Ask the Experts

January 10, 2008 @ 21:00:43

By KFFL Staff
Edited by KFFL Staff

Each week KFFL answers a question as a guest panelist for Fantasy Index's Ask the Experts feature.

Question 23

Fantasy Index: What is your preliminary top 10 (overall) for the 2008 season?

KFFL: 1) LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back, San Diego Chargers - Led the league in rushing scores and yardage; has a young offensive line returning.
2) Brian Westbrook, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles - Back-to-back strong rushing seasons and always a threat out of the backfield for point-per-reception leagues.
3) Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings - Dominant rookie campaign with unlimited upside; injury concerns prevent him from being ranked higher.
4) Steven Jackson, Running Back, St. Louis Rams - Was impressive when not injured in 2007 and has huge upside as a workhorse back.
5) Joseph Addai, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts - A touchdown machine in 2007; can carry the load and should have an improved offensive line in 2008.
6) Clinton Portis, Running Back, Washington Redskins - Proved that he could handle the load (more than 1,600 total yards, 11 touchdowns); offensive coordinator prefers a workhorse
7) Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots - Record-setting passer should have all of his targets, but second half showed it may be tough to duplicate.
8) Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Buffalo Bills - Dynamic back easily would have been a top-10 fantasy performer had he not missed three contests.
9) Willis McGahee, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens - Transitioned well to Baltimore, but much uncertainty on offense makes him risky in 2008.
10) Marion Barber III, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys - Prospect of more touches for this tough ball carrier makes him a potential No. 1.

Question 23

Fantasy Index: In retrospect, what were your BEST and WORST fantasy predictions this season?

KFFL: Heading into the regular season we labeled Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as undervalued players. We were just as accurate with our assessments of Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush, the Chicago Bears defensive team and the Baltimore Ravens defensive team, all being tabbed as overvalued. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, while having a solid year with 26 touchdowns and setting a career high in yardage, disappointed with 20 interceptions thrown. Our worst predictions had to be placing the overvalued tag on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, Saints wide receiver Marques Colston and Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow. Then again, who pegged the Browns to be an offensive juggernaut? We deemed San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Dallas running back Julius Jones and New England Patriots wideout Donte' Stallworth all as undervalued, which wasn't the right call, in hindsight. It was a solid year for our projections this season, but there is always room for improvement, of course.

Question 22

Fantasy Index: Several NFL teams will likely be able to rest starters for the playoffs in Week 17, perhaps even Week 16. With that in mind, who is one second-stringer you expect to put up good numbers in one or both of those weeks?

KFFL: New England Patriots wideout Jabar Gaffney seems to be a logical choice. He has recently become a frequent target (22 looks in the last four weeks) anyway. In that time, he has amassed 16 receptions, 225 yards and three touchdowns. If the Pats put either of their remaining games away early enough, Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss becomes a good candidate for time on the pine, especially given his injury history. Quarterback Tom Brady trusts Gaffney, and that goes a long way in New England's offense. If Matt Cassel relieves Brady at quarterback, Gaffney shouldn't miss a beat: Both are backups, so they should be familiar with each other.

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