Quarterback
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - This was an easy one. Manning's performance this season flies in the face of the "load up on running backs early" drafting philosophy. Through 15 games, Manning has 4,551 passing yards to go along with his NFL single-season record 49 touchdowns. He also has thrown just 10 interceptions which usually cost you at least one or two fantasy points. The one thing Manning gives you is consistency. Week-in and week-out, whether he was facing good teams or weaker teams, Manning was productive. In the future, I think the value of the quarterback position will become much more important to fantasy football based upon the enforcement of the no-chuck rule after five yards. Next season, fantasy football owners will have to take a look at using a first- or second-round pick on a guy like Manning, Daunte Culpepper or Donovan McNabb before loading up on the running backs.
Running Back (2)
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego - I'd have to put Tomlinson at the top of the list as far as the NFL's most productive fantasy backs. Through 15 games, he has posted 1,335 rushing yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns. He's added 53 catches for 441 yards and another touchdown. I like what the Chargers are doing with him using him as a wide receiver as well. Not just catching screens out of the backfield but moving him around and lining him up as a receiver as well. That gives him more big-play potential which fantasy owners like to see in a back.
Edgerrin James, Indianapolis - Edge has brought a balance to that Colts offense and when you play against Indianapolis, you cannot bring that eight defender down in the box to stop the running because Manning will eat you alive. That gives the Colts offensive line, and James, a definitely advantage. As long as that passing game is going as well as it has this year, James will be a very productive fantasy football back. Through 15 games, the most he has appeared in since 2000, James has racked up 1550 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
Just a reminder to fantasy owners not to forget about Kansas City's Priest Holmes. I know he was hurt this season and there is some concern there but I think he will return healthy and ready to go in 2005. He was shut down early this season and has had a chance to rest and recover. Despite playing in just eight games this season, Holmes posted over 800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Wide Receiver (2)
Terrell Owens, Philadelphia - T.O. was probably the most productive receiver in the NFL, and certainly was "the guy" for the Eagles, before getting hurt against the Cowboys two weeks ago. He will finish his first regular season in Philadelphia with 77 catches for 1,200 yards and a franchise-record 14 touchdowns in 14 games. Owens and McNabb developed that chemistry between a quarterback and receiver which is absolutely critical. The production is awesome when you consider it was their first season together.
Chad Johnson, Cincinnati - This is a guy you need to keep an eye on over the next few years. He has been very consistent the last few seasons including this year with 90 catches for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had five receptions of 40-or-more yards and 16 grabs of 20-or-more yards. Carson Palmer was a little banged up this season which hurt Johnson's numbers a bit but he has proven himself to be a productive wideout. I like what Bengals Offensive Coordinator Bob Bratkowski is doing with that offense and it has a chance to be very explosive.
Honorable mention has to go to Green Bay's Javon Walker who has had a career-year with the Packers. Walker has more than doubled his previous career high with 86 catches to rank fifth in the NFC. He has added 11 touchdowns, also a personal best. Walker is big, strong has excellent hands and can run after the catch. With Brett Favre, who loves to throw the ball down the field, the big play opportunities will be there for Walker.
Tight End
Tie: Antonio Gates, San Diego/Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City - I couldn't pick between these two who have both had sensational seasons. Gonzalez posted his second 1,000-yard season and his first since 2000. But Gates was the catalyst for much of the success the Chargers have found on offense this season. They lined him up tight, they lined him up wide...in the backfield, in the slot - pretty much anywhere. His 13 touchdowns, the most ever by an NFL tight end, were major fantasy football points but Gonzalez had more receiving yards which also translate into points. It's basically a coin flip between which of these great tight ends had the better year.
Kicker
David Akers, Philadelphia - A good kicker can be the difference between fantasy football success and failure and that's why I like a consistent guy like Akers. He is a guy who has been consistent and confident. He believes he can make any kick regardless of pressure or conditions and that's what you look for in a kicker. He has successfully booted 26 of 30 field goal attempts this season including two from beyond 50 yards. He also has missed just one extra point try in the last three seasons.
Defense
Washington Redskins - Gregg Williams, Washington's Defensive Coordinator, did an outstanding job with probably the least overall talent among the NFL's dominating defense. Williams' unit ranks second overall in the NFL and worked in harmony all season. The line, linebacker and secondary was in synch all year despite not having LaVar Arrington for most of the season. Fortunately I had this unit on my fantasy team this year and they really helped me.
Honorable mention goes to Pittsburgh and Buffalo. The Steelers have used an attacking 3-4 set-up that causes a lot of negative plays and turnovers. It's a fast-paced, quick style of defense. Buffalo's defense, which Williams led as the team's head coach the past three season, is finally getting some recognition as one of the league's most consistent units
