I've listed some predictions for the fantasy football season, including Antonio Gates' leading the NFL in receptions and Reggie Bush catching more passes than Terrell Owens.
They may or may not happen, but are fun to ponder.
I've chosen a Hall of Fame fantasy football team based upon career statistics.
I set the positions to one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker, one defensive lineman, one linebacker and one defensive back.
Here's the list:
Quarterback
Dan Marino Ranks first in passing yards and touchdowns
Special mention
Warren Moon Ranks first in passing yards and touchdowns in pros
Running back
Emmitt Smith Ranks first in rushing yards and touchdowns
Walter Payton: Ranks second in rushing yards and third in touchdowns
Wide Receiver
Jerry Rice Ranks first in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns
Cris Carter Ranks second in receptions, fourth in receiving yards and second in touchdowns
Tight End
Tony Gonzalez Ranks second in receptions, third in yards and first in touchdowns among tight ends
Kicker
Gary Anderson Ranks first in field goals and second in extra points
Defensive lineman
Reggie White Ranks second in sacks (only recorded since 1982)
Linebacker
Lawrence Taylor Ranks seventh in sacks
Defensive back
Rod Woodson Ranks second in interceptions and first in touchdowns returned by INT
There's always room for debate with fantasy picks. I explain my first four choices in a recent FOX experts draft:
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, SD (No. 3)
I took him third over Tiki Barber and Clinton Portis for his durability, past production, role in offense and youth. He's struggled with nagging injuries in the past two seasons, but he will likely be used extensively with Rivers' inexperience. When Drew Brees started his first full season in 2002, Tomlinson was used heavily. He had a career-high 372 carries, totaled 2,172 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
Strong possibilities: Tiki Barber, Clinton Portis
2. Steve Smith, WR, CAR (No. 18)
He was the best player on the board as fantasy's top wide receiver last year. The addition of Keyshawn Johnson may help him see fewer double coverages. Also, he's developed a strong rapport with Delhomme in the past two of three seasons played. In my opinion, only No. 2 running backs were available, like ensuing picks Brian Westbrook, Willie Parker and Julius Jones.
Strong possibility: None
3. Rueben Droughns, RB, Cleveland (No. 23)
I took Droughns at No. 23 with the expectation that a viable No. 2 fantasy running back would be unavailable in the fourth round. In hindsight, I could have had a chance at Kevin Jones and Warrick Dunn in the fourth. Ensuing picks Thomas Jones (starting status is uncertain), Corey Dillon (is 31 with 2,419 career carries and returning from an injury-filled season) and Duece McAllister (will be sharing carries) all had negatives. I could have also taken Tatum Bell with the final expectation that he will be the featured runner and move him up in my rankings. However, in a reception league, Marvin Harrison may have been the best choice at this spot, consistently regarded as one of fantasy's top wide receivers.
Strong possibilities: Marvin Harrison, Tatum Bell
4. Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit (No. 38)
While I've downgraded Jones behind running backs like Droughns, Julius Jones, Tatum Bell and Brian Westbrook, he provided excellent value in the fourth round at No. 38. He's one of the top No. 3 running back taken compared to the rest of the teams, including Frank Gore (Needs to win starting spot and stay healthy), Reggie Bush (May hold out and will likely share carries), Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis (returning from poor season), Deuce McAllister (returning from season-ending knee injury) and Chris Brown (Wants to be traded and playing time may be reduced by rookie LenDale White). Jones has the talent to be featured like Marshall Faulk with the system of Detroit's new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The next best RB option, Dunn, is often sidelined in goal-line situations, reducing his scoring chances. Despite bypassing Darrell Jackson and Plaxico Burress for a second wideout, I still drafted a Top 10 fantasy receiver from last year in the fifth round (No. 43) Joey Galloway.
I've listed my top 10 fantasy quarterbacks based upon history of play, potential, potency of offense, quality of receivers and health.
1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis 2. Tom Brady, New England 3. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle 4. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati 5. Eli Manning, New York Giants 6. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia 7. Trent Green, Kansas City 8. Daunte Culpepper, Miami 9. Jake Delhomme, Carolina 10. Marc Bulger, St. Louis