Contract Year Players Ready to Impress

If you clicked this to see some QB input, you’ve come to the wrong place. This will strictly deal with RB/WR and maybe a TE. Sadly, money is one of the few things that can truly please and motivate most of the professional athletes in today’s world. But hey, more motivation from the players to play for a bigger contract equals more fantasy production. There are several contract year players this year, but I’ll name the ones that I think will flourish.

1. Ray Rice RB, Baltimore Ravens- Upcoming and promising true superstar. If you’re in a PPR league, take him ahead of AP, Chris Johnson, and Jamaal Charles. Yes, you read correctly. 2nd overall if you have the chance. He is a pure beast in the backfield. He can catch, he can run the routes, and he’s just flat out athletic. His short height allows him to be a smaller target for opposing tacklers, and making his overall center of gravity smaller. Hmm, sounds a lot like Maurice Jones-Drew, just younger and in a much better system.

2. Larry Fitzgerald WR, Arizona Cardinals- I really, really like Fitz this year. Kevin Kolb is now at QB instead of the 3 Stooges he had to deal with last year. Steve Breaston isn’t there to steal any receptions anymore. Oh, you’re dubious of his production because he might get double-teamed? All you ignorant critics see is his drop in numbers, not what he still did when he was dealt with an extremely poor hand. He was triple-teamed last year yet still produced over 1000 yards. He had no support at QB or the run game, both not easing any pressure for him. Kevin Kolb and Ryan Williams both change that. Expect production. Top 5 WR production.

3. Vincent Jackson WR, San Diego Chargers- Pure stud. Finally, he and San Diego has straightened out their off-field issues. Vince Jackson has an elite QB in Rivers, who he by the way has played with for 7 years. And he has a potential HOF Antonio Gates at the TE position, tightening the zone to cover the middle, allowing Jackson to get the 1 on 1 in a vertical threat situation. And we all know who’s going to win that matchup. Yes, you got it: the freakishly athletic and tall Vincent Jackson, the WR easily a top 10 wideout this year. Who knows, maybe even top 5.

4. Mike Wallace WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Wallace has a year of experience in the Pittsburgh offense under his belt. Even more so, it’s virtually staying the same. Big Ben is still there, and after last year’s numbers and observations, Roethlisberger obviously trusts Mike Wallace. Research shows 3rd year receivers tend to have one of their most productive seasons. And of course, the deep threat burner Mike Wallace is in his 3rd year.

5. Matt Forte RB, Chicago Bears- Whether or not you’re in a PPR-based league, Matt Forte still holds efficient value. He’s consistent in the Chicago offense and they’ll be looking to run a lot this year after Jay Cutler’s charade last season. I believe he’ll return to his rookie prowess this upcoming season. He’s one of those hybrid backs that can do it all. He’s a low risk running back with high reward.

6. Desean Jackson WR, Philadelphia Eagles- You saw what Desean Jackson was capable of last season. He burns any cornerback and the arguably fastest cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, is now a part of the Eagles team. Desean Jackson takes care of punt returns too and although he may not be the true No. 1 WR in Philadelphia, he will output the most fantasy points via special teams.

7. Brandon Lloyd WR, Denver Broncos- I know what you’re thinking. Last season was a fluke and this season he’ll truly prove to be a bust. I truly believe he’s a stud receiver. He’s by far the leading candidate for targets and receptions in Denver and this will carry on in the 2011 season as well. You same doubters claimed Miles Austin, Desean Jackson, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe, and Vincent Jackson were all flukes and busts- where did that leave you? Oh right, not winning a ship in your fantasy league. Draft Lloyd with confidence.

8. Jermichael Finely TE, Green Bay Packers- Remember last season when he was actually playing in the first couple of weeks? He was clearly Aaron Rodgers’s most reliable and clear-cut No. 1 target. For those of you who think Greg Jennings will do just as good or almost as good as last season, tread lightly. Jennings was barely targeted in the 1st few weeks and it was because of this guy. Then, soon as he got hurt, Jennings became the fantasy wideout he was meant to be. Say goodbye to that crowning, and draft Finley ASAP.

9. Mario Manningham WR, New York Giants- After the recently moved Steve Smith, I really do like Manningham’s chances of becoming a solid No. 2 wideout or flex. Well, truth be told, I liked him before Steve Smith even went to Philly. With the athletic freak Hakeem Nicks getting all the defensive pressure and attention, Manningham will be an easy and reliable security blanket for Eli Manning. True sleeper, but perhaps not a sleeper at all anymore. Draft him without any doubt or concern.

10. Jerome Simpson WR, Cincinatti Bengals- Some of you may not even know who this is. Well, he’s the guy who won’t be getting any defensive pressure because the defensive backs will all be hawked on the prospect A.J. Green. So yes, Jerome Simpson will be opposite of him, not Jordan Shipley. And yes, Jerome Simpson holds good speed, size, and hands. And yes, Andy Dalton is quarterback which only means that he’ll be worrying more about trying to make safe passes to less pressure Simpson than a attention drawing A.J. Green.