Chad Reports, LaMont Lands In New England…

July 28, 2008 at 2:19 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

It’s that time of year again folks - not quite the most exciting time of year, but close! Training camp is here, and the regular season is about one month away. What does this mean? Fantasy football player values are constantly fluctuating as positions are fought for, contract disputes work themselves out, injuries occur and the last few transactions are made. That’s why it’s extremely important to follow our weekly stock market report very closely, as well as go back and read our previous posts.

Rising - LaMont Jordan, Patriots RB - If you’re asking us what’s better - being fourth on the Raiders’ depth chart, or being second on the Patriots’ depth chart, that answer is easy. Jordan is now out of “no man’s land” and into New England, where he’ll have a chance to contribute as Laurence Maroney’s primary back-up. Look for Jordan to be a solid RB4 or RB5 in deep seasonal points per reception leagues. He doesn’t have much dynasty value though.

Rising - Laurence Maroney, Patriots RB - What? You’re crazy Hickey - don’t you mean falling? Nope. After further review of this scenario, I’m convinced that Maroney will actually benefit from Jordan being in New England. Look, Jordan will be 30 in November, and isn’t the same back he was when he rushed for 1,000 yards and scored 11 TDs in 2005. He can contribute as a pass catcher out of the backfield, and they’ll need him to with 34 year old Kevin Faulk slowing down. Jordan’s signing, and the aftermath of it, leads us to still believe 100 percent that Maroney is the man in New England’s backfield, and worthy of being considered a top 25 overall dynasty player.

Rising - Ray Rice, Ravens RB - We’ve jocked this Maurice Jones-Drew-esque rusher ever since the Ravens made him their second round pick in the 2008 draft. Rice will definitely push Willis McGahee for carries, and while McGahee’s stock isn’t necessarily slipping just yet, it could as the season goes on. Rice will see many of the first team reps in training camp, as McGahee is out nursing an undisclosed injury - likely to his leg. This opportunity could put Rice in a position to one day be an every down contributor. We love Rice in PPR dynasty formats.

Rising - Chad Johnson, Bengals WR - Although he hasn’t begun practicing yet after undergoing ankle surgery a few weeks ago, Ocho Cinco has reported to training camp and apologized for his off-season antics. A newly refocused Johnson will mean solid production again in 2008, and should also help the value of Carson Palmer and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Ocho owners have nothing to worry about at this point, as the ankle should be 100 percent by Week 1.

Rising - Pierre Thomas, Saints RB - While we’ve made it very clear that we really like Deuce McAllister to comeback and have a solid season in 2008 as New Orleans’ starter, we’re starting to hear that the Saints have a ton of confidence in second year man Pierre Thomas to come in and play a solid complimentary role to Deuce, and even take over his entire load should his knees not hold up. Thomas is definitely roster worthy in all formats, especially dynasty and keeper leagues, but even seasonal owners should take a look at him in the late rounds as a potential super sleeper in that high-powered Saints offense.

Rising - Andre Johnson, Texans WR - I need not remind you all how dominant Johnson would have been had he not been injured for eight games in 2007. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery this off-season, Johnson has reported to Texans camp and feels great. His knee is already near 100 percent and he’s ready to be a top five fantasy WR in all formats in 2008, as long as he stays healthy. So far, so good though.

Falling - Joey Galloway, Buccaneers WR - Bucs soon to be 37 year old WR Joey Galloway is suffering from a groin injury and has missed all training camp practices thus far. Not that the veteran speedster needs training camp, but a potentially nagging groin injury could definitely slow him down in 2008. We really don’t like Galloway a whole lot this season. 2008 is the year that Galloway falls off the face of the fantasy planet, and this groin injury is just the beginning.

Falling - Plaxico Burress, Giants WR - Giants 30 year old WR Plaxico Burress is now reportedly suffering from yet another ankle injury, according to head coach Tom Coughlin. Look, not that Plax can’t play through injuries, but this is bound to catch up to him at some point. We don’t expect Plax to be as valuable in 2008 as he was in 2007. Look for second year man Steve Smith to be one of the Giants’ main pass catching weapons in 2008.