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| Sleeper Fantasy Football MVP |
| Posted on August 22, 2005 |
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Tim DiRocco
Team Correspondent
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Who has the best shot to be this year's fantasy MVP?
Peyton Manning? A fair chance.
LaDanian Tomlinson? Not out of the question.
Steve McNair? Better than you might think.
I know what you are thinking here. 'The 11-year veteran who
recently contemplated retirement because he is more beat up
than the Alamo?'
Yes, that Steve McNair.
Once you are done cleaning your dinner off the keyboard,
read on for the reasons why I feel that McNair will not only
be a Top 5 fantasy QB, but potentially #1:
McNair is healthy
His sternum is completely healed. When a broken sternum
heals, it is usually a good deal stronger than before.
Combined with Steve coming into camp 25lbs lighter and
following a strict diet, he may begin to show flashes of his
younger scrambling days.
Defensive help (or lack thereof)
The Titans come into 2005 with nearly three dozen first year
players on the roster, most on the defensive side of the
ball. With so many youngsters, Tennessee figures to be
playing from behind more often. The logical result is the
return of Air McNair.
Norm Chow
Few people are happier to see Heimerdinger leave than Steve
McNair. Under Chow, McNair will be using more 3-5 step drops
and pocket rollouts, taking advantage of Steve's increased
mobility and veteran decision-making skills. Even with Mason
gone, the Titans have a pair of solid receivers in Bennett
and Calico to go with 3 promising rookies. Chris Brown and
Travis Henry have been known to haul in a pass or three as
well. The TE position could potentially reach Indianapolis'
2003-4 level. And speaking of Indy....
Peyton Manning
While Manning remains one of (and often THE) top fantasy
players at QB, it is a stretch to think that he will
repeat his numbers. Manning racked up the bulk of his
numbers against weak defenses, of which he will see
fewer of this year. His season opens up @BAL, JAC and
CLE; three teams with either an already solid defense,
or the pedigree to put one together quickly. Throw in
another JAC game, @NE, SD, PIT and a week 17 home game
vs ARI (which could have a monster D by the end of the
season) and Manning does not have the schedule to repeat
his 2004 performance.
The Titans are not to be forgotten in this coming
season. Taking McNair in the mid to later rounds can and
should be considered a steal.
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