2007 Fantasy Football Preview

By Ryan Kerr, contributing writer
Posted on September 6, 2007

It’s that time of year again, football fans. You no longer have to spend your summer nights watching reruns of “Conan” and “That 70’s Show.” After six long months of waiting, the kickoff of the 2008 NFL season begins today. Most die hard fantasy football players have already drafted their teams and set opening day lineups, but for those lucky few who haven’t, I am going to breakdown the top ten fantasy studs for each major fantasy category.

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

This one should be a no-brainer. In the last three years, Manning has thrown an astounding 108 touchdown passes compared to only 29 interceptions. Though experts passed on Manning until the second round of most mock drafts, the two-time MVP should be the first quarterback taken and slip no further then pick No. 5.

2. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati

Coming off his first 4,000 yard passing season, you have no reason not to expect 30 touchdowns and another 4,000 yards from the Bengals quarterback. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh catch everything in sight, giving the Bengals the second best receiving core in the league. Palmer will be gone by mid-second round.

3. Marc Bulger, St. Louis

The ringleader for the fastest show on turf, Bulger has established himself as the NFC’s best quarterback. St. Louis’ fun-and-gun offense leads to many touchdowns and long scoring drives. Newcomers Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael bring a different dimension to the St. Louis air attack. Bulger should be picked late second, early third.

4. Tom Brady, New England

Three time Super Bowl winner and NFL pretty boy has had an up and down off-season. The good news, his receiving core got a major boost with the acquisitions of Randy Moss, Dante Stallworth, and Wes Welker. The bad news, Gisele is getting upset that the team is getting more attention then she is. Don’t sweat it though; Brady is a third round steal. 

5. Drew Brees, New Orleans

Brees has established himself as one of the best QBs in the NFL over the past three years. In that time, he has thrown for at least 24 touchdowns and nearly 3,200 yards. With Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, and company getting ever better in the second year, expect even more. Brees should be gone by round three.

Running Backs

1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego

The best player on the planet. After breaking the single season rushing touchdown record with 28 TDs, he should be the No.1 player drafted in every fantasy league. Oh yeah, he also threw for two touchdowns and caught three more.

2. Stephen Jackson, St. Louis

Jackson is bringing up discussion of another former St. Louis Ram by running for over 1,500 yards and catching another 800 last season. He is young, tough, and ready to run. He will better his stats, should be the No.2 pick in every draft.

3. Larry Johnson, Kansas City

LJ followed his spectacular 2005 with a very good 2006. His 37 touchdowns over the past two years are good for a cool No.2 behind Tomlinson. The question is not with Johnson, it’s with the rest of the Kansas City offense.  Two of their veteran offensive linemen retired and one-year-wonder Damon Huard is under center. Don’t forget, the Kansas City receivers scare no one.  Will be there at pick three, gone by five.

4. Frank Gore, San Francisco

Gore burst onto the scene last year running for 1,700 yards and nine touchdowns. The up and coming 49ers should improve in year two of the Mike Nolan regime, but nagging injuries remain a question for Gore. He could go anywhere from third to sixth.

5. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis

Remember how good Edgerrin James was with the Colts? Well you’ve found his replacement. Expect 1,200 yards and 10 TDs. He is a top seven pick.

Wide Receivers

1. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati

Ocho Cinco always seems to amaze us with his week-to-week dances and haircuts. Hey, I don’t care, he can play. Count on 1,400 yards and 13 TDs.  Get him round two.

2. Torry Holt, St. Louis

Holt is building a hall-of-fame resume and continues to dominate the competition. Though his receiving yards were down a bit last season, I look for him to bounce back and revert to his 2005 form. Expect 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. Cash in during round three.

3. Steve Smith, Carolina

Smith was not quite him self in 2006 after an unbelievable 2005 season. Most would attribute it to leg injuries and inconsistent quarterback Jake Delhomme.  I would put my money on the latter. He might be gone by round three.

4. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis

The time is now. No longer will Wayne play second fiddle to an aging Marvin Harrison. The problem remains though, Harrison will take away some of Wayne’s touchdowns. Take him either way, expect 1,300 and 12 and to be gone by round four.

5. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis

Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Harrison continues to produce at an all-pro level. After a slow start, Harrison finished the season with 1,366 yards and 12 TDs. Even with Peyton Manning at the helm, it is going to be extremely hard to duplicate those numbers. Get him as a late four, early five.

Tight Ends

1. Antonio Gates, San Diego

This man can flat out rake. Gates is the only tight end in the NFL to average 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past three years. It’s hard to say where to take him, should be a late fourth or early fifth rounder.

2. Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City

Gonzalez has no one to get him the ball. Factor in Larry Johnson carrying the ball another 400 times and that leaves you with 800 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, for Gonzalez to every be a top tier fantasy tight end, he will need to switch teams. He should be available as a late sixth or early seventh.

3. Todd Heap, Baltimore

After two straight injury free seasons, Heap is ready to establish himself as one of the best red zone tight ends in the game. Steve McNair will find plenty of opportunities to get him the ball. Take a chance on Heap as an early sixth round pick.

4. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland

After a motorcycle accident cost him his entire 2005 season, Winslow responded by leading all tight ends with 89 catches and finished third with 875 yards. Whether it be Charlie Frye or Brady Quinn, Winslow will get the ball. He should be available in the seventh round.

5. Chris Cooley, Washington

The Big Cool has been lights out over the past two seasons even when the Redskins have not. Look for young starter Jason Campbell to look Cooley’s was early and often. You will find him in the eighth round, but take him in the tenth.