Times are changing in fantasy football for 2009. This season we say goodbye to the Ladainian Tomlinson of yesteryear and welcome a more vulnerable, but still remarkable running back capable of 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. We’ll also see what a former Top 7 quarterback can do with Chicago’s offense and prepare for the Maurice Jones-Drew era in Jacksonville.
In New England, the great Tom Brady will return and see if he, Randy Moss and Wes Welker can rekindle the magic that led to their magical 2007 season. Brady’s rival Peyton Manning will try to adjust to life without veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison and the Colts’ offensive scheme will undergo a transformation. Meanwhile, Harrison will try to find work as a rapidly declining star.
Terrell Owens is also racking up the miles, but he’s still racking up stats at an elite level. He will now look to provide an instant spark to a dull Bills offense led by Trent Edwards, who lacks the talents of some of the other play-callers Owens has played with. One fantasy football sleeper that could emerge from the Owens acquisition is Lee Evans. Evans, a very talented player who has had little room to operate due to the Bills’ lack of options, will now have more breathing room to showcase his skills.
Legal troubles have also become a regular aspect of fantasy football. Marshawn Lynch currently has a three-game suspension and that needs to be factored into the drafts. Additionally, it is unknown what the status of Plaxico Burress is, as he could face prison time or a suspension from the NFL.