Off-Season Rumors Swirling
January 31, 2008 at 7:00 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
E-mail to Friend
Since you’re taking time out of your busy day to read an article like this when regular season NFL games won’t be played for at least seven months tells me that you fully understand that there is no offseason in fantasy football. There are coaching changes galore, and if you count coordinators, position coaches and front office members, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of them. Many of them do have somewhat of a fantasy impact though, so we hit you with the most consequential scenarios. Free agency is right around the corner, and that always means there will be a couple significant trades sprinkled in too. Then, April’s draft hits, and rosters are virtually completed before training camp. But before all the madness hits, there’s this wonderful rumor mill that fantasy heads just can’t get enough of. Here’s what we’ve been hearing that’s been grabbing our attention lately and making us put our thinking caps on and play the “what if?” game.
What if…Adrian Peterson’s knee continues to bother him?
Not the guy who plays in Chicago - you know, the phenom who rushed for 1,341 yards and 12 TDs in only 14 games in 2007. At first glance, Peterson appears to be a sure fire top three pick in 2008 seasonal fantasy drafts, if not the consensus number one overall pick come August. Owners must monitor the status of his lateral collateral ligament. He injured his knee in Week 10, and while he still had two solid contests after that - he was not the same, averaging 2.7 yards per carry during the final four weeks of the regular season, including three games with less than 40 rushing yards. He’s already been rehabbing in Texas this offseason, and will play in the Pro Bowl with a brace. If his knee continues to bother him, don’t be alarmed, but don’t take his 2007 numbers for granted either.
What if…Donte’ Stallworth Returns to Philly in 2008?
The 27 year old playmaker had a few good games in New England before taking a back seat to Jabar Gaffney. Stallworth still has excellent speed, hands and playmaking ability, but hasn’t reached his true potential as a pro due mostly to nagging injuries. Donovan McNabb has already made another cry for more playmakers, and Stallworth knows the system. Count on the Patriots cutting ties with him this offseason due to a huge bonus that he’s due. Plenty of teams are in need of solid second WRs, and Stallworth would fit back in nicely in Philly across from Reggie Brown. If he lands there, look for Kevin Curtis to move to the slot and be less of a fantasy threat. Kansas City, Tennessee, Oakland and Houston are also potential landing spots for Stallworth.
What if…The Redskins hire Jim Fassel as their head coach?
Washington has fired offensive coordinator Al Saunders and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and replaced them with former Seattle Seahawks QBs coach Jim Zorn and Greg Blache, respectively. The only problem is, they did this before they actually hired a new head coach. So, the question remains - who will inherit these guys? The general consensus is that Jim Fassel has relationships with them, so he is the Redskins next head coach. But Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci, Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and USC head coach Pete Carroll have all been mentioned as potential successors to Joe Gibbs as well. Fassel failed as a front man in New York with the Giants in 2003, leading them to a 4-12 record prior to being replaced by Tom Coughlin. He then failed to turn around the Ravens offense prior to being fired by good friend Brian Billick prior to the end of the 2006 season. Regardless of who the Redskins’ next coach is, their offense will take a step backwards after finally taking a step in the right direction in Saunders’ system in 2007. Zorn will implement the West Coast offense, which should confuse the crap out of Jason Campbell, as he’ll be asked to learn his fourth different system since entering the league in 2004. On the plus side, Clinton Portis’ reception totals should go up, although technically Ladell Betts’ game will fit the West Coast system better.
What if…The Raiders fire Lane Kiffin?
Easy. It would be the stupidest move Al Davis has ever made. I understand that the Raiders were only 4-12 this season, but they competed. They were in every game until late in the fourth quarter and rarely found themselves out of it. In other words, Kiffin - one of the brightest young minds in the game - got them light years ahead of where Art Shell left them…and he did it with minimal talent all the way around. If Kiffin gets released, Oakland will take a step back once again. If Kiffin stays, expect JaMarcus Russell to be a nice little fantasy sleeper in 2008.
What if…The Falcons made a mistake hiring Mike Mularkey as their offensive coordinator?
Well, chances are, they did. Come on people, this guy was an absolute disaster in Buffalo and Miami. Arthur Blank should have negotiated something with Al Davis to bring in Lane Kiffin and Greg Knapp (current Raiders OC and former Falcons OC). Instead, Mularkey will struggle to give Atlanta a much-needed identity on offense.
What if…Drew Carter leaves Carolina?
If the 26 year old, 6′3″ fifth year UFA leaves, look for 2007 first day picks Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson to become solid fantasy sleepers in 2008, due to the fact that Keary Colbert won’t be in a Panthers uniform next season either. Jarrett has incredible talent, and could be a fantasy stud if he earns the starting gig across from Smith, making him a great buy low candidate this off-season. Another option is for the team to add an UFA WR named D.J. Hackett, Bryant Johnson or Bernard Berrian.
What if…Drew Stanton becomes the Lions’ starting QB?
Word on the street is that 36 year old Jon Kitna is hanging on by a thin thread after the firing of Mike Martz. 2007 second round pick Drew Stanton is reportedly healthy, and has Jeff Garcia-like skills. Many offensive teammates expect the young Stanton to win the starting job at some point in 2008. If Stanton becomes the Lions starter, expect Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson to only be WR3s at best, and for Detroit to implement a very solid running game under new coordinator Jim Colletto.
What if…The Lions add another running back this offseason?
Speaking of Colletto, apparently this guy thinks he’s the Lions’ new GM or something. He’s come out and said that the Lions’ top priority this off-season is to add another running back who can “make people miss” better than Kevin Jones. Colletto will soon learn that Jones is Detroit’s best option at RB, even if they bring in some other yahoo. Tatum Bell couldn’t beat him out in 2007 when he was recovering from a lis franc injury, and nobody will be able to beat him out in 2008 after ACL surgery - regardless of who Colletto convinces Rod Marinelli and Matt Millen to add to the roster. KJ is a warrior and is becoming a very solid all around pro ballplayer. Jones will again show the Lions that he’s their guy, as his attitude and work ethic are contagious and exactly what the Lions need to turn their organization around. Even if Detroit brings in another back, KJ will be the guy in 2008. By the way - Detroit hasn’t even begun speaking with 26 year old unrestricted free agent T.J. Duckett yet, so RB can’t be that big of a priority. The bottom line is that Colletto needs to stop trying to be a GM and just coach the offense.
What if…Javon Walker gets released or traded?
There have been conflicting reports regarding the 29 year old’s future with the Denver Broncos. He injured his knee in Week 3 and didn’t really return to the field fully until Week 15. Walker can still flat out play and has a lot to offer to a squad in 2008. He’ll either start across from young phenom Brandon Marshall and be a solid fantasy WR2 if healthy, or the Broncos will release him due to a $3.5 million roster bonus he’s due. Word on the street is that Jerry Jones would swoop up Walker in a second and add him to the arsenal in Dallas, should Denver cut ties with him. Make no mistake about it, if this happens, Walker could regain fantasy WR1 status with Tony Romo tossing him the rock in Jason Garrett’s offense. Most people don’t realize it, but Terrell Owens is going on 34, and will slow down sooner or later. Walker, T.O., Patrick Crayton and Jason Witten would give the Cowboys the most powerful passing attack in the league. What if…Michael Strahan retires?
Strahan is playing at a high level, but he’s going on 37 years old. A young man named Justin Tuck, who played as New York’s third defensive end this season, racked up 9.5 sacks while also playing defensive tackle and a bit of linebacker. The versatile 24 year old from Notre Dame would easily become a top five fantasy defensive end if Strahan walks away after the Super Bowl. Dynasty owners should snag Tuck before his value skyrockets.
What if…The Steelers take Ben Roethlisberger’s recent comments to heart?
What were his comments, you ask? Well, Big Ben told reporters that the Steelers needed a taller wide receiver to help out 5-10 Hines Ward and 5-10 Santonio Holmes in the red zone. We know Ward didn’t like these comments, but what did 6′5″ TE Heath Miller think? The fact of the matter is that the Steelers don’t really need any help at WR. Ward is 31 but has plenty left in the tank, and Holmes and Miller continue to be two of the most intriguing young fantasy prospects in the game today. Bruce Arians’ offense proved to be digit friendly to fantasy owners, and Holmes and Miller are great breakout candidates in 2008.
What if…The Bears don’t re-sign Bernard Berrian?
Chances are, they won’t, which doesn’t really make sense. Berrian isn’t flashy, but is young and has a ton of talent. If he ends up in a more pass friendly offense, count on him being at worst a solid WR3 in all fantasy formats in 2008.
What if…Mickey Loomis trumps Sean Payton regarding plans for Deuce McAllister?
If Loomis gets his way, the 29 year old McAllister will be looking for work elsewhere in 2008. Head coach Sean Payton, however, is adamant about bringing Deuce back as his starter next season. McAllister will be returning from ACL surgery for a second straight season, but should still be able to help someone should he be released or traded. Look for Pierre Thomas to play a huge role in the Saints offense should Deuce leave New Orleans. Houston, Arizona, Seattle and Denver could be potential landing spots. Denver? Yep. Mike Shanahan doesn’t believe Selvin Young can be an every down back, and Travis Henry’s future is in jeopardy there. McAllister would be a monster and a perfect fit for that offense.
What if…Jason Taylor has a serious foot injury?
Taylor will need foot surgery this offseason to repair some plantar fascia. He’s approaching his mid 30s but doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all. Still, there’s a huge chance he could be moved to linebacker as Tony Sparano implements Bill Parcells’ 3-4 defense this season. If Taylor is scored as an LB in IDP leagues, his value will go down.
What if…Jonathan Vilma isn’t ready for spring workouts?
Vilma’s knee is reportedly still bothering him and he may not be ready for spring workouts. Rookie David Harris, a second round pick from Michigan, stepped in and was clearly a better fit for Eric Mangini’s defense, making people forget about the former first round pick from Miami. It’s likely that Vilma could be traded this off-season to a team with a more traditional 4-3 defense. The Lions and Eagles are both in need of an upgrade at middle linebacker.
What if…Cam Cameron isn’t the answer for Baltimore’s offense?
Quite frankly, he is. Cameron bombed as a head coach, but he helped make Ladainian Tomlinson the back he is today while running San Diego’s offense. Ronnie Brown’s production was the highest it’s ever been during the first seven weeks of the 2007 season prior to him tearing his ACL, and even Jesse Chatman, Lorenzo Booker and Samkon Gado stepped in and looked great under Cameron last year. In short, 26 year old Willis McGahee will be an absolute stud next season, and likely worthy of a first round pick in seasonal 12 team formats.
What if…Isaac Bruce is released by the Rams?
The 35 year old Bruce is due a sizeable roster bonus this offseason that the Rams aren’t sure if they want to pay. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders will likely have some say in this matter, depending on how he wants to tweak the potentially potent Rams attack. If Bruce is released, Drew Bennett would step into his role and the Rams would likely add another receiver through the draft to push him. Bruce would be swooped up by the 49ers, where an admirer of his named Mike Martz would be waiting with arms wide open. Should this happen, expect Bruce to start and catch 75 balls in 2008, as Martz is famous for recycling his former players and making them successful in other cities - see Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
Related posts
Loading ...
