Fantasy Football Articles:

A Look back at 2002
1/28/03

We certainly didn’t get every call correct, but in 2002 we hit on many more than we missed, especially when it came to sleeper/undervalued players. Check out some of these direct quotes from our various 2002 Preseason Reports. Our analysis is only one of many advantages of our service.

If what you read below is enough to prompt you to subscribe for 2003, by all means do so by clicking here. At the very least you should sign up for our FREE 2003 Off-Season Mailing List. To get on that, send a blank e-mail to free@fantasyguru.com

"Michael Vick has yet to open a training camp as his team’s #1 QB, but he’s already one of fantasy football’s darling players. Some are a little too optimistic, but we also love his upside and would take the plunge with him any day as our backup over perennial backup like Mark Brunell. When it’s all said and done, his total yards gained will be impressive, thanks to his rushing totals, and he may just surprise with around 20-22 TDs total. If you’re the type of fantasy owner who likes to have fun with your picks, Vick’s probably the "funnest" pick of the 2002 draft. Oh, and by the way, he’s looked good in camp – real good at times."
August 26, 2002

"Drafting Brad Johnson as a starter is probably too risky. It may take more than half the year for this revamped receiving corps to take shape, and Johnson is, of course, working in a new offense. Still, he’s an excellent choice as a fantasy backup because he has the potential to post starter-like numbers, especially late in the year, in this fantasy-friendly system and with all the talent around him."
August 26, 2002

"Drew Bledsoe is having a great camp and was in mid-season form against a pretty good Bengal defense Friday night. He threw often and did so primarily to his starting WRs Eric Moulds and Peerless Price but also to FB Larry Centers. Clearly, he has some nice weapons. We’re still a little cautious about his running a new offense on a new team, but the veteran Bledsoe is certainly showing all the signs that he’ll have a positive season in Buffalo."
August 19, 2002

"There are plenty of viable candidates to be ranked this high, but we think Trent Green is actually the safest choice. He sucked last year, yet he ranked 6^th in the league in passing. He’s been a little off in training camp so far, but he has to be more comfortable with the team and everything else this year with a full off-season under his belt."
August 19, 2002

"The good thing about Tom Brady is that even though defenses will be better prepared for him, he, himself, will be better, so we think he’ll be a pretty consistent performer. If your need, say 200-225 yards and 1-2 TDs in a given week, he’s a good bet to get you something in that ballpark, so he’s a pretty solid backup."
August 26, 2002

"If Deuce McAllister can stay on the field for 15-16 games, he’s going to be a top-15 fantasy player (at any position). It looks like he’s not only going to touch the ball more than most RBs, but it also looks like he’s going to get all the goal line carries. If you can pair him with a stud RB – like we did with Priest Holmes in an expert league we’re in – you’re going to love your RBs this year. Please, for the love of all things holy, draft him – we’re now officially begging you to. This will be the last year you’ll be able to get him outside the top-15 overall."
August 26, 2002

"He struggled through an injury-plagued rookie campaign, and his potential when he played was stifled by a poor offensive line and an inconsistent passing game, but Travis Henry managed to still show us one thing last year: He can play. This year Henry will benefit greatly from the stability that veteran QB Drew Bledsoe is already bringing to the passing game, and the Bills this off-season upgraded their OL, so Henry’s supporting cast is better, and he’s a good sleeper back"
August 19, 2002

"The team drafted Clinton Portis because they could not pass on his talent, and so far he’s proving them right and has been easily the best back in camp. Portis lacks great size, but he plays bigger than he is and is a very solid and ultra-talented all-around back. Unlike the other backs on the Bronco roster, he’s a threat outside and has breakaway speed. We’ve been a little wary of him up until a couple of weeks ago, but there have been many things to prompt us to shoot him way up our draft board. For one, Terrell Davis’ injury. Second, the fact that Olandis Gary still doesn’t look 100%. Third, the team, at least at this point, seems to be leaning toward keeping Mike Anderson at FB. And finally, a very prominent Bronco insider told us on 8/12 and again on 8/16 that he expects Portis to lead the team in rushing. If you’re looking for a high-upside back on this team, it is he, and we have to believe that he’ll see the field plenty because he should be impossible to keep off the field. Draft him as a backup; you will be starting him at some point."
August 26, 2002

"Granted, he’s a little bit of a loose cannon, but passing on Ricky Williams this year could be a big mistake. After staying healthy least year and moving into Turner’s RB-friendly system, Williams, who is in fantastic shape in camp, should be on the verge of the huge season. He was never used well near the goal in New Orleans, but he’ll get plenty of goal line carries in Miami. Considering his ability to be a workhorse, the likelihood that he’ll get plenty of goal line carries, and his ability as a receiver, Williams looks to us like he’ll be nothing but productive in 2002.
August 19, 2002

"LaDainian Tomlinson made a believer out of us and we seriously doubt that he’ll take a step back this year. In fact, given how he’s bulked up and worked so hard this off-season and how he emerged as a receiver late last year and is expected to be VERY involved in the passing game this year, we think he could be even better."
August 19, 2002

"There were many reasons why Michael Bennett was a disappointment last year – but there are just as many reasons why he’ll succeed this year. The (mammoth) Viking OL and run blocking should be good under Tice, the team’s former OL coach. Bennett has had a nice summer and looked very good in the team’s pre-season game this past weekend (8/17). Bennett, who averaged a very solid 4.0 yards per carry last year, needs the ball and he needs it within the framework of an effective offense that keeps defenses off-balance and moves the ball. Look for Bennett to get 15-20 carries per game, as well as 4-5 passes thrown his way (the team wants to throw to him often in the hopes that he’ll bust off a bunch of long runs after the catch). Although he got a goal line carry this past weekend, he’s far from a lock to collect the bulk of them during the season, so his TD total could be a tad disappointing. Still, he’s much improved and has a very nice upside in this offense."
August 26, 2002

"Jamal Lewis saw very limited action last night. His first run, Jet DT Jason Ferguson stuffed him. The second run he gained 4 tough yards and got the crowd on its feet. His third run he had a real nice 13-yard gain before ending his night with a 7-yard gain against the #1 Jet defense. That’s only 4 runs, but his 2002 debut could have been a lot worse, and Lewis looked like a guy who has come all the way back from knee surgery before, which he has, and after the game he said his knee felt great. He may still be slow off the mark, but it sure looks like this guy is going to come back nicely this season."
August 19, 2002

"William Green looked pretty good Monday night, and his 2002 rookie season appears clear to us. If healthy, we expect him to struggle a little bit early, but by Mid-October or so, he should be ready to produce like he’s capable of producing. By the second half of the season, he could be a fine fantasy producer."
August 30, 2002

"Marcel Shipp could be a sleeper if starter Thomas Jones goes down. He’s clearly the #2 back, and we’ve heard some good things about him from those close to the team."

"A game-breaker with good hands and terrific instincts who isn’t afraid to go over the middle, Chad Johnson struggled with injuries and rookie mistakes last year. But with a year in, he should be ready to make a name for himself in a Bengal offense that promises to be more wide open and challenge defenses downfield more. This off-season, Johnson has bulked up, yet he’s faster than ever. He’s a real nice receiver who’ll be a star someday soon, so he’s an excellent reach as a #4 or #5 WR in a larger league."

"Donald Driver is one of the only Packer WRs who has caught a pass from QB Brett Favre, and he’s been nothing but impressive in the Packer offense, one he knows better than any other WR on the team. Driver has good speed and decent size; he could be Favre’s go-to guy this year if Terry Glenn is out or ineffective. As it stands right now, it’s hard to envision his not being a major factor."
August 26, 2002

"Koren Robinson is probably a year away from completely busting out. But he’s a #1 pick starting in a good offense. So, healthier and more experienced this year, he should have a mini-coming out party in 2002 and help many fantasy teams looking for a solid backup receiver, particularly the second half of the season."
August 19, 2002

"If one of the starters went down in Oakland, Jerry Porter would be someone to jump all over in the event that he’s ready to bust out. With awesome skills and two years under his belt, he just might be."
August 19, 2002

"Peerless Price is looking pretty good this year. He’s in his 4^th year now, and he has slowly but surely progressed; plus, he now has a franchise QB with a good arm to take advantage of his speed. He should definitely have his moments."
August 26, 2002

"This guy (Plaxico Burress) cannot be stopped, and neither may you if you take him in the 5^th round or as the 18^th WR, which is where he’s going now. This could be the last year you’ll get him that low in a long, long time. Get him!"
August 23, 2002

"Laveranues Coles is not a terrific value as the 25^th WR taken, but with an ADP (Average Draft Position) of 71, he’s a nice little bargain, considering that he should be a viable #2 fantasy WR.
August 23, 2002

"Rod Gardner is definitely the #1 target here, and he’s going to have a very nice year. He’ll get plenty of passes thrown to him, and he’ll also get a few deep looks per game (he got one this past weekend). He may be a consensus top-10 WR next year, so get him now much cheaper while you can. If he’s your #3 WR, you’re going to be in great shape. We’d even draft him as our #2."
August 26, 2002

"This former #1 pick (Travis Taylor) looks improved this year, and it looks like he’ll finally be thrown to on a consistent basis. He’s a nice value as his team’s #1 WR and your fantasy team’s #4 WR."
August 26, 2002

"We cannot ignore the fact that Donte Stallworth was looking fantastic – in all areas – and like a real find for the Saints. He was probably leading Pathon for the #2 WR job, but since he’s out and Pathon is practicing, the job is Pathon’s for sure right now. But especially in larger leagues, don’t hesitate to take a shot on him very late in your draft because it’s a long season and this guy definitely has some upside."
August 26, 2002

"While everyone is talking about Antonio Bryant, don’t forget that the team will likely rely even more on Joey Galloway. The club is expecting big things from Galloway this year, and he’s getting no love at all in fantasy drafts this summer, so he’s a nice pick later in your draft as, say, your #4 WR.
August 26, 2002

"Quincy Morgan had a solid off-season and pre-season and the team really needs him to step up as the #2 WR. He just might do that, so consider him late."
August 30, 2002

"We’d much rather draft a younger up-and-comer like Derrick Mason than Tim Brown."
August 26, 2002

"Really, we’re not trying to disrespect Troy Brown; it’s just that he scored only 4 receiving TDs, and the team added some weapons at WR and TE, so he may not be quite the go-to guy he was last year. He’s a heck of a player, but without the TDs and reduced go-to guy-ness this year, it looks like he’ll be a little overvalued by some."
August 26, 2002

"We see Keyshawn Johnson going around 30^th in a 10-team league and 35^th in a 12-team league and around 7^th overall at WR. Was Keyshawn EVER the 7^th best fantasy WR? We wouldn’t take him there."
August 26, 2002

"It’s difficult for a rookie TE to step into the NFL and make a big fantasy splash, so drafting Jeremy Shockey as a starter could still be a small risk, especially how high he’s being drafted these days (60-70 picks in, usually). But if he’s healthy, he’s pretty much a can’t-miss prospect. He could easily be a top-5 TE. He could be the best TE in the league this year fantasy-wise, if you can believe that."
August 23, 2002

"Todd Heap looks like a player and someone you should take a shot with this year as your backup TE. He could be starting for you by mid-season."
August 23, 2002

"Randy McMichael is a terrific athlete who has made a huge impression already this summer. In Norv Turner’s TE-friendly offense, he could be a super sleeper."
August 23, 2002

"Alge Crumpler may wind up being a serious player for the Falcons and QB Michael Vick. He’s already scored 2 TDs in the preseason, and it appears this talented TE with surprising downfield speed will be a big factor. With general slop at WR, they’ll need him."
August 26, 2002

"Billy Miller, a former WR turned TE has been pushing for the starting job and could be a factor even if he doesn’t win it."
August 26, 2002

At TE, Mikhael Ricks is the man and he could actually be a small surprise given he’s an ex-WR and he has good size.
August 26, 2002

"According to our research, there’s a 4-round difference between where Martin Gramatica and Jeff Wilkins and Mike Vanderjagt are getting drafted. Granted, PKs are a crapshoot, but, with Gruden on his side, that’s fantastic value."
August 19, 2002

"Ryan Longwell came crashing to earth last year, possibly in part because he lost his holder, Matt Hasselbeck. But Longwell has also made some changes this year that he thinks will help him return to previous form. You have to think he’ll be much better, since he has a pretty good track record, so he’s a good value this year."
August 19, 2002

Click here to subscribe for 2003 now!