Opportunity…. It’s what fantasy football is all about. Those who are successful in their fantasy football exploits most often take advantage of “opportunity” when it presents itself. Some wait for it to come to them, while others put wheels in motion to “make it happen”, whatever “it” is. Many call success in the “sport” luck. As in life, to get lucky you need to put yourself in position to be lucky. That’s when “opportunity” comes a-knockin’. I’ve been “lucky” in fantasy football for many years. But I’ve been in position to be lucky through hard work, study, research and “vision”. Through an insatiable need for player knowledge and extensive player research I’ve been able to tap into the talents of many breakout performers weeks and months before those stars-to-be hit the spotlight. When I lock-in on a player, especially an obscure or little-known talent, it's go time! Research for me includes going back through college performances, film study (pro and college game action, combine, pro-days, practices), medical history, skill set, body type (ht-wt-measurables), player comparison (who they remind me of), offensive or defensive scheme they currently or will play in, coaches, coaches interviews, support system (teammates), body language, strength-of-schedule (SOS), SOS at certain break points, if they have stats- who did they play, past news and at times I'll go back to their high school/college recruiting info.
Knowledge is a powerful tool. Recognizing what to do with that knowledge and when to act upon it is everything.
As the great Vince Lombardi once said, “You’re not gonna’ get perfection. But you’re gonna’ get excellence in the process.” …… It’s what I do!
It is never too early to begin planning your next fantasy football draft. Many a fantasy participant “quits” the game soon after being eliminated from competition or at the close of their championship run. However, the guy in your league who ALWAYS seems to be lining up a team for fantasy post-season play stays involved, making player evaluations and “drafting” a plan for his next playoff run. The best time to set your sights on potential breakout talent for next year is now. The performances remain fresh in our minds, the reasons for success or failure are crystal clear and your season notes have not made it into the shredder just yet.
2009 was a showcase for young talent, both on the field and in the coaching ranks. Opportunity opened its door for some players via a change of team or coaches, surrounding talent and/or another season of valuable playing experience. Take note of a few player developments that played out in 2009 and how the following players should be key targets for your 2010 draft.
QUARTERBACKS:
Matt Moore, Carolina Panthers (jersey #3)
6’3” – 202 #s
A quick look back at the Panthers’ last 5 games of ‘09 with Matt Moore at the helm was just enough to tease fan-ballers’ interests. Moore led an under-achieving 4-7 squad to 4 wins in those final 5 games he started, sporting quality Ws versus the Vikings, Giants and Saints. The 6’ 3”, 202 pounder found open receivers in the endzone 8 times with just 1 pick in that same 5 game-span. Coming out of Oregon State (via UCLA), every NFL team took a pass on Moore in the 2007 Draft. Signed by the Cowboys as a free agent, Moore performed well in the ’07 pre-season. Dallas tried to sneak him through waivers hoping to place him on the practice squad, but the Panthers snatched him up and put him on their roster. Moore shows excellent mobility, pocket awareness and a better-than-average arm. An intangible of his appears to be coming through in big situations. Due to injuries he got a start as a true freshman at UCLA and led the Bruins to victory over Stanford in his debut. He transferred to Oregon State in 2005, then in 2006 led the Beavers to a 10-win season. Cherries on the top of that season were victories over #3 ranked USC and a Sun Bowl W over Missouri. Moore passed for 356 yards, 5 total TDs (1-rushing) and garnered MVP honors for the come-from-behind Sun Bowl win. As a pro, Moore has started just 8 games yet carries a 6-2 record in those starts.
The expectation is that Matt Moore will challenge (and win) for the starting qb job against Jake Delhomme in this year’s training camp. Moore is 10 years younger than Delhomme and is on the up-tick. He has a fine offensive line in front of him and an ultra-productive rushing attack behind him (Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart). And what better wide receiver to have for a big-play QB than the always open (and how does he get so open) Steve Smith! Heck, Moore even made wash-out receiver Dwayne Jarrett relevant for once, helping the former USC star to his best game as a pro and his 1st NFL TD. Matt Moore’s lineup of 2010 opponents has the potential to be one of the weakest schedules against the pass in the league, with 2 games each versus Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay. Add in a declining Arizona team, the Rams, Bears, Seahawks, Browns and coverage-challenged Giants and you have the making of a winning formula for an ambitious young qb looking to make his mark. Matt Moore is the classic over-achiever that you’d want on your team. Now common sense says you don’t need to reach for Moore in the early rounds. There are ten 4000+ yard passers and eighteen 20+ td tossers that will garner most fantasy owner’s attention. But grabbing Matt Moore in the 9th-10th round will set your qb position solidly, opening up trade options as the season heads down the playoff stretch. And possibly, just possibly Matt Moore will be the one leading your team in week 16.
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears (jersey #6)
6’3” – 233#s
Remember the season QB Jay Cutler had in 2009? Forget about it! No, really! Drop it! Forge ahead fearlessly, undaunted by the interceptions, the ho-hum body language and the all-too-often anemic passing yards. The offense in Chi-town is going “Air Bear” and Jay Cutler will embark on a career year in 2010.
Coming along for the ride?
The Bears are making changes to their coaching staff that was so badly needed in 2009. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner, who never saw eye-to-eye with the team’s new star, transformed a dynamic passing machine that is Jay Cutler into a dispassionate train wreck. Turner got his ticket out of town. GM Jerry Angelo and Head Coach Lovie Smith culminated their search for a new approach and more aggressive passing attack with the hiring of the NFL’s mad scientist of the pass game, Mike Martz. The new OC had to first mend a “broken fence” he created with his negative in-season critiques of Cutler’s quarterbacking acumen. Martz flew out to meet with the Chicago QB, which cemented the deal. The “unspoken” word around the league is that no one wants to work with Cutler, and that Lovie Smith is hanging by a thread himself. Martz beat out Vikings’ QB coach Kevin Rodgers for the chance to work with Cutler and turn the Bears offense around. Mike Martz is in town…. let ‘er rip!
The Bears have one of the youngest receiving groups in the NFL. It is a unit composed of a variety of skills and physical tools. Most “experts” in the game carry a negative opinion about the potential of future success for Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, Devin Aromashodu (a Cutler fave!), Juaquin Iglesias and Rashied Davis. The guy that counts, the quarterback, begs to disagree. Cutler is excited and anxious to get back at it. He made it a point to show what lies ahead in his season ending performances. In the final 2 games of 2009, #6 passed for 549 yards and 8 TD passes against a single INT. He led the Bears to wins over division rival Vikings and Lions, scoring 36 and 37 points respectively. But his body language and attitude was completely opposite of what it had been since coming out of the team’s bye week back in Week 6. He stood tall, showed excitement and enthusiasm, was “into it” with his teammates and enjoyed the game again. Maybe he already knew OC Ron Turner was a goner by then. Whatever it was, Cutler made it a point to close it out on a very encouraging and high note.
Heading into 2010, the Bears will be coaching up the young group of receivers and may even add a veteran to guide this bunch along. But all signs point to Lovie Smith getting Cutler involved in an aggressive passing game, getting off to early leads and keeping the proverbial foot on the gas. Some of the shift to a heavier pass-attack is due to the shoddy run-blocking of the o-line and the sophomore slump RB Matt Forte experienced last season. The 2010 docket of opponents is there to be had. Two games against the Lions, Vikings and Packers is a great beginning for solid air success. Somewhere in that schedule will be the Eagles, Patriots, Seahawks, Giants, Dolphins and Buccaneers, all of whom had trouble stopping the opposing QB one way or another.
The popular off-season talk will be about how awful Jay Cutler was in 2009. There will be those who will squawk long and loud on the many ways the Bears’ QB cost them their season, their chance at the playoffs or never knowing when to insert that inconsistent yahoo in Chicago into the starting lineup. While your fellow league owners sit and talk about how only “a sign from God” will convince them to consider drafting Jay Cutler and his rag-tag bunch of receivers, get in on that wave that is league’s newest high-flyers… Cutler and Da Bears. If you still need to look back at 2009, jot this down in your draft notes… as bad as ‘09 seemed, Cutler set a career high for TD passes (27, reached his 2nd highest passing yards total (3666) and gave fantasy owners 8-games of 2 or more TD passes. Looking at the 6th round to add a top 5 QB is always fun. Don’t pass up your opportunity… get in position to be lucky. Plan on Jay and “Air Bear”.
RUNNING BACKS:
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs (jersey #25)
5’ 11” – 200 #s
Around Week 5 of last season, Chiefs head coach Todd Haley handed 2nd-year running back Jamaal Charles game tape of every play of Titans’ star back Chris Johnson and told to study every move Johnson made, with and without the ball. Charles took the advice and became fantasy football’s 2nd best back in the latter half of the 2009 season. Titans’ RB Chris Johnson (who many compare Charles to) was the only ball carrier with more value than Jamaal. How does Charles’ 8-game audition translate to his 2010 draft value? How about slotting the KC star in the top 5…OVERALL! WHAT?! Spend the 5th pick of the draft on a smallish speedster playing on a 4 win team? No way, you say? How would most team owners have fared had they the intestinal fortitude to select Chris Johnson in the top 5 last season? What “stud” are you going to select ahead of Mr. Charles in the all-important 1st round? Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew? Those are solid, foundation-setting choices. Steven Jackson, Matt Forte, Michael Turner, Ray Rice? Maybe. However, the Chiefs’ breakaway runner offers just as much franchise potential as that 2nd grouping of ball carriers.
Jamaal Charles has been called “Chris Johnson-lite” by some in this football circuit. While it’s a good comparison, it sells Charles’ talents short. Charles runs a blistering 4.38-second 40. Only the aforementioned Johnson (4.24) and Raiders’ RB Darren McFadden (4.33) posted better 40 times by RBs at the 2008 NFL Combine. The former Texas Longhorn brings excellent hands, runs solid routes out of the backfield and is likely to be one of the few 3-down backs in 2010. Closing out 2009, Charles finished with 1417 yards from scrimmage (1120 rushing-297 receiving) on 230 “touches” and 8 total TDs. Compare those numbers to Chris Johnson’s 1st season as a starter (2008). Johnson tallied 1488 (1228 run- 260 catch) on 294 touches and 10 total TDs. Jamaal’s 2009 yards per carry was an astounding 5.9 (on 190 carries), compared to Johnson’s stellar 4.9 YPC in ’08. Coming out of the backfield on pass plays, Charles hauled in 40 balls (56 targets) for a 7.4 YPR (yards per reception) and a td…Johnson grabbed 43 (62 targets) for 6.0 YPR and a score in ’08. They are closer in talent and opportunity than most would think. Opportunity… they key to any player’s (and fantasy footballer) success. Jamaal Charles now has the confidence of his head coach, and will begin the 2010 season as “The Man” in KC. No doubt the Chiefs will be behind in many a game due to their challenged defense, and that bodes well for Charles’ chances to blow up his 2010 numbers. The Chiefs’ potential schedule also offers opportunity as 11 of the 16 games will be against porous run defenses. Questions remain if this running back’s potential to put up top 5 numbers is lacking because of poor o-line play, or qb Matt Cassel’s inconsistency. Blow past that obstacle just as Charles did last season. The Chiefs will surely make upgrades to the line and Cassel will have another season in Coach Haley’s system. And, Charles did have that terrific 8-game run last season in-spite of that o-line and Cassel. Go for it! Doing the unthinkable and calling out Chris Johnson’s name at the top of last year’s draft would have made geniuses of us all. Study those tapes, Jamaal. Study those tapes!!
Lendale White. Seattle Seahawks (?)
6’1” – 235 #s
A speculative investment at this moment, Lendale White is penny-stock that has the chance to appreciate over-night into a blue-chip dividend maker. White is an unrestricted free agent this off-season (with a new CBA in place), and he wants a chance to carry the rock full-time. There’s that word again… opportunity! Opportunity could very well be knocking hard and loud from the Great Northwest. And White’s former boss at USC, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll, may be the one doing the knocking. With Carroll now manning the ship in Seattle, there will be changes a-plenty, starting at running back. It’s questionable if current Seahawk RB Julius Jones is Carroll’s type of guy. Jones’ 2009 running mate Justin Forsett appears to be a better fit going forward. Forsett offers good spot-time skills and passing-down ability (good hands-pass blocking). What is missing is the thunder, the 20-25 carry back that can ram home touchdowns at the goalline. Enter Mr. Lendale White. The former Trojan is a perfect fit for this offense, with the perfect coach in place. The USC connection is just too obvious, as is the opportunity for both men.
Lendale White was goalline gold just a season ago, banging home 15 rushing scores in 2008. And a look back at his 2007 act reminds us that the big guy can do more than short yardage work, as he went over 1000 yards rushing. Seattle’s 2010 opponents are tailor-made for rushing success. There are the 2 games each against the Cardinals and Rams, plus excellent “opportunity” to pad stats against the Falcons, Panthers, Chiefs, Saints, Bucs, Raiders, Chargers and Lions. In all, 12 of the Seahawks 16 games are run-friendly.
Some fantasy owners will shy away from the rumbling White due to his lack of speed, poor receiving skills (making him a 2-down back) and his lack of playing time last season. There is the perception that Lendale was somewhat unprofessional in the way he handled his back up status and duties. While the big back showed up in great shape for OTAs and training camp last season, things got a bit “soft” as the season played out and White didn’t. However, he showed he can be a force and a professional when properly motivated. Scoring a big payday and an opportunity for a full-time gig, and prove people wrong in their perceptions of him, is all the motivation White will need. It is not a stretch to see Lendale White not only return to relevance with a solid season, but go a step beyond relevance and ride the L-Train to a career year. At just 25 years of age, 4 seasons in, just 264 carries in the past 2 campaigns and his former college coach in the pro ranks, this is a perfect storm brewing for fantasy owners in 2010.
Yes, it’s all speculation… that is until he dons that Seattle Seahawk uniform. Then, it’s tabbing Lendale White’s name in the 4th round of your fantasy draft.
Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys (JERSEY #28)
6’0” – 200#s
Cowboys’ Felix Jones is another of the new breed of sleek running backs speeding their way into every-down game planning of offensive coordinators. The former Arkansas back impressed scouts with his Combine 40 time of 4.47 seconds and was taken 22nd overall by Dallas in the 2008 Draft. Proactive fantasy football owners looking to make serious runs at their various leagues’ titles need to zero in on the new model of rushing success. It’s all about touches and yards per carry (YPC) now. The 20+-carry back not only has become rare, but limits an owner’s chances of winning big since that type of back is often reduced to 2-downs of action, coming off the field on passing downs.
Felix Jones is on the precipice of his breakout season. His time has come. Yes, Dallas still has RB Marion Barber to hammer out the tough yards and vulture goalline work from Jones. 3rd string back Tashard Choice has seen an increase in playing time this past season also. But Barber’s injury history and physical style are cutting into his playing time and attractiveness in Dallas. When the Cowboys found their stride and made their playoff run in ’09, “Arkansas” Jones was the catalyst. A threat to score from anywhere on the field, Jones recorded 5.9 YPC on his way to 685 rushing yards last season. Of his four TDs, three were from 46 yards out or more (one for 73 yds). In his injury-shortened rookie season of ’08, Jones had 3 scores, one for 33 yds and another for 60, plus a 98 yard TD scamper on a kick off return. In his abbreviated career thus far, Jones has proven he is a match-up proof running back in the same mold of Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles. As a matter of fact, they all come from the same 2008 collegiate talent pool. What is even more exciting about Felix Jones is his touch factor appears to be expanding to the passing game. Last season, Jones had 19 catches, surpassing any reception total he had in college. The Cowboys’ coaching staff has worked with #28 on improving his pass blocking (still needs work there) and his passing down responsibilities. Coming out of Arkansas, Jones’ receiving skills were iffy at best. He shared the Razorback backfield with the Raiders’ Darren McFadden and Denver’s Peyton Hillis, where McFadden and Hillis handled most of the receiving duties. The past season saw Jones sharing those duties again with Barber and Choice, however, Jones’ number was called on more often in the last 5 games of the season and the 2 playoff games.
It became increasingly clear to Cowboys’ coach Wade Phillips and OC Jason Garrett that they had to get the ball in their playmaker’s hands more often. The explosive back saw 7 games of 10 or more carries in ’09, racking up 524 yards on just 89 carries (5.9 YPC) and 2 TDs in those 7 contests. Don’t think those results were lost on the Cowboys’ staff and most notably, owner Jerry Jones. From the Texas grapevine, the word is Felix Jones will have the ball in his hands often and in various ways. The “Boss” strongly suggests it! The Arkansas connection is at work in Big D…Jerry Jones loves him some Felix Jones. Fantasy football guys that want to be cutting edge and get a jump on the competition should grab some of that Arkansas love too. Let the “safe” owners in your league continue to draft “not to lose” as they call out Marion Barber, Thomas Jones, Ladainian Tomlinson and Cedric Benson. Get out in front and don’t look back in your 2010 draft. When the 4th round rolls around and you’re on the clock, holla’ out “How ‘Bout Dem Cowboys! How ‘Bout Dat Felix Jones!”.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears (jersey #13)
6’0” – 186 #s
The Chicago Bears’ 5th-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Division-II Abilene Christian, WR Johnny Knox set the school single-season record with 17 TD receptions in 2007. Some players just rise to the occasion and regardless of the “arena” you’ve got to take note. Clutch is clutch be it in the BCS games or D-II playoffs. The fleet wideout snared 16 passes, 306 yards and 8 TDs in his 4 playoff games at Abilene Christian. Knox closed out his 2 seasons there with 118 receptions for 2,227 yards and 30 TDs, the most TD receptions in the school’s history. At the 2008 NFL Combine, Johnny Knox blistered the track with a scout’s eye-catching 4.34 x 40-time. While he needed work on his route-running, he showed soft hands and the penchant for big plays. That’s where his 2010 potential lays, the big play.
In his rookie 2009 season, Knox got off to a fast start, scoring 4 TDs in his 1st five games, one being a spectacular 102 yard kick return against the Lions. An impressive stat that many will overlook is the 80 targets QB Jay Cutler sent the rookie’s way. That shows confidence from a veteran QB and the ability to get open looks. Knox converted 45 of those targets into catches for 527 yards (11.7 yards per reception) and 5 TDs; not a bad showing for a 1st-year receiver with a QB in a new program and a time-share situation at WR on the field. He also finished 3rd in the NFL in kick return average (29.0).
The popular practice of fantasy footballers is to target 3rd year wideouts, as that is the mythical time of experience when a young pass-catcher blossoms into stardom. However, the 2nd season is when you want to take that shot. Rookie receivers are being “coached up” much more aggressively, seeing quality playing time in many key situations during their maiden seasons. Seven 1st-year wideouts hauled in 40 or more passes in 2009, setting the stage for dramatic performance jumps by those gaining such valuable experience. Johnny Knox is one of those seven. His QB, Jay Cutler, had at best an up-n-down 1st year in Chi-town. Bet the house that Cutler will comeback with a vengeance in 2010 and his receivers will benefit greatly. With the recent hiring of Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator, those benefits could be great. Knox is the fastest receiver on the Bears roster and that includes supreme playmaker Devin Hester. And while Hester showed quality improvement as a receiver in ’09, he is still a work-in-progress in his conversion from D-back to receiver. Knox is pure wide receiver who has his own knack for making things happen. The Bears will put the ball in the air often, utilizing Cutler’s cannon arm and Knox’s turf-burning speed and soft hands. Chicago will line up at least 12 times against teams that gave up loads of passing yards and/or aerial scores, getting after the Lions, Packers and Vikings twice, along with the questionable air defenses of the Eagles, Patriots, Seahawks, Giants, Dolphins and Buccaneers. There is still a numbers situation in Chicago with receivers in the rotation of play. But remember those 80 targets (6th most for a rookie WR in ’09)… Cutler trusts and looks for Knox when #13 is on the field. Opportunity and a favorable situation make all the difference in a player’s performance. With Cutler’s renewed outlook and rocket arm, the dismissal of all-too-conservative o-coordinator Ron Turner, the arrival of Martz and a potentially favorable schedule, put Johnny Knox on your draft board higher than your competitors. While others “hope” to pad their roster with this talent as a 4th or 5th receiver, take the leap of faith the Bears’ burner will turn out #2 receiver numbers, adding a few long trots into the endzone as a bonus. In 2010, answer when OPPORTUNITY KNOX.
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles (jersey #18)
6’0” – 198#s
55 catches, 762 yards, 4 TDs and a 13.9 YPR. Not bad numbers. Nothing earth-shattering for a fantasy receiver for sure. But these numbers are outstanding under the circumstances they were attained. That, fantasy friends, is 55 receptions and 90 targets for a rookie wide receiver… in an Andy Reid offense!!! For those who do not understand the significance of that feat, Eagle coach Andy Reid is notorious for holding back his young wideouts in the 1st couple of years due to the complexity of his version of the West Coast Offense (WCO). Fellow Eagle WR DeSean Jackson broke the rookie mold with Coach Reid in 2008 by cranking out 62 catches for 912 yards and 2 TDs. The value of gaining such quality playing time in the 1st year of a receiver’s career is proven by Jackson’s 2nd season of play. Desean improved by just a single catch over his rookie year (62 to 63), yet saw his YPR leap from a sharp 14.7 to a dynamic 18.5, and blazed his way to the endzone 7 more times (from 2 to 9). Jeremy Maclin has the opportunity (there’s that word again) to make the same jump into the lofty circles of the elite wide receivers of the NFL in just his 2nd season. Skill set, offensive scheme and experience are not the only factors at play in Maclin’s probable 2010 rise to prominence.
DeSean Jackson is the undisputed #1 receiver in the Eagle offense. His fast track, big play ability and Andy Reid’s offense (pass to set up the pass) sets Jackson up as a scoring threat on any given play. Having a QB with long-ball capabilities in Donovan McNabb makes that threat a fact often enough to keep defenses wary. In the past 2 seasons Jackson has turned McNabb passes into TDs of 62, 71, 64, 57, 54, 48, 35 and 60 yards. Jackson’s success may be the very reason why Jeremy Maclin duplicates his teammate’s 2nd year performance of 1000+ yards and 9 or more TDs. During the 2009 regular season, Desean Jackson excused his agent and hired diva-maker and Eagle nemesis, Drew Rosenhaus. It is common knowledge in Philadelphia that Jackson wants a new deal and that Rosenhaus will no doubt point out that his client has “out-performed” his rookie contract. The last time the Eagles and Rosenhaus butted heads about a receiver “outperforming” his contract was during the Terrell Owens drive-way sit ups days. It would be a monumental surprise if the Philly “gold standard” bosses (owner Jeff Lurie and Pres. Joe Banner) soften their stance and overpay for Jackson’s services. This situation bears watching and obviously affects Jeremy Maclin directly.
Jeremy Maclin was the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. At the Combine the Missouri product posted a 4.38 x 40 time. Rated by draft guru Mel Kiper Jr as a TOP 10 talent, the Eagles were surprised to see him still on the board late in the 1st round and traded up to select the multi-talented receiver. It must be pointed out that the Birds front office is always thinking a couple of years ahead financially, and by trading up for Maclin they kill two birds with one stone: add an ultra talented receiver to a pass-happy offense and gain a safety cushion in anticipation of a Desean Jackson showdown. Anyone doubting the Philly brass would look that far ahead to head-off a potential money situation doesn’t know the true machination of Eagle management. For now let’s focus on what Jeremy Maclin brings to the field.
In 2 seasons at Mizzou Maclin was an all-purpose nightmare for opposing teams. As a receiver, Maclin produced 182 receptions for 2,315 and 22 TD catches. He also was an effective runner, taking handoffs from QB Chase Daniel 91 times, netting 668 rushing yards, 6 scores and a 7.3 YPC. Not done, the Mizzou Tiger returned 5 kicks (3 punt-2 kick off) for TDs. Truly, Maclin is a multi-faceted threat, very much like Desean Jackson. The 2nd year wideout’s role is sure to grow in the up-coming season, with or without Jackson on the field. One obstacle he will need to overcome was the occasion to “pull up” and brace for a defender’s anticipated hit… Ok, alligator arms! While it wasn’t a common occurrence, it happened just enough times for Eagle fans to take note. He’ll need to give up that practice of self-preservation if he doesn’t want the Philly crowd and radio talk show hosts on his back every week. Call it rookie mistakes for now. But the talent and the physical skills are there. The pass heavy offense of Andy Reid, much to the chagrin of the Philly faithful, shows no sign of leaning toward a more pass-run balance. On the contrary, the development of Jackson, the addition of Maclin and the sudden contribution of TE Brent Celek only points to a continued adherence to Reid’s air-it-out WCO. Maclin will thrive!
2010 will be a coming out party for Jeremy Maclin. He will be blessed with single coverage most weeks due to the various weapons Andy Reid has at his disposal. With the pro experience gained in ’09, not many cornerbacks will be able to handle Maclin one-on-one. And whether it’s Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb (that’s another story) at the helm, Maclin will be a player most fantasy owners will want in their lineups. The potential strength of schedule (SOS) is enticing as the Eagles will tee it up against the Giants twice, the Packers, Vikings, Texans, Falcons, Bears, Lions, Jaguars and Titans. All of these teams had pass coverage issues that will most likely carry into the 2010 season. Jeremy Maclin will fall in most fantasy drafts as the attention in Philly will be on Desean Jackson. Look for him to fall into the “take a flier” category when the rankings come out; 10th round and lower suggestions will be prevalent. Maclin will produce solid #3 WR numbers for the owner who didn’t wait for a “stash” move. Think Austin Collie- type results with more big-play upside. Any rookie receiver that can haul in 55 passes with Andy Reid in charge has to be the real deal. All a guy like that needs is…. Yep, opportunity! Jeremy Maclin hears the knocking, loud and clear!
These seven players all had their big moments in the spotlight in 2009. A couple directly impacted fantasy teams’ title runs (Jamaal Charles, the week 16 Jay Cutler). Some may have cost owners a chance at the post season (the evil Jay Cutler, Lendale White). Is Jay Cutler’s Jekyll-and-Hyde season a preview of things to come for 2010? Can Jamaal Charles hold up as a 16-game starter? With THAT offensive line? Felix Jones, Marion Barber or Tashard Choice? Johnny Knox!? What about Devin Hester? No way Jeremy Maclin puts up better numbers than Desean Jackson in 2010. Right? Wait, isn’t Lendale White a restricted free agent? Oh, the Collective Bargaining Agreement issue. There are so many developments that will completely change the fantasy football landscape from now until your next draft day. By taking note now while recent performances are fresh you will have a greater chance of nailing down impact players next season, players that will make a difference in your season. A couple of targeted talents gives you an excellent starting point, a solid baseline measure of the type of player you will want to shape your draft in 2010. You will better recognize the rising star from the sliding one. As events occur surrounding the players you focus on now, you’ll find your draft plan “evolving” and maturing into an exciting script. Follow the up-to-the-minute news and articles penned here on Fantasy Football Mastermind, and chances are that script you start today will bring a fantastic ending to your next fantasy football endeavor. It all starts…RIGHT NOW!
“You’re not gonna’ get perfection. But you’re gonna’ get excellence in the process.” …… It’s what I do!