Playoff adjustments
Does Maroney's strong finish make him a better '08 fantasy pick?
Philip Rivers has played well enough in the playoffs to adjust my expectations for his 2008 season slightly. So who else has affected their value? I'll list some names and decide if their postseason effort mattered.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers - Here was the guy we expected to see all season. I think San Diego's maturation in the passing game has a lot to do with understanding Norv Turner's system. Jackson will be ignored after a lost year, but he still has potential to score a lot of touchdowns.
Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, Giants - Give credit to the GIants offensive line. Everyone looks like a superstar playing behind them. (Except for Reuben Droughns). Now that Bradshaw looks like a legitimate threat, Jacobs is going to wind up sharing carries with him and possibly Derrick Ward next year. Good for the Giants, bad for Jacobs. Although maybe lesser work can keep him healthy. 15 touches-per-game and a lot of scores would keep him a RB2.
Eli Manning, Giants - I need more. Making fewer mistakes is great, but I need to see him do it over the course of a regular season.
Tony Romo, Cowboys - I'm not that concerned about the slow finish. I'm more concerned with an aging receiver corps and offensive coaching staff that is leaving town. He will still be a top-5 quarterback.
David Garrard, Jaguars - I had no doubts that Garrard is a rock-solid quarterback, and probably a borderline QB1/2 next season. His efforts this month support that.
Laurence Maroney, Patriots - If he can continue to close strong, the Patriots coaching staff will have more faith to give him the ball in 2008.
This is probably it for posting today. Have a few more work things to handle, then heading over to the real NBC for what promises to be a truly surreal experience: Seeing one of my best friends and longtime roomate kill on Conan O'Brien tonight. So watch or Tivo it if you are feeling supportive.
Comments
I would think Ryan Grant's value shot up a bit after his 200+ yard, 3 TD performance against Seattle.
Where would you project him among RB's for next season?
Posted by: Stephen | January 15, 2008 02:15 PM
Greg,
Have dynasty league question: who would you rather own along with Brady in a 2 QB league, Garrard or Schuab??
Garrard had better overall season but can't get over Schaub's 7.8 ypa and age difference (3 years).
Posted by: TC | January 15, 2008 02:33 PM
Hey Greg,
You do realize your buddy crossed a union picket line to be on Conan. Not cool.
Posted by: Bryan | January 15, 2008 09:27 PM
Gregg,
I would be cautious with Vincent Jackson - didn't his big late-season games come when Gates was out?
Also, the Pats aren't consistent enough with their use of the run game for me to get too excited about Laurence Maroney, or any other RB they put out there. He'll be no more than an RB2 in my book while Hoodie's in town.
I agree with you on Garrard. Dude made his receiving corps look very good at the end of the year. Maybe Reggie Williams finally becomes a solid WR2 in '08.
And Ryan Grant is Willie Parker circa 2005 -- good receiver, shifty and blazingly fast. Barring injury I think he'll be a top-10 RB next season.
Posted by: Mike | January 16, 2008 12:02 AM
He's not WGA, but thanks for the concern.
I'd probably take Schaub over Garrard slightly in a dynasty, but thats the riskier pick.
Posted by: Gregg | January 16, 2008 09:18 AM