Fantasy Sports Player Rankings & Projections
Chris Johnson
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The hope in Tennessee is that the passing
game under Vince Young will improve and take the pressure
off of Chris Johnson and while that may mean less yards,
it could mean an up tick in TD's and receptions. |
1. Chris Johnson - Titans - 2012 Preview:
After an electrifying 2009 season that included over 2,500 yards
gained and 16 touchdowns, it is easy to pick Tennessee Titan Chris
Johnson as the number one running back (and therefore number one
overall player) in fantasy football.
Johnson is a rare back who every time he touches the ball it looks
as if he is going to score. The good news is playing in Tennessee
he touches the ball a lot. Not only did he carry the ball a league-lead
350 times, but he also caught 50 passes.
The good news in the offseason was that goal line back, LenDale
White, is gone and that should send more goal line carries coming
Johnson's way.
While Johnson would be hard-pressed to improve upon his 2009 breakout
season, you can be assured that he is the real deal and is one
of the few sure-thing studs in fantasy football.
2009 Statistics:
2,006 Yds - 14 TD's - 50 Rec - 503 Yds - 2 TD's
2010 Projection:
1,801 Yds - 15 TD's - 56 Rec - 531 Yds - 2 TD's
2. Adrian Peterson - Vikings - 2012 Preview:
There are no questions about Adrian Peterson's talent. He may be
the best pure-runner in the game today. There are questions about
his team, his ability to hold onto the football and his rash of
minor injuries. The latter two are likely not going to change much,
but the question of his team is big. Whether or not Brett Farve
returns (which we believe he will) will have a great effect on Peterson's
stats.
First he is likely to run more if Farve doesn't return, but he would
likely score less, but worse for fantasy managers, he would likely
get less receptions. This was the one area where Peterson surprised
in 2009. He managed more receptions and yards (43 catches for 436
yards) than he did in his previous two seasons combined.
The other team question is its offensive line play. Going into 2009,
the Vikings were supposed to have one of the best O-lines in the
NFL. It was good, but it was also overrated, especially for run-blocking.
Left tackle Bryant McKinnie was a bust in 2009 and needs to take
a step back up in 2012. Steve Hutchinson, on the other hand, dominated
as expected. 2009 #2 pick Phil Loadholt played well and his growth
and McKinnie's play will determine how good this line really is.
Finally, the great backup/time-stealer, Chester Taylor, has moved
on to Chicago. The Vikings drafted running back Toby Gerhart with
their second pick to take Taylor's spot, nevertheless, this is small
advantage for Peterson in 2012.
2009 Statistics:
1,383 Yds - 18 TD's - 43 Rec - 436 Yds - 0 TD's
2010 Projection:
1,442 Yds - 16 TD's - 38 Rec - 378 Yds - 1 TD
