| For the past few months, I had been thinking
about buying a home. Not because I actually have the money to do so, mind you — a
journalist’s salary is not the greatest in the world, even at a national bible like
PFW. No, the reason I was thinking of buying a home was based on value. What value am I
really getting by paying rent and living in an apartment when, realistically, I could pay
a bit more a month and actually OWN the place I live. Then I could reap the rewards, such
as value appreciation.
In fantasy keeper leagues, owners know all about value appreciation. In the fantasy
world, owners come off as geniuses when the players they draft appreciate in value.
Several players this season have seen their values appreciate significantly, and those
players are the ones you should be focusing on keeping for next season if they are on your
roster.
While I’m not saying these are the players you should keep, I am saying that these
players’ values have gone up significantly since last spring and should at least be
looked at if you’re trying to rebuild your team. Obviously, you’d keep a Terrell
Owens or Marshall Faulk over any of these individuals. But not everyone has the Owenses
and Faulks. If you keep a ton of players (not the typical two or three) — a franchise
league — then these certainly can be solid building blocks for the future.
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady / Patriots — His stock has probably risen the most of
any player this year, as he’s now a viable keeper since he’ll likely start no
matter where he is (New England or elsewhere) next year.
Drew Brees / Chargers — With the terrible year had by Doug Flutie
and the coaching change ahead, this situation is uncertain. Many people are calling for
the team to hand the reins over to the youngster, but if Flutie’s still around, that
would only create problems.
Mike McMahon / Lions — Showed a lot of promise in a few starts
this year and should have the inside track on the starting job, unless Matt Millen and
Marty Mornhinweg completely shift gears and go elsewhere in the wake of a horrendous
season.
Steve McNair / Titans — Who would’ve thought McNair could be
a pocket passer? After disappointing most fantasy owners last season, McNair bounced back
to have a good season, capitalizing on the struggles the running game went through. This
is probably not as much a "for the future" keeper as some of the others, but
McNair could reap benefits for you for the next few years.
Jake Plummer / Cardinals — Is close to pulling off his only NFL
season with more TD passes than interceptions. That alone is reason enough to wonder if
the real Plummer is finally coming out.
Kordell Stewart / Steelers — Some (myself included) believe
he’s the MVP of the season. After nearly being dumped by the Steelers on several
occasions a few years back, Stewart has refined his mechanics and is more confident than
ever.
Michael Vick / Falcons — Still growing up, but should get plenty
of opportunities backing up ol’ Chris "Chandelier" in Atlanta, if he
doesn't beat out the veteran. If Chandler isn’t around, Vick would certainly get the
ball.
Running backs
Shaun Alexander / Seahawks — Not many people make it a habit to
question Mike Holmgren, but when Holmgren benched Alexander for Ricky Watters, just about
anyone who knows football was perplexed. With Watters potentially on his way out,
Alexander, whose stock was already quite high as a keeper, will be in great, great shape.
Shawn Bryson / Bills — Two games, 100-plus yards in each. While
the Bills’ regime is likely to stick with their guy, RB Travis Henry, as the featured
back next year, Bryson could be traded for draft picks. Also, given the season the Bills
had, the regime could be open to change, though that isn’t as likely.
Garrison Hearst / 49ers — I protected him last year after signing
him at the end of the season, and it paid off wonderfully. Now, Hearst is a bona fide
keeper, even without the high TD totals other backs might put up.
Wide receivers
Marty Booker / Bears — Marcus Robinson seems to be an injury
waiting to happen. That makes Booker the Bears’ most reliable receiver. He’s got
a nice rapport with Jim Miller and shouldn’t be hurt much if they bring in a
different quarterback next year.
Plaxico Burress / Steelers — If anyone has benefited from Kordell
Stewart’s confidence boost, it has been Burress. Burress himself has matured greatly
since last season, when folks were chalking him up as a first-round bust. But now with a
strong quarterback and a system that plays to his advantages, Burress is climbing the
receiving charts.
Chris Chambers / Dolphins — Six wide receivers were taken in the
first round of the 2001 draft. Then, Chambers was taken in the second round. The Dolphins
believed they stole Chambers, and it sure looks as though they were right. Chambers has
given the Dolphins’ passing game life and is making a serious push for Offensive
Rookie of the Year honors.
Laveranues Coles / Jets — Quick, name the wide receiver who
played opposite Peter Warrick at Florida State in Warrick’s senior year. That’s
right, it was Coles, who has made more of an impact than Warrick thus far in the NFL. If
the Jets can correct their passing-game woes, imagine the numbers Coles will put up next
season.
Rod Gardner / Redskins — Gardner has been on and off, but mostly on
this year. He’s made an impact, but not a huge one. With a year under his belt in the
league, Gardner should develop nicely.
Kevin Johnson / Browns — As Tim Couch goes, so goes the
Browns’ passing game and Johnson. Johnson has been Couch’s top target the past
few seasons, and that shouldn’t change much next year. Couch has progressed well, and
the better he gets, the better off Johnson will be. If the Browns find a steady running
game, the Couch-Johnson combination will only become more dangerous.
Tight end
Marcus Pollard / Colts — If there’s anyone more versatile
than Colts H-back/TE/WR/FB Marcus Pollard, I’d like to know. Pollard found a nice
rhythm with QB Peyton Manning in a very off-rhythm season for Indy. Look for Pollard to
continue to be as involved in the passing game as he was this year. |
