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Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004 by Vinnie Iyer
Congratulations are in order if you own Peyton Manning. As a late first-round or early second-round pick in most fantasy drafts, he probably carried your team to success this season.
The question is this: With Manning having a historic season, would he be worthy of the first overall fantasy pick next season, ahead of the typical top-tier running backs?
The answer for me is no--regardless of whether passing touchdowns are worth four or six fantasy points. Why? Because there still will be more late-round--and waiver-wire--values at quarterback than at any other position.
Using the No. 1 pick on Manning would effectively make a team a one-man show. There won't be any exciting No. 1-type backs left when the draft snakes back around at pick No. 24 (in a standard 12-team league), and you can forget about the top tier of wide receivers, too.
Consider this year's draft results in the Sporting News' in-house expert league: Every quarterback other than Manning or Daunte Culpepper was available through pick 28--a group that included Donovan McNabb, who wasn't very far below the top quarterbacks in scoring.
Remember, you need to start only one quarterback in most leagues. It's much harder to fill two running back holes or three wideout spots with consistent talent. So while owners enjoyed Manning's undervalued status this season, don't reach too high for him next year. It will cost your entire team.
M@IL BONDING
ROB HURTT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
Is Randy Moss' recent play a sign he'll be OK the rest of the season?
Pat Gareau, Albany, N Y
Pat: Moss played a limited role in his first two starts after returning from his hamstring injury, but after barely missing on a few deep balls in Week 14, Moss and Daunte Culpepper hooked up on an 82-yard touchdown in Week 15. Look for Moss to be the elite threat he was before the injury.
To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames. Sportingnews.com/football.
STUDS SLEEPERS STUMBLERS
Week 16 calls from Fantasy Source experts Chris Bahr, Vinnie Iyer and
George Winkler.
CHRIS BAHR
QB Daunte Culpepper, Kerry Collins, Oak. Jake Delhomme, Car.
Min.
RB Shaun Alexander, Larry Johnson, K.C. Domanick Davis,
Sea. Hou.
WR Jimmy Smith, Jac. T.J. Houshmandza- Torry Holt, St.L.
deh, Cin.
D Pittsburgh Cincinnati N.Y. Jets
VINNIE IYER
QB Daunte Culpepper, Michael Vick, Atl. Jake Delhomme, Car.
Min.
RB Shaun Alexander, Rudi Johnson, Cin. Domanick Davis,
Sea. Hou.
WR Jimmy Smith, Jac. Rod Gardner, Was. Hines Ward, Pit.
D Philadelphia Miami San Diego
GEORGE WINKLER
QB Trent Green, K.C. Kerry Collins, Oak. Jake Delhomme, Car.
RB Shaun Alexander, Warrick Dunn, Atl. Julius Jones, Dal.
Sea.
WR Joe Horn, N.O. Laveranues Coles, Hines Ward, Pit.
Was.
D Pittsburgh Washington San Diego
TSN Games TIP OF THE WEEK
The difference between our playoff fantasy football games is night and day. In Playoff 3 For All, owners can use a player only once, so it's a good idea to pick a star from a team you suspect will lose. In Playoff Fantasy Football, though, you want winners. Choose players from teams with staying power. The Colts' Edgerrin James and the Eagles' Donovan McNabb figure to be around a while. Try them. At the same time, be wary of players on the NFC's lower-seeded teams.--R.H.
To compete for $5,000 in prizes in our free Playoff Fantasy Football game, go to fantasygames.sportingsnews.com.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
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