, I'd much rather take Joe Flacco or Matt Ryan. 

What Would I Do?: Pass on him.

Calvin Johnson

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With his combination of raw physical skills and natural ability, Calvin Johnson's potential is tremendous.

However, I think the cons outweigh the pros.

First off, note that Johnson has some injury concerns, and will most likely miss time this upcoming season.

Moreover, Matthew Stafford is still a young, inexperienced, and unproven commodity. 

Tack on the fact that the Lions added a couple of other offensive weapons that will take away playmaking opportunities and that they have an extremely difficult schedule ahead of them, and I'm skeptical.

What Would I Do?: Pass on him.

Brett Favre

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Brett Favre recorded one of the best statistical seasons of his entire career last season, and it would seem logical to draft him again.

However, his previous track record has proved 'experts' to do otherwise. While I don't expect him to replicate last season's performance, I still think he can be a borderline No. 1 fantasy quarterback. 

What Would I Do?: Draft him.

Shonn Greene

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The New York Jets were first in rushing attempts and total rushing yards last season. However, after losing left guard Alan Faneca and running back Thomas Jones via free agency, I expect their ground game to take a step back.

Even though Shonn Greene played well in the team's magical playoff run last  season, I don't think he has the ability to be a full-time, every down back.

What Would I Do?: Pass on him.

Percy Harvin

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Percy Harvin is undoubtedly a dynamic talent, and proved so as he won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season. 

Unfortnately, he also has a severe problem with migraine headaches, and his most recent episode was so serious that it forced him to be hospitalized overnight.

Since this is a situation that can strike at virtually any time, fantasy owners would never know when he'd be available. Personally, I wouldn't feel safe drafting him.

What Would I Do?: Pass on him.