There are certain points of every Fantasy Football draft when you have
to make a huge decision between two players of relatively equal value at
the same position.
This draft prep piece is meant to help make those decisions easier for
you. Realize that we place these players very close in our rankings and
different scoring systems could make a difference.
We asked each of our Fantasy writers who they would pick between each
position battle.
QB: MATT HASSELBECK vs. ELI MANNING
Without question, Hasselbeck had a career season in his Super Bowl
year. His touchdowns and completions didn't necessarily cause his
value to increase, but the fact he threw only nine interceptions (50
percent lower than the two previous years). Hasselbeck led the most
prolific offense from 2005, and now he has Nate Burleson
paired with Darrell Jackson on the receiving end of his
passes. It's realistic to think that Shaun Alexander's
rushing numbers will dip after his career year, so the passing
offense should benefit. ... After Manning got off to a nice start in
his breakout '05 season (12 touchdowns in his first six games),
defenses adjusted and the second-year pro crawled across the finish
line with just four scores in his last six games. Detractors point
to his weak completion percentage (52.7), which was worse than all
of last year's regular starting QBs. But you have to recognize that
he was only in his second year as a pro (first as a full-time
starter). With Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy
Shockey as targets, he is expected to have a solid Fantasy
season again -- with more consistency. Hasselbeck votes: 4
Manning votes: 1
RB: RONNIE BROWN vs. CADILLAC WILLIAMS
Within an hour of the start of the 2005 NFL Draft, both Auburn
running backs were destined to be compared to each other, fairly or
unfairly, for their entire NFL careers. Cadillac got off to a huge
start, with 434 rushing yards in three games (setting a rookie
record), but it became apparent that head coach Jon Gruden was
leaning too much on the rookie and an injury killed the middle part
of his season. Gruden plans on using Cadillac more in the passing
game this season, so his value should increase from that
perspective. ... But Brown officially enters 2006 without having a
superstar running back next to him on the depth chart for the first
time since high school. That includes his college career with
Cadillac starting at halfback, and Ricky Williams returning
from suspension last year. The addition of former All-Pro QB
Daunte Culpepper gives the Dolphins their first true passing
weapon since Dan Marino was behind center. There might not be a
better candidate for a breakout season than Brown -- who could be
among the top-five overall draft picks next year. Brown votes:
1 Williams votes: 4
RB: LaMONT JORDAN vs. EDGERRIN JAMES
The Jets have to be upset they lost Jordan to the Raiders last year,
after Jordan led all running backs with 70 receptions and Curtis
Martin's bad knee has his '06 season in question. The addition
of Aaron Brooks at quarterback shouldn't affect Jordan's
output. If Brooks is successful, defenses will be unable to stack
the line. And if Brooks fails, Jordan will receive more passes as
the team fights from behind. ... James leaves the Colts'
high-powered offense to join a Cardinals team that has leaned on the
passing game for what seems like two decades. Arizona's offensive
line is still among the five worst in the league, so those that
assume he'll put up another 1,500-yard season will probably be
disappointed. The Cardinals will probably be playing from behind a
lot again -- judging from their below-average defense, so James
could make up yards in the passing game. Jordan votes: 2
James votes: 3
WR: LARRY FITZGERALD vs. TORRY HOLT
Last year, Fantasy owners were wondering if Fitzgerald or Anquan
Boldin would emerge as the top Fantasy option in Arizona. While
Boldin's playmaking skills are impressive, Fitzgerald's consistency
and health made him rise to the top. He scored a touchdown in 10
different games last season. He's entering his third year in the
league, a time when most receivers realize their full potential, and
he'll have a former NFL Offensive MVP throwing to him in Kurt
Warner. Don't forget that the addition of James in the backfield
should take some defensive heat off of the receiver. ... Holt will
no longer be passing catches in Mike Martz's offense, but there's no
doubt that new head coach Scott Linehan plans to keep Holt one of,
if not the, top option in this offense. He recorded just his second
100-catch season in 2005, and he eclipsed the 1,300-yard mark for
the sixth-straight year. The Rams are expected to use their tight
ends more in the passing game, but the eight-year veteran remains a
top receiver in Fantasy. Last year was the first that he didn't play
in all 16 games in a season due to a knee injury. Fitzgerald
votes: 4 Holt votes: 1
WR: ANDRE JOHNSON vs. PLAXICO BURRESS
Both receivers dealt with erratic seasons in 2005. Johnson's final
numbers (688 yards, two TDs) were essentially half of what he put up
in his sophomore year in 2004. The Texans have a ton of question
marks all over the offensive side of the ball, but Johnson's
physical talent is unquestioned. Whether the team can take advantage
of his skills is the question. He said his shoulder and calf
injuries are behind him and the addition of Eric Moulds
should draw away some attention from defenses. ... Burress' arrival
in the Meadowlands coincided with the emergence of Manning as a
legitimate Fantasy starter. His Week 4 explosion for 204 yards and
two scores against the Rams immediately vaulted him into the upper
echelon of receivers again. But outside of that game, he registered
more than 100 yards in a game only three other times. Again, like
Johnson, his talent isn't up for debate. But can Burress be more
consistent -- or if he can't, can your Fantasy team afford eight
50-yard games for every 200-yard game? Johnson votes: 2
Burress votes: 3
WR: JASON WITTEN vs. RANDY McMICHAEL
Witten's Fantasy production actually took a step back last season
compared to the 980 yards and six TDs he put up in 2005. But the
Cowboys re-signed him this offseason and now he'll be paired
alongside controversial WR Terrell Owens. The latter will
take multiple defenders' attention away from the former and the
Cowboys drafted Anthony Fasano to pick up some blocking
duties, allowing Witten to release into routes more. Expect another
solid year from the Cowboys' TE again -- although a return to
900-plus yards is unrealistic. ... McMichael had a decent year in
'05, but his output also declined a bit from '04. The arrival of
Culpepper should greatly benefit the fifth-year pro. Outside of
Brown and Chris Chambers, McMichael is the only real other
threat to score on this squad. Witten votes: 3
McMichael votes: 2
You can e-mail your Fantasy Football questions to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Preseason
Questions in the subject field. Please include your full name,
hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions
received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all
questions.
Without question, Hasselbeck had a career season in his Super Bowl
year. His touchdowns and completions didn't necessarily cause his
value to increase, but the fact he threw only nine interceptions (50
percent lower than the two previous years). Hasselbeck led the most
prolific offense from 2005, and now he has Nate Burleson
paired with Darrell Jackson on the receiving end of his
passes. It's realistic to think that Shaun Alexander's
rushing numbers will dip after his career year, so the passing
offense should benefit. ... After Manning got off to a nice start in
his breakout '05 season (12 touchdowns in his first six games),
defenses adjusted and the second-year pro crawled across the finish
line with just four scores in his last six games. Detractors point
to his weak completion percentage (52.7), which was worse than all
of last year's regular starting QBs. But you have to recognize that
he was only in his second year as a pro (first as a full-time
starter). With Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy
Shockey as targets, he is expected to have a solid Fantasy
season again -- with more consistency.
Within an hour of the start of the 2005 NFL Draft, both Auburn
running backs were destined to be compared to each other, fairly or
unfairly, for their entire NFL careers. Cadillac got off to a huge
start, with 434 rushing yards in three games (setting a rookie
record), but it became apparent that head coach Jon Gruden was
leaning too much on the rookie and an injury killed the middle part
of his season. Gruden plans on using Cadillac more in the passing
game this season, so his value should increase from that
perspective. ... But Brown officially enters 2006 without having a
superstar running back next to him on the depth chart for the first
time since high school. That includes his college career with
Cadillac starting at halfback, and Ricky Williams returning
from suspension last year. The addition of former All-Pro QB
Daunte Culpepper gives the Dolphins their first true passing
weapon since Dan Marino was behind center. There might not be a
better candidate for a breakout season than Brown -- who could be
among the top-five overall draft picks next year.
The Jets have to be upset they lost Jordan to the Raiders last year,
after Jordan led all running backs with 70 receptions and Curtis
Martin's bad knee has his '06 season in question. The addition
of Aaron Brooks at quarterback shouldn't affect Jordan's
output. If Brooks is successful, defenses will be unable to stack
the line. And if Brooks fails, Jordan will receive more passes as
the team fights from behind. ... James leaves the Colts'
high-powered offense to join a Cardinals team that has leaned on the
passing game for what seems like two decades. Arizona's offensive
line is still among the five worst in the league, so those that
assume he'll put up another 1,500-yard season will probably be
disappointed. The Cardinals will probably be playing from behind a
lot again -- judging from their below-average defense, so James
could make up yards in the passing game.
Last year, Fantasy owners were wondering if Fitzgerald or Anquan
Boldin would emerge as the top Fantasy option in Arizona. While
Boldin's playmaking skills are impressive, Fitzgerald's consistency
and health made him rise to the top. He scored a touchdown in 10
different games last season. He's entering his third year in the
league, a time when most receivers realize their full potential, and
he'll have a former NFL Offensive MVP throwing to him in Kurt
Warner. Don't forget that the addition of James in the backfield
should take some defensive heat off of the receiver. ... Holt will
no longer be passing catches in Mike Martz's offense, but there's no
doubt that new head coach Scott Linehan plans to keep Holt one of,
if not the, top option in this offense. He recorded just his second
100-catch season in 2005, and he eclipsed the 1,300-yard mark for
the sixth-straight year. The Rams are expected to use their tight
ends more in the passing game, but the eight-year veteran remains a
top receiver in Fantasy. Last year was the first that he didn't play
in all 16 games in a season due to a knee injury.
Both receivers dealt with erratic seasons in 2005. Johnson's final
numbers (688 yards, two TDs) were essentially half of what he put up
in his sophomore year in 2004. The Texans have a ton of question
marks all over the offensive side of the ball, but Johnson's
physical talent is unquestioned. Whether the team can take advantage
of his skills is the question. He said his shoulder and calf
injuries are behind him and the addition of Eric Moulds
should draw away some attention from defenses. ... Burress' arrival
in the Meadowlands coincided with the emergence of Manning as a
legitimate Fantasy starter. His Week 4 explosion for 204 yards and
two scores against the Rams immediately vaulted him into the upper
echelon of receivers again. But outside of that game, he registered
more than 100 yards in a game only three other times. Again, like
Johnson, his talent isn't up for debate. But can Burress be more
consistent -- or if he can't, can your Fantasy team afford eight
50-yard games for every 200-yard game?
Witten's Fantasy production actually took a step back last season
compared to the 980 yards and six TDs he put up in 2005. But the
Cowboys re-signed him this offseason and now he'll be paired
alongside controversial WR Terrell Owens. The latter will
take multiple defenders' attention away from the former and the
Cowboys drafted Anthony Fasano to pick up some blocking
duties, allowing Witten to release into routes more. Expect another
solid year from the Cowboys' TE again -- although a return to
900-plus yards is unrealistic. ... McMichael had a decent year in
'05, but his output also declined a bit from '04. The arrival of
Culpepper should greatly benefit the fifth-year pro. Outside of
Brown and Chris Chambers, McMichael is the only real other
threat to score on this squad.