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QUARTERBACKS
1. Donovan McNabb
- Despite losing games of late, McNabb is having a career fantasy year.
The Philly QB leads the league in passing yards, is tied for top spot
in total TDs, and is second to Mike Vick in rushing yards. Donte Stallworth
was an early blessing prior to injuring his hamstring (and should be back
in week 10), but McNabb was able to persevere in his absence with feeds
to RB Brian Westbrook and WR Reggie Brown. Donovan has demonstrated he
doesn't need top 5 receivers to be the top fantasy quarterback...which
is a good thing for his owners.
2. Peyton Manning
- Manning is an absolute STUD...especially of late. His 106.0 passing
rating leads all QBs on the season. Manning is second to McNabb in passing
yardage (by only 21) and is tied in TD total with 19. Looking ahead, Manning
has two of the league's best wide receivers, a good pass catching running
back and tight end, and the Colts have a pass friendly offense. The only
issue for Manning owners is with the fantasy playoffs...IFF the Colts
have a loss by week 16, expect Manning and the rest of the Colt skill
players to be given time off for good behavior (not good for fantasy owners
if fortunate enough to make it to their superbowl).
3. Michael Vick
- Is he a running back or a quarterback? I think he's both.
Although Vick's total TDs amounts to only 13, he has a whopping 576 rushing
yards!...which is huge in most leagues. Vick's passing rating is a mere
79.0, but most fantasy owners don't care too much if he doesn't thread
the needle to a group of below average wide receivers...it's Vick's rushing
yards that put the exclamation point on his average quarterback passing
stats and make him the number 3 fantasy QB at mid-season.
4. Drew Brees
- All Drew Brees has done is taken a sub-500 team and made
them a contender by reading defenses, throwing accurate passes for touchdowns,
and given New Orleans fans a football spirit like the city has never seen.
And, oh yes...Brees took virtual no-name wide receiver Marques Colston
and made him the top fantasy WR through 8 games of 2006. If you were lucky
enough to "settle" for Drew Brees at QB in the mid rounds of
your fantasy draft, then you're probably at least winning your division
and likely to make the playoffs.
5. Marc Bulger
- Same 'ol consistent Marc Bulger in 2006. Bulger's 102.1 passer rating
and 2300 passing yards show why Bulger can continue to counted upon despite
coaching and personnel changes. The only downside to Bulger's stats to
date may be his TD production...which amount to only 13.
6. Eli Manning
- Brother Eli is a great QB, but he's still throwing to the
wrong color jersey. After compiling 17 INTs last season, Eli has already
thrown 9 this year. On a more positive note, the potential is there and
Manning has demonstrated he has the ability with his 15 passing touchdowns.
Key targets Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey are Manning's bread and
butter and will continue to be keys down the stretch as the Giants prime
themselves for the NFL playoffs.
7. Rex Grossman
- Grossman may be the 7th rated fantasy QB, but only because
he's pass happy - often using extremely poor judgement. A benefactor of
the Bears tenacious D, Grossman has been given good field position and
plenty of clock time, ultimately deciding to throw the ball in situations
where the Bears would be better off running and giving their defense a
rest (think Kyle Orton and the 10 wins last season followed by an early
playoff loss where Grossman started and basically threw away the game
on 1st and 2nd downs). Grossman has thrown for 14 TDs this season, but
the 10 INTs are wearing out the Bears defense and fantasy owners who have
interceptions counted against them.
8. Tom Brady -
Tom Brady continues to be one of the great QBs of our time. But this year,
Brady doesn't have quality wide receivers to mention. Up until the Patriot's
8th game, Brady was thought of as a top 5 fantasy QB with 14 touchdowns
and a decent passer rating. But the Colts came to town and forced 4 (FOUR)
interceptions without a TD on SNF...thus plummeting Brady's stats and
fantasy ranking.
|
Top Fantasy Quarterbacks
2006 (Through 8 Games)
|
|
QB
|
Pass Comp
|
Pass Att
|
Pass Yards
|
Pass Rtng
|
Int
|
Pass TDs
|
Rush Yds
|
Rush TDs
|
|
Donovan McNabb
|
162
|
277
|
2312
|
97.3
|
5
|
16
|
200
|
3
|
|
Peyton Manning
|
183
|
281
|
2291
|
106.0
|
3
|
17
|
6
|
2
|
|
Michael Vick
|
114
|
207
|
1362
|
79.0
|
7
|
11
|
576
|
2
|
|
Drew Brees
|
187
|
285
|
2212
|
95.2
|
7
|
14
|
8
|
0
|
|
Marc Bulger
|
186
|
290
|
2300
|
102.1
|
1
|
13
|
15
|
0
|
|
Eli Manning
|
160
|
261
|
1851
|
87.5
|
9
|
15
|
3
|
0
|
|
Rex Grossman
|
148
|
260
|
1853
|
81.1
|
10
|
14
|
-6
|
0
|
|
Tom Brady
|
155
|
267
|
1799
|
83.5
|
8
|
14
|
43
|
0
|
RUNNING
BACKS
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
- If he stays healthy, Tomlinson is on a pace to gain over 2300 total
yards and 28 TDs (not counting his passing TDs). LT2's touchdown total
(15) through 8 games almost doubles the total (8) of the #3 ranked fantasy
RB on the board...wow! So bascially, LaDainian by himself has outperformed
every opponent duo fantasy RB combo (if LJ is taken from the mix). And
there is no reason to think that Tomlinson will slow down any time soon.
At this rate, LT will own a record or two by season's end.
2. Larry Johnson
- As predicted, Larry Johnson is busting out and pounding defenses for
massive yards and more than his share of TDs. Coach Herman Edwards stated
in preseason that the Chiefs would run the ball 550 times in '06 and he's
proving to be a prophet. LJ's 199 carries (combined with a few other team
carries) is putting KC right on that number and lighting a fire on the
fantasy scoreboards of Johnson owners. LJ has nearly exact yardage totals
to LaDainian (to the point of being scary) through 8 weeks. His 11 TDs
are more than respectable and he should stay on that pace throughout the
rest of the season.
3. Willie Parker
- Fast Willie has been "up and down Willie" throughout the first
half of the season. Parker may be 3rd in fantasy results on our mid-term,
but his stats have some undercurrents worth noticing. While getting a
considerable number of touches, Parker's yards per touch is lower than
most on our list. Furthermore, the Steelers are all but out of the NFL
playoffs - meaning that Pittsburgh is in a dire situation and may go a
bit of a different direction down the stretch.
4. Brian Westbrook
- Mr. Versatility is staying true to form and boosting his
numbers. With 38 receptions (huge for a RB) through 8 games, Westbrook
leads his team and has been huge in fantasy leagues that reward RBs that
catch the ball. BW is tied at 4th with 7 TDs and should see his numbers
continue as the season progresses...especially with the year McNabb is
having as the Philly QB.
5. Kevin Jones
- Jones is thriving in Mike Martz' offense. His 41 receptions
are huge and KJ is no longer the poor man's Brian Westbrook. In fact,
KJ's stats are very close to Westbrook's...with only 21 less total yards
and the same number of TDs. Jones just needs to improve his yards per
touch to move up on our list by season's end.
6. Steven Jackson
- Jackson is a Hoss! His 1100+ total yards are in the same ballpark as
Tomlinson and LJ. The primary difference between SJax and the top two
RBs on our midterm board is in Jackson's TD production (4). If Jackson
can start finding his way into the endzone in the last 8 games, he moves
way up on fantasy boards. Jackson is the real deal and should make a move
in the 2nd half.
7. Clinton Portis
- Portis looked like a potential early bust with a shoulder injury that
was thought to linger throughout the season, but Portis is now starting
to put up consistent yardage and TDs. His 7 TDs ties him for 4th among
RBs...if he can continue his current pace and boost his yardage totals,
Portis becomes a top 5 RB down the stretch.
8. Rudi Johnson
- What's up with the Bengals? Rudi's done okay with his 6 TDs and nearly
700 total yards, but his and Cincy's performance hasn't been stellar or
up to their potential. Last year, Rudi Johnson scored in only 2 tds in
first 8 games with only 1-100 yard performance. Then Rudi seemed to turn
it on for the last half of the season. He finished with 1548 yards and
12 touchdowns and was a strong and consistent performer for the final
8 games. Let's see what he is able to do in the last half this season.
9. Ronnie Brown
- Brown quietly put up 870 yards and 4 TDs with a Dolphin team that is
playing way below expectations (although they did knock off the undefeated
Bears on the road in week 9). Brown may continue to go unnoticed and is
worth a pickup/trade since there's no reason to believe he will have a
2nd half with any less results.
|
Top Fantasy Running Backs
2006 (Through 8 Games)
|
|
RB
|
Rush Att
|
Rush Yards
|
Rcptns
|
Rec Yards
|
Total Yards
|
TDs Rush
|
TDs Rec
|
|
LaDainian Tomlinson
|
169
|
828
|
38
|
323
|
1151
|
12
|
2*
|
|
Larry Johnson
|
199
|
816
|
27
|
329
|
1145
|
9
|
2
|
|
Willie Parker
|
162
|
634
|
20
|
142
|
776
|
6
|
2
|
|
Brian Westbrook
|
97
|
500
|
38
|
401
|
901
|
4
|
3
|
|
Kevin Jones
|
136
|
584
|
41
|
296
|
880
|
6
|
1
|
|
Steven Jackson
|
170
|
691
|
41
|
412
|
1103
|
4
|
0
|
|
Clinton Portis
|
121
|
498
|
16
|
164
|
662
|
7
|
0
|
|
Rudi Johnson
|
160
|
629
|
12
|
60
|
689
|
6
|
0
|
|
Ronnie Brown
|
151
|
621
|
27
|
249
|
870
|
4
|
0
|
* - plus 1 Passing Touchdown
WIDE
RECEIVERS
1. Marques Colston
- Drew Brees came to New Orleans and made this virtual no-name
wide receiver a fantasy star. In fact, most reading this are jumping to
double-check the accuracy of the numbers...but rest assured - they're
right. Joe Horn had been the staple fantasy wide receiver N.O. (and Donte
Stallworth to a lesser extent prior to going to Philly in the off-season),
but Colston has outdone anything previously accomplished by a Saints WR
through the first half of the season. Colston is the pick-up of the season
for fantasy owners who jumped on him early...and there is no reason to
think MC will have a decline in numbers down the stretch (esp. with Brees
throwing the ball).
2. Torry Holt
- Holt keeps catching the ball and scoring touchdowns for St. Louis. Marc
Bulger has a passing rating of over 100, so guess what...Holt will continue
to catch the ball and score touchdowns - no surprise here.
3. Javon Walker
- Jake Plummer had only 4 TDs through the first 6 games and
Walker was looking like a real reach. But then something happened...Walker
took off as Plummer got better. Walker came off a major knee injury that
had him sidelined last season, but this kid has proved in recent weeks
that he's capable of duplicating (or improving) his breakout numbers from
2004. IFF Plummer can keep it together, Walker will be huge down the stretch.
4. Darrell Jackson
- When DJax is on the field, he's the man in the Seattle wide receiving
corps...period. And it doesn't seem to matter whether it's Matt Hasselbeck
or backup Seneca Wallace at the reigns - Jackson is the key target. The
Seahawks have had some up and down games on the season, but DJ has been
surprisingly consistent for fantasy owners regardless of team chemistry
or the scoreboard. Provided Jackson stays healthy, Seattle has every reason
to keep throwing the ball his way as the season progresses.
5. Reggie Wayne
- Most unfamiliar with the Colts didn't believe the 1A and 1B analysis/prediction
given to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. But, it's proving itself out
on the field. QB Peyton Manning is excellent at reading matchups and taking
what opposing defenses give him. As defensed guard Harrison, Manning goes
Wayne's direction (as seen at Denver)...and as defenses adjust back toward
Wayne the next week, Manning goes back to Harrison (as seen in New England).
Both Wayne and Harrison have very similar stats and there will be plenty
enough to go around in the final 8 games.
6. Marvin Harrison
- See Wayne. Harrison can do it all and is quickly being considered as
one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game. Marvin's numbers
aren't slowing and is on pace to set several NFL records as long as he
continues to stay healthy and play in Indianapolis - especially with Peyton
throwing him the ball.
7. Terrell Owens
- Regardless whether you like Owens or not, he is a STUD on the football
field. Although it doesn't seem like T.O. has busted out through 8 games
(and he really hasn't), he still has fantasy stats that have him in the
top 10 through the first half. Once Terrell finds his stride and better
chemistry with new quarterback Tony Romo, Owens should improve his fantasy
WR stats/ranking by season's end.
8. Reggie Brown
- Brown has been the right place at the right time. With Stallworth out
with a hammy for several of the first 8 games, Brown has been the go-to
guy in Philly (besides RB Brian Westbrook). Brown's 500 yards and 6 TDs
have made him a nice play for daring owners who have started him, but
Brown's production may be limited a bit with the return of Stallworth.
9. Andre Johnson
- Andre Johnson (and Roy Williams) may be the most skilled wide receiver
presently in the NFL. In an anemic Houston offense, AJ still leads the
league in receptions and yardage. Sure, much of Johnson's production has
been in garbage time...but Johnson is the real deal and will continue
to produce - perhaps with a few more touchdowns in the final 8 games.
10. Roy Williams
- ROY is an amazing talent at wide receiver and finally has
an offensive coordinator who can bring out his ability. Williams may be
only at number 10 in wide receiving fantasy stats through 8 games, but
watch for Williams to move into the fantasy WR top 5 in the final 8 games
as Martz and Detroit air out their offense and score mega NBA style points.
|
Top Fantasy Wide Receivers
2006 (Through 8 Games)
|
|
WR
|
Rcptns
|
Rec Yards
|
TDs
|
|
Marques Colston
|
44
|
700
|
7
|
|
Torry Holt
|
45
|
624
|
7
|
|
Javon Walker
|
39
|
669
|
5, 1(run)
|
|
Darrell Jackson
|
41
|
623
|
6
|
|
Reggie Wayne
|
44
|
732
|
5
|
|
Marvin Harrison
|
52
|
698
|
5
|
|
Terrell Owens
|
44
|
558
|
6
|
|
Reggie Brown
|
26
|
502
|
5, 1(run)
|
|
Andre Johnson
|
65
|
752
|
4
|
|
Roy Williams
|
44
|
719
|
4
|
TIGHT
ENDS
1. Alge Crumpler
- All Crumpler does is play a nice TD target inside the 20.
With 6 touchdowns on 30 receptions, Crumpler is scoring a TD 20% of the
time he touches the ball. QB Michael Vick is bringing his A-game each
week and Crumpler is an integral part to Vick and Atlanta's offense. Crumpler's
numbers are no fluke and can be expected to continue throughout the rest
of the season.
2. Todd Heap -
Heap has a tendency to be questionable on the injury report every single
week. But somehow Heap has rarely missed time. Similar to Crumpler, Heap
has been an integral part in his offense and been the main scoring threat
inside the red zone. Provided Heap stays healthy, he'll continue to produce
at a similar pace for the Ravens.
3. Jeremy Shockey
- Shockey is plays offense like Brian Urlacher plays defense. Everytime
Shockey gets the ball, he wants to hit someone...and it seems to work
for him. On the season, Shockey has bulled his way to 300+ yards and 5
TDs. He'll continue to be one of Eli Manning's favorite targets down the
stretch.
4. Antonio Gates
- Gates may have the potential to be the top tight end in the league,
but hasn't totally adapted to the San Diego change at quarterback from
Drew Brees to Philip Rivers. But Gates' numbers have been improving of
late. Gates' 400+ yards and 4 TDs put him at 4th of all TEs through the
mid-point - and is on a pace to move up in tthe TE fantasy rankings by
year's end.
5. Kellen Winslow
Jr. - Winslow has arguably the most talent of any wide receiver
in the league. In fact, he leads all tight ends with 51 (FIFTY-ONE) receptions
through 8 games! Only two wide receivers have caught more balls this season
(Harrison and Johnson). Winslow is second in yardage with 471, but has
made it into the endzone only 3 times. Look for Kellen Winslow Jr. to
keep catching the ball and find his way across the goalline a few more
times as the Browns start to find their offense.
6. Tony Gonzalez
- Always a player at TE...Gonzo has overcome dominance by Larry
Johnson and a Chiefs quarterback change to still be a key factor in the
KC offense. Gonzalez has 500+ yards at the mid-point and will continue
to put up points for the Chiefs and his fantasy owners.
7. Desmond Clark
- With an over-anxious quarterback who wants to always throw the ball
in the redzone (when running may make more sense), players like Desmond
Clark start to show up on the radar.
8. Owen Daniels
- What does Owen Daniels do?...he catches touchdowns. With 5 TDs on 21
grabs, Daniels scores a TD nearly 25% of the time he touches the football.
|
Top Fantasy Tight Ends 2006
(Through 8 Games)
|
|
WR
|
Rcptns
|
Rec Yards
|
TDs
|
|
Alge Crumpler
|
30
|
430
|
6
|
|
Todd Heap
|
34
|
366
|
5
|
|
Jeremy Shockey
|
31
|
306
|
5
|
|
Antonio Gates
|
34
|
406
|
4
|
|
Kellen Winslow Jr.
|
51
|
471
|
3
|
|
Tony Gonzalez
|
38
|
504
|
3
|
|
Desmond Clark
|
29
|
429
|
3
|
|
Owen Daniels
|
21
|
217
|
5
|
Send your fantasy questions to scoutfantasyfreak@yahoo.com
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