Forty is not the new 30, even if you’re No. 4. The Wrangler-wearing Bret Favre is back in the NFL, thanks to a $12 million Minnesota Vikings deal, and a convenient plea from his 5-year old daughter to stick it to Green Bay. Doesn’t she know un-retiring is silly?
While we’re all annoyed, if you’re not in the NFC North, you probably don’t really care. Unless, of course, you play fantasy football. Because then, even players you are trying to ignore deserve consideration.
Favre could be a firecracker for the Vikings, giving them a sudden burst of passing prowess. But with a short fuse. Even if he provides great numbers, he doesn’t have the stamina or the health to sustain. I don’t see a big impact with Favre’s renaissance. I think defenses will respect his arm, and play for the long pass, which will open up the field for Adrian Peterson. I think he adds depth. And I think he makes his wide receivers a little more valuable. Just a little. But look at what else he adds: a fragile body and an AARP membership.
Bottom line: pass on Favre. Or, if you simply cannot resist, take him late. There are still 20+ quarterbacks you should take ahead of him. Remember in football, maturity is not always a compliment.
QB draft strategy
No doubt that Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are the top three quarterbacks on the draft board. Which QB puts up the best fantasy numbers is anyone’s guess. And it might not even be one of them. Close behind them in the second tier of passers are Phillip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers.
How important is a stud quarterback to the success of your team? Only once, I’ve drafted a QB in the first round, and that was only because all the good running backs were taken. I chose Peyton Manning over what felt like a second-round back. And I didn’t like it – just didn’t feel right leaving the first round without a running back. I don’t recommend a QB early on – just too many decent ones sprinkled throughout the rest of the draft. And think about the surprises too – the ones who go undrafted, or the ones you select as backups and earn the starting nod.
QB sleepers
Phillip Rivers - While not the traditional “sleeper,” I do think Rivers is more valuable than his average draft position (37). He led all quarterbacks in touchdown passes and boasted the best passer rating.
Matt Hasselbeck – Hasselbeck is healthy and strong. On Saturday night, he was 16-for-23 including two touchdowns. T.J. Housmandzadeh adds another talented target for the Seattle QB. Should be available late. Great backup QB, and possible trade bait.
Matt Schaub – Could be a breakout season for Schaub if he stays healthy. Has put together two solid back-to-back performances, going 7-for-7, and 11-for-16 respectively. Has one of the best targets in the league in Andre Johnson.
Matt Ryan – While he’s not fancy, he plays smart. Was perfect in Friday’s pre-season game going 7-for-7. The addition of Tony Gonzalez improves Ryan’s fantasy value.
Chad Ochocinco - Just kidding. But would you really be surprised if he made an appearance in the QB position? He gave an impressive performance as a substitute kicker/punter Thursday night. And he showed that when his foot is not in his mouth, he can do good things with it.
Have a question? E-mail Erin at erskelley@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment