NFL Tickets - Fantasy: 10 Players I Love in 2010
August 29, 2010 by Stub_Hub
Here are 10 players whose fantasy prospects I love heading into the 2010 season. (Note: This article was written on Aug. 17.)
Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars: OK, I understand that I'm not exactly going out on a limb here, but I believe that Mojo is actually the most reliable fantasy running back in the game right now. Think about it: Chris Johnson is coming off a season (albeit a fantastic one) in which he received a huge workload. He's never touched the ball anywhere close to that many times before and he's not the biggest of guys.
Adrian Peterson, the other player that will probably be picked ahead of MJD in most drafts, is coming off a season in which he had major fumbling issues and has a potentially shaky quarterback situation brewing. As for Pocket Hercules (yup, the dude has three nicknames), he doesn't have many, if any, question marks surrounding him. If I wouldn't get chided for doing so, I might actually draft him number one overall.
Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens: Rice is likely to go in the top five in most fantasy drafts, so yes, this is another obvious pick. However, getting Rice with the fourth pick or later is a great situation for a fantasy owner to be in. The pick brings the upside of a top three pick, but gives owners a much better shot at a top receiver in round two. Rice may see his reception total dip a bit this season with Anquan Boldin in town, but I think he'll be a better runner and could get some more goal line work.
Shonn Greene, Running Back, New York Jets: Greene revealed himself to be a beast down the stretch and in the postseason last year, which was enough for the team to release a 1,400-yard rusher Thomas Jones this offseason. The team brought in future Hall-of-Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, but I don't see him as much of a threat to Greene's fantasy value. If anything, Tomlinson's presence will keep Greene fresher down the stretch in 2010, while not cutting into his ground workload too much. If last season was any indicator, Tomlinson is all but finished as an electric runner, but he will be useful in the passing game.
People worry that he'll steal goal line carries, but Greene is the more powerful back, so please explain to me why the Jets would lift Greene inside the five. Oh, did I mention that the Jets have the best offensive line in the league and are a run-first team?
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions: With a year under Matthews Stafford's belt and some new weapons in town to distract the attention of defenses, I think 2010 will be the year that Calvin Johnson shows us what he can really do. If he's everything he's supposed to be, the results could be astounding. He's got as much upside as any receiver in the fantasy game.
Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romance could be in for his best season yet, both in reality and fantasy. One could argue that no quarterback in the league has more weapons at his disposal than Romo.
Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles: While DeSean Jackson is a great deep threat and sells loads of NFL tickets, I love Maclin as a more possession-oriented receiver, as well as a guy that can make the big play. Kevin Kolb will look to find some reliability in the receiving corps in his first season under center, and I think he'll find it in Maclin and Brent Celek. I would not be surprised if Maclin registers more catches than Jackson this season.
Joe Flacco, Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens: Flacco should be in for his breakout fantasy year. He's got a good running game, a great check down option in Rice, a legitimate number one wideout and he's entering his third season as a pro. The stars just seem to be aligning for this kid.
Pierre Garcon, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne showed some signs of wear and tear last season as he wore down physically down the stretch. Garcon was the guy who stepped up in the postseason and could be the next great Indianapolis wideout. Don't expect him to out-produce Wayne just yet, but he should present great value on draft day.
Jermichael Finley, Tight End, Green Bay Packers: Finley was a monster down the stretch and in the postseason last year. Aaron Rodgers is developing a real chemistry with this youngster, which could make Finley a top three tight end in 2010. He's got a ton of talent and has drawn comparisons to Antonio Gates.
Roddy White, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons: He's become a steady fantasy presence over the last few years, but also still presents owners with significant upside. If you can get him toward the end of round two, don't hesitate.
Ricky Williams, Running Back, Miami Dolphins: What has Ronnie Brown done to prove that he can stay healthy? The answer is absolutely nothing. Williams' time away from football has kept his legs fresh and he could have one big season left in him if given the opportunity.
