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Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005 by Roger Kuznia

Like most things in life, you become a better fantasy football owner through trial and error. After you've played awhile, you learn what works, and then you're able to apply what you've learned to help you build a perennial winner. But because the NFL is always changing, there is something new to learn each year. 2005 certainly underscored these truths that can help you be a better owner in 2006:

Get players from top offenses. Considering the high points totals the Giants' offense posted at the tail end of 2004, it shouldn't surprise you New York improved significantly with the addition of Plaxico Burress, the improved health of Jeremy Shockey and the continued maturation of Eli Manning. By getting a handle on offenses that could break out, you likely will select better players than your peers. If you're not comfortable with prospecting, players such as Marvin Harrison, Shaun Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson and Carson Palmer are great options because they ate proven performers in proven offenses.

Avoid guys with issues. Terrell Owens made fools of us all when he put me before team. Jamal Lewis battled prison time and ah ankle injury to become this season's biggest fantasy flop. Charles Rogers' practice habits following a four-game drug suspension left everyone wondering why he was the second overall pick in the 2003 draft. Two of those three players have been proven performers, but don't invite heartache into your season by drafting them. Let someone else assume the risk.

Never draft three quarterbacks (unless your league requires two starters at the position). How many times have you picked the wrong option, leaving points on your bench? That leads to constant second-guessing, so why not just draft one good QB such as Tom Brady and a decent backup? I love Brady because he never misses a week and he rarely does anything to lose you games. Plus, there's always a quarterback or two available during the season who can make an impact (Mark Brunell in 2005, Drew Brees in 2004).

TOP (5)

Holiday Gifts for Fantasy Underachievers

1 To Bucs WR Michael Clayton: one small mirror. Place directly in front of helmet and attempt to fog.

2 To Eagles QB Mike McMahon: a box of personalized stationery. Please spend the offseason writing apologies to fantasy owners who placed faith in your ability to carry Donovan McNabb's jock.

3 To Lions WR Charles Rogers: one set of Louis Vuitton luggage. Place all your threads inside and catch the next bus out of Detroit for your journey to the Land of Squandered Opportunities.

4 To Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown: a dime bag of Jamaican weed. Place discreetly in a fellow running back's locker to ensure you get the lion's share of the carries during your sophomore season.

To Ravens RB Jamal Lewis: one 6-foot-long brushed mahogany mantle. It'll be the perfect place on which to proudly display your handsome Fantasy Bust of the Year trophy, scheduled for delivery by year's end.

--Ladd Biro

YESTERDAY

Eric Moulds, WR, Bills.

Second-year quarterback J.P. Losman's favorite target is second-year wide receiver Lee Evans, and rookie speedster Roscoe Parrish will be a bigger part of Buffalo's offense next season, when Moulds will be 33.

TODAY

Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs.

He has taken over where Priest Holmes left off and is showing no signs of letting up. With the way he's running behind one of the league's best offensive lines, L.J. is working his way up to being a top four fantasy pick for '06.

TOMORROW Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens.

The rookie's role is starting to expand as he builds chemistry with Kyle Boller and takes better advantage of the favorable coverage he gets opposite Derrick Mason. Clayton will be a fantasy factor in Year 2.--Vinnie Iyer

WEEK 15

TSN experts

                          STUDS                     SLEEPERS
          Pos.

 LADD     QB      Kurt Warner, Cardinals     Jake Delhomme, Panthers
 BIRD     RB       Thomas Jones, Bears       Corey Dillon, Patriots
          WR      Steve Smith, Panthers      Andre Johnson, Texans

                     Cadillac will bog down in frigid New England.

 ROGER    QB      Kurt Warner, Cardinals     Jake Delhomme, Panthers
KUZNIA    RB       Tiki Barber, Giants      J.J. Arrington, Cardinals
          WR       Joey Galloway, Bucs        Derrick Mason, Ravens

                 The Texas will present the Cards' running game with
                                 a golden opportunity.

GEORGE    QB       Eli Manning, Giants       David Garrard, Jaguars
WINKLER   RB     DeShaun Foster, Panthers    Reuben Droughns, Browns
          WR       Hines Ward, Steelers         Lee Evans, Bills

                 Subtract his TDs to Santana Moss and Brunell stunk
                             in the first Dallas matchup.

                        STUMBLERS
          Pos.

 LADD     QB      Brad Johnson, Vikings
 BIRD     RB     Cadillac Williams, Bucs
          WR      Laveranues Coles, Jets

                     Cadillac will bog down in frigid New England.

 ROGER    QB       Drew Brees, Chargers
KUZNIA    RB       Steven Jackson, Rams
          WR      Jerry Porter, Raiders

                 The Texas will present the Cards' running game with
                                 a golden opportunity.

GEORGE    QB      Mark Brunell, Redskins
WINKLER   RB      Willis McGahee, Bills
          WR      Deion Branch, Patriots

                 Subtract his TDs to Santana Moss and Brunell stunk
                             in the first Dallas matchup.

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Sporting News, The, Dec 23, 2005 by Roger Kuznia

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