Fantasy Football 2011: Should You Take a Chance on Plaxico Burress?

Michael Vick showed last year that time away from football doesn’t mean that your career can’t get back on track. Vick was better than ever last year and arguably the most dynamic player in the league.

While they have prison in common, there are some differences.

Vick was 30 last year while Plaxico Burress will turn 34 later this month (Aug. 12). In the real world, four years isn’t much of a difference, but in football years, that is about the average career length of an NFL player.

Of course Vick and Plax aren’t average NFL players, but one would have to think to being four years younger gave Vick an advantage, both in terms of speed and recovery.

Plaxico will have a similar disadvantage by not getting a lot of reps to work away the rust. Vick wasn’t running with the first team before either of the previous two seasons and Plaxico will have a shortened offseason thanks to the lockout.

All of the players will be dealing with that, so it won’t be as pronounced. Plus, he’ll probably be running with the first team before long, and being a veteran, he will be able to catch on faster than a newcomer.

One of the things that Vick seemed to lose in the first year but regained and then some last year was his speed and quickness.

Plaxico’s game isn’t built on speed, though. His strength, which is his 6'5'' frame, can’t be taken away from him. Even if it takes him some time to get his legs under him, he will still be a threat in the red zone.

The main issue I have with Plax is that his team isn’t oriented to pass the ball frequently.  Their focus is first on their defense and second on their running game. When the do pass the ball, Santonio Holmes will be the first option. 

Mark Sanchez is a good, winning quarterback, but isn’t likely to produce an outstanding fantasy season.

It’s all a matter of when you can get him. Currently, his MockDraftCentral ADP doesn’t have him listed and Yahoo! has him in the top 50. If you can get him as your WR4 then it’s probably worth the risk. I don’t know if I would roll the dice on him as a WR3 unless that meant I somewhat ignored the position and focused on getting a solid QB/RB/TE situation.

What’s your take on Plaxico Burress in 2011?

Also check out

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings

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