Times are a-changin’ in fantasy football for 2009. This season we say goodbye to the Ladainian Tomlinson of yesteryear and welcome back a more vulnerable but still remarkable running back capable of 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. We’ll also look at what a former top-7 quarterback can do with Chicago’s offense and prepare for the Maurice Jones-Drew era in Jacksonville.
In New England, the great Tom Brady will return and see if he, Randy Moss and Wes Welker can rekindle the magic that led to their magical 2007 season. Brady’s rival, Peyton Manning, will try to adjust to life without veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison and the Colts’ offensive scheme will undergo a makeover. Meanwhile, Harrison will try to find work as a rapidly declining star.
Terrell Owens is also racking up the miles, but he’s still racking up stats at an elite level. He will now look to provide an instant spark to a boring Bills offense led by Trent Edwards, who doesn’t possess the talent of some of the other playcallers Owens has played with. One fantasy football sleeper who could come out of the Owens acquisition is Lee Evans. Evans, a highly talented player who has had little room to operate due to the Bills’ lack of options, will now have more room to breathe to showcase his abilities.
Legal problems have also become a regular aspect of fantasy football. Marshawn Lynch is currently on a three-game suspension and that needs to be factored into drafts. Also, the status of Plaxico Burress is unknown, as he could face prison time or an NFL suspension.