August is great month for true football fans. Training camps are in full swing as teams prepare for preseason games, Madden is released, and most importantly, fantasy football season is just around the corner.
While I consider myself much more adept at drafting skaters and goalies than quarterbacks and special teams players, I have spent many hours at work this past summer reading fantasy football websites and football magazines in order to provide readers with the information necessary to not only compete, but potentially dominate their fantasy leagues this year.
Over the next week or so, I will break down positions and provide information on various players. I know that each league is run differently and that not everyone will agree with my choices, but here are my breakdowns of some of the more important positions for fantasy football teams, starting with quarterback. Enjoy!
Arguably the most obvious position in terms of the top four or five players, the quarterback position offers much debate in terms of who should be avoided and potential sleeper picks.
With rookie quarterbacks or first time starters on a couple of teams and at least one record-setting QB still in limbo, quarterback could be a difficult position to draft if the sure bets are chosen early. Here are my picks.
Pick’ Em
1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
2007 Stats: 398 Completions, 4806 Yards, 50 TDs, 8 INTs
Brady is the most obvious pick not running the ball for the Chargers. Although Brady missed out on his fourth Super Bowl last year, his record setting season allowed him to establish himself as arguably the top fantasy football player in 2008.
Surrounded by four or five excellent receivers (including Randy Moss and Wes Welker) and an improved running game featuring Laurence Maroney and newly acquired LaMont Jordan, there is no reason to believe Brady will suffer much of a drop off this season.
It is impossible to say that Brady will match last year’s output, but it is safe to assume he will have another strong season as the Patriots remain a favorite to make the Super Bowl.
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
2007 Stats: 337 Completions, 4040 Yards, 31 TDs, 14 INTs
Despite losing his favorite target to injury in 2007, Manning once again proved himself as a fantasy football stud last season with another strong campaign.
Manning puts in considerable effort off the field to maintain one of the highest football IQs in the NFL and has never missed a start in 11 seasons. I believe he will put up another 4,000 yard, 30 touchdown season as Reggie Wayne becomes his new favorite target and Anthony Gonzalez enters his second season.
It is yet to be seen whether Marvin Harrison can rebound from injuries and the off-the-field incidents that have plagued him recently, but if he can return at full strength, the Colts offense will be one of the NFL's best once again.
3. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
2007: 335 Completions, 4211 Yards, 36 TDs, 19 INTs
Luckily for fans of Tony Romo, most fantasy football leagues end before the playoffs.
All jokes aside however, Romo will be in much higher demand after throwing for 36 TDs last season. With a stronger defense giving him better field position and Terrell Owens and Jason Witten giving him two of the best targets at their respective positions, Romo should have a similar season as he settles into his third year as the Cowboys' QB.
The addition of rookie running back Felix Jones (who averaged 8.7 yards per carry while sharing the ball with Darren McFadden last season at Arkansas) should also open up the passing game by providing America's Team with a solid one-two rushing attack alongside Marion Barber.
1. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
2007 Stats: 277 Completions, 3152 Yards, 21 TDs, 15 INTs
As the quarterback in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses and a preseason Super Bowl favorite, many of you will be scratching your heads as to why Rivers is a “sleeper.” Remember this however: Rivers is not only coming off a severe knee injury, but his numbers are also rather subpar considering the offensive talent he has around him.
Armed with Chris Chambers for the whole season (along with Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd), a healthy Antonio Gates, a weak division and some guy named L.T., 2008 could be a breakout year for Rivers in terms of fantasy numbers.
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