Top Ten Fantasy Football Players -- 2008

Pros: Steven Jackson has played behind a poor line. He has played with a 3-13 team. He has dealt with injuries and a struggling surrounding cast. Yet he still produced. Sure, his 2007 numbers weren't even close to his 2006 numbers, but he dealt with what came to him, and actually played very well for his circumstances. Now with an improved line, and new offensive coordinator who will give the ball to him in any way he can, and with a healthy surrounding cast, expect 2006-type numbers again. There is no doubt about it, Jackson is an amazing runner. And this may be the year he joins the league of the greats. Injuries, a terrible line, and struggling teammates prevented him from repeating his 2006 numbers last year. However, things will get back to normal, and the only place he can go is up. And I'm pretty sure he will go way up.  

Cons: Jackson is a risky pick. After such a disappointing fantasy season last year, many teams will be hesitant to draft him. Although improved, the line isn't that great. And he is still on the same team that went 3-13 last year. Jackson has only had one great year, so it is hard to predict how he will do. He could be a huge disappointment again. His injury last year also raises questions about his durability. His long holdout from camp could affect how ready he is for the season. With so many question marks, the risk for Jackson may not be worth taking. His is definitely not a safe pick.

5. Tom Brady

Pros: When a quarterback averages over twenty three points every game in a league that has four point touchdowns and one point for every twenty five yards passing, you know they have to be amazing. In a league with six points per passing touchdown, fifty touchdowns translates into pure fantasy gold. Tom Brady produced insane numbers last season. In fact, if it was guaranteed that he would produce the same this year, I might take him with the first overall pick. However, Tom Brady will very likely not repeat last years numbers. But when you got Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to, Tom Brady is still a force to be reckoned with. With such a high caliber receiving corps, Tom Brady could easily merit a very high pick. Fantasy-wise, he is in a league of his own. You can safely expect big numbers from him. You can hope for gigantic numbers from him. With the bitter taste of Super Bowl defeat in his mouth, he is ready to have pay back time.

Cons: There isn't much to say against Brady. However, repeating last year's numbers will be very hard, and he may be picked to high. It severely handicaps a team to have to wait until the second round to grab a running back. Grabbing Brady may hurt you in the long run. If you are in a four point per passing touchdown league, it is best to grab a running back, or maybe wide receiver, in the first round. There are plenty of capable quarterbacks in later rounds. Brady just might not be worth his pick. Also, expect more running from the Patriots this year. Brady is a stud, but is he worth such a high pick?

6. Frank Gore

Pros: Frank Gore exploded onto the scene in 2006. His first year as a starter, he made heads turn. His combination of power, vision, and instinct proved lethal. However, his 2007 was not that great. It was good, but it definitely did not live up to expectations. But now with a new offensive coordinator, Frank Gore is ready to expand his role on the team. Slimming down during the offseason, Frank Gore took advice from Marshall Faulk and is ready to have a bigger load with more receiving in this new offense. Frank Gore wants big things from himself this year, and reports seem to say his offseason practicing has paid off. Frank Gore looks better than ever. His third year as starter, he is ready to run over every team he faces and carry the 49ers with him. Expect his best year yet. Frank Gore isn't extremely safe, but he seems at the brink of a career year. If he is in good form, he should be quite reliable but still explosive, having big games but consistently producing every week. He has a huge upside, and could prove to be an excellent pick.                                                                                              

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