Fantasy Football: 10 Bold Predictions

Fantasy football is a fickle thing.  Every year some players step up, while others disappoint.  Many predictions and forecasts are made about these players.  These predictions make “fantasy experts” look like either Zoltan or the Amazing Kreskin.   Either way, we’re willing to put our boldest predictions on the line.  Here are 10 of our peerless prognostications.

Pierre Garcon will lead the Colts in TD receptions in 2010

He’s currently starting opposite Reggie Wayne.  Wayne isn’t getting any younger and Dallas Clark will be more of a focus for opposing defenses.  Pierre will be the benefactor.

Laurence Maroney breaks 1,000 yards and 12 TD’s

This might possibly be the boldest prediction of the bunch.  But it’s really not, if you look at the numbers.  He had 757/9 TD’s last season.  Welker is coming back from a serious knee injury, Moss is a year older, and Brady is in a bit of contract dispute.  I seriously doubt Brady will feel like hanging out in the pocket waiting to take another low blow without a long-term contract.  All this leads to more rushing opportunities for Maroney.

Mike Wallace finishes as a top 15 WR

Santonio Holmes is out.  That leaves 79/1,248/5 for someone to pick up.  Wallace is the guy.  All he needed before was more targets.  That happens in 2010.

Donald Brown will be a fantasy must start by mid-season

Addai is still the guy, at least for the time being.  Brown has another year under his belt.  He fits the offense well and can catch it out of the backfield.  We think that Brown is due to break out and take the reins in Indy, sooner than later.

Mohamed Massaquoi finishes as a top 25 WR

Delhomme loves throwing to “Mohameds”.  Delhomme is terrible, but that’s still a step up from what the Browns had last season.    Massaquoi is the #1 guy and should get the majority of targets.

Carson Palmer finishes as a top 7 QB

When Palmer is healthy, he can be elite.  His 2008 season was a complete wash.  Let’s not forget that last season he had 24 TD’s (3 rushing).   With Ocho Cinco and T.O bringing the show in Cincy, Palmer’s passing yardage should rebound significantly.

Sidney Rice finishes outside the top 20 WR’s

There were already health concerns, even before Favre’s endless retirement drama.  Rice has had one good season.  We all saw this with Braylon Edwards in 2007.  He had one monster year and then fell back into mediocrity just as fast.  With or without Favre, Rice will have a difficult time matching last season’s numbers.   Too much has to go right, and it won’t.

Jabar Gaffney has 80+ receptions and 1,000 yards receiving

He’s played in Josh McDaniels offense before, so he’s comfortable with the system.  Moreno and D. Thomas are already dinged up.  Gaffney finished last season strong with 21/282/2 TD’s over the last 2 games.  Gaffney could be this season's Steve Smith (NY). 

Marion Barber will be the lead RB in Dallas

Ok, so this is the least “bold” prediction, but everyone loves Jones this year…not us!  I’ve got no faith that Felix Jones can stay healthy for a full season.  Jones might begin the season as the starter which will lessen the load on Barber, keeping him fresh for when Felix breaks down.  This will be an elite offense and there should be plenty of goal line carries coming Barber’s way in 2010.

Zach Miller finishes as a top 5 TE

Jason Campbell is a huge upgrade a QB.  Campbell and Cooley had solid seasons together in WAS.  I expect Campbell and Miller to do the same in OAK.  Miller will be the most consistent, dependable receiving threat in Oakland this season.  He will be looked to early and often!

Article written by: Rick Coeburn

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