Fantasy Football: 6 "Safe" Players to Draft in 2010

Remember when your Mom would make you take a jacket to school, in case that winter storm was going to hit in the middle of May? 

She used to tell me “it's better to be safe than sorry”!  We can look at fantasy football in a similar fashion. 

Why take a high risk/high reward player, when you can just take a player that will provide us will consistent production year in and year out? 

There are plenty of “one year wonders” and “flashes in the pan” in fantasy football.  We can avoid these pitfalls by selecting players that have a history of putting up strong stats year in and year out. 

We will look at six players that owners can take, and feel confident in their production for the upcoming season.  Maybe Mom was right. 

Current ADPs (Average Draft Position) are from Fantasy Football Calculator

Ryan Grant RB, Packers

There’s nothing flashy about Ryan Grant, but if you want a steady flow of 1,200 yards and 9-10 TDs, Grant is your guy. 

The Packer offensive line brings back tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, and drafted Brian Bulaga in the 2010 draft. 

The Packers’ offense is one of the best in the NFL, and Grant does not have any competition for carries.  We can count on 290-300 carries, 1,200 yards, and double digit TDs in 2010.

Current ADP:  25^th overall

Safer than:  Shonn Greene 17^th overall, Ryan Mathews 21^st overall

Antonio Gates TE, Chargers

How consistent are the TD totals for Antonio Gates?  He has 8 TDs or more in 6 consecutive seasons. 

By contrast, Tony Gonzalez has had 8 TDs in 2 consecutive seasons, throughout his entire career. 

Although TDs are the hardest thing to predict, Gates could be a shoe in for another 8 TD campaign in 2010.

You want catches and yards?  He has averaged 76 catches a year, 972 yards, and 9.5 TDs a year, while only missing a total of two games in the last six seasons.

Current ADP:  48^th overall

Safer than:  Dallas Clark 40^th overall 

Roddy White WR, Falcons

Only three current WRs have caught at least 80 passes and 1,150 yards receiving in 2008-09.  They are Wes Welker, Andre Johnson, and Roddy White.

In the past three seasons he has also scored an average of 8 TDs per season.  White has done this with the trio of Mike Vick, Matt Ryan, and Chris Redman. 

He has proven to be QB proof, consistent, and will once again produce big numbers in 2010.

Current ADP:  19^th overall

Safer than:  Miles Austin 16^th overall, DeSean Jackson 26^th overall        

Peyton Manning QB, Colts

The king of consistency.  In his 12 seasons, he has never missed a game. 

In 12 seasons he has thrown 30 plus TDs five times, and thrown for over 4,000 yards in 10 of those seasons. 

He has never thrown for less than 3,739 yards or 26 TDs.  There is not a safer fantasy option than Peyton, as 4,000 plus yards and 30 plus TDs should be easily obtained. 

He is only downfall could be that the Colts could run away with AFC South, and he could be pulled in weeks 16-17.

Current ADP: 20^th overall

Safer than:  Aaron Rodgers 10^th overall      

Jason Witten TE, Cowboys

If you are looking for consistent catches and yards, look no further.  Witten has posted at least 950 yards in 3 straight seasons, only Todd Christensen has matched that feat. 

Witten has three straight seasons of at least 80 catches, only Tony Gonzalez and Todd Christensen have matched those reception numbers.  Witten only had 2 TDs last season, and has only 15 red zone targets in the last two seasons, combined. 

The Cowboys have been on record as saying that they would like to get Witten more involved in the red zone.  Witten has 90 receptions last season, but only 2 TDs. 

Look for that number to increase to the 6-8 range, and Witten to be an elite TE option, again.

Current ADP:  58^th overall

Safer than:  Vernon Davis 52^nd overall, Jermichael Finley 55^th overall  

Brandon Marshall WR, Dolphins

Brandon Marshall can roll out of bed and catch 100 passes a year. 

He is an absolute monster, being referred to as “Baby T.O.”, “Godzilla”, and “The Beast”.  Nnamdi Asomugha has been on record as saying that Marshall is “toughest guy to bring down one-on-one”. 

Marshall has averaged 102 catches, 1,236 yard receiving, and 7.6 TDs per year over the last two seasons.  He was still able to catch 100 passes with Kyle Orton at QB. 

Chad Henne’s cannon is an upgrade over Orton’s pea shooter, so it could be another 100 catch, 1, 000 plus yards receiving, and double digit TD season for Marshall.

Current ADP:  18^th overall

Safer than:  Larry Fitzgerald 12^th overall, Marques Colston 27^th overall  

Tommy Rowan is the co-founder and writer for fantasyfanplay.com

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