Keller Is A Future Dynasty Stud

November 10, 2008 at 12:19 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Keller Is A Future Dynasty Stud He’s shown flashes of brilliance this season, but it may take a while for the rookie from Purdue to become a consistent fantasy option. Never-the-less, our sources are convinced that dynasty owners should hang onto Jets TE Dustin Keller, and watch as he blossoms into the next Dallas Clark - slash - Kellen Winslow over the next few seasons.

We’ve always liked Keller, and after watching him explode for six catches, 107 yards and a score against the Rams in Week 10, we figured it was time to let dynasty owners truly know just how much we really dig him. Our sources believe Keller will really be a wide receiver who is listed as a tight end. Rarely will he ever actually play with his hand on the ground. He lines up in the slot, lines up at flanker and split end, and is extremely fast and sure-handed. He can stretch the field, and is someone who will only improve his routes over time. Critics will point to the fact that Brett Favre may not play in 2009, however, our sources believe Keller’s fantasy value will not be made on what QB throws him the ball, but rather by his own abilities.

What Will The Broncos Do At RB? - Now that rookie RB Ryan Torain has officially joined Michael Pittman and Andre Hall on injured reserve, the fantasy world is wondering what Mike Shanahan’s squad will do at the running back position. Well, for the short term, he has rookie fullback Peyton Hillis, banged up RB Selvin Young - who is doubtful for Week 11 - and P.J. Pope and Cory Boyd, who he could activate from the practice squad. But, the answer to the question right now is - pass the rock more. This means Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, Eddie Royal and even Brandon Stokley’s fantasy value all takes a solid bump up at this point in the season. Shanny is likely to let Jay Cutler pass for nearly 450-500 yards each week and keep the offense moving, while essentially abandoning the run until next year. Which, brings us to next year. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos sign a free agent like Edgerrin James or Larry Johnson - who could both be released by their current teams - as well as draft a back in the second or third round.

Marvin Harrison To Be Benched Soon? - Folks, it looks like Marvin Harrison’s fantasy career could officially come to an end soon. The 36 year old veteran hasn’t caught more than four balls for 50 yards in any of his last four outings. He was held to two catches for 11 yards in Week 7, one catch for 12 yards in Week 8, and caught three passes for 37 yards in Week 10, while dropping two balls that would have led to TDs. Harrison is not the same player he was in 2006, and with two bum knees and shattered confidence, isn’t likely to bounce back. Our sources tell us Harrison could actually lose his starting job to Anthony Gonzalez before this season is over, and if he continues to play this poorly, rookie Pierre Garcon could step in and play a role as well.

Shockey Benched By Brees? Our sources tell us that Saints QB Drew Brees actually benched teammate Jeremy Shockey during the final drives of the fourth quarter of the Saints Week 10 game at Atlanta. Shockey had dropped a few passes that he should have caught, was jogging around the field at half speed, and continuously missing blitzers and pass protection assignments. TE Billy Miller, who has contributed in the passing game quite a bit this season, should see more playing time than Shockey moving forward.

Browns To Stick With Quinn - Our sources tell us that despite the loss to Denver at home in Week 11, Cleveland will stick with second year QB Brady Quinn as their signal caller. We’re hearing that GM Phil Savage, head coach Romeo Crennell and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski love Quinn’s strength and mobility. He moves around the pocket well, makes solid decisions, finds the open man, but can also make all the big throws. Expect Quinn’s fantasy value to slowly rise and consider him a fine dynasty prospect in QB-Heavy leagues.

Ryan To Win Rookie Of The Year - Our sources tell us that Matt Ryan is pretty much a shoe-in for Offensive Rookie of the Year at this point. Not only has he exceeded all expectations in terms of starting in his rookie season, but he is likely to lead the Falcons to the playoffs, and looks like the real deal long term. NFL coaches and personnel guys are raving about him and believe he’s going to be really good for a long time.

Curtis Lofton Emerging - At the beginning of the season, we had high hopes for Atlanta Falcons second round LB Curtis Lofton to become an IDP stud. While his stats have steadily improved throughout the season, our sources are also confirming that Lofton is improving as well. The Falcons have eased him into the starting MLB role, but haven’t handed over the reigns full time to the rookie just yet. When this occurs, and it will prior to 2009, expect Lofton to pay off for all those dynasty owners who took him early in 2008 drafts.

Titans Can Pass When They Need To - In Week 10 against Chicago, we saw a whole other element to the Titans offense. A team that had run the ball efficiently all season, only garnered 20 total rushing yards and was forced to win with the pass. Kerry Collins spread the ball around nicely, completing 30 of 41 passes for 289 yards, two TDs and zero interceptions. Don’t count out Bo Scaife, Brandon Jones and Justin Gage as deep fantasy options moving forward, and rookie Lavelle Hawkins is someone that deep dynasty owners should put on their radar for 2009 and beyond.

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