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| Authored by Martin Barna - 8th August, 2005 - 3:19 am
 As the simmering July afternoons burn on into the sultry days of August, it might not seem as though much has changed in the last few weeks, and for the average person, not much has. But for those that spend Sunday afternoons in the fall glued to the action on living room television screens, sporting lucky jerseys, hats, and undergarments, and getting back in touch with long-lost recliner grooves, August means only one thing: football is here.
All 32 training camps have kicked into high gear, the first of many preseason exhibitions get underway this weekend, and fantasy football draft season is in full swing. The two-a-days are stewing, the signings and releases are pouring in, and the sports networks, growing weary of mid-season baseball, are becoming saturated with the latest gridiron news. Sounds like it?s about time for another installment of the ?Super 60? Fantasy Rankings.
The Movers and Shakers:
Jamal Lewis (-4)
Although missing another week of training camp will not ruin his 2005 campaign, it should make fantasy owners a bit wary about giving this breakdown-prone freight train a first-round nod. The Ravens? young offense will need as much time as possible to gel before taking the field on opening day, and every week that Lewis is forced to miss, is a big step backwards for Baltimore.
Terrell Owens (+2)
Despite a minor groin injury, T.O.?s stock increased significantly this week when Todd Pinkson went down with a ruptured Achilles. Coupled with the departure of Freddie Mitchell, Pinkston?s season-ending injury will likely force the Philadelphia front office to soften their stance on Owens? contract dispute. Say what you want about his tactics and recent comments, but a happy and healthy T.O. will post 15 scores and average close to 100 yards a game. Since a receiving corps of Greg Lewis, Reggie Brown, and L.J. Smith would likely derail any championship aspirations, look for the Eagles to now acquiesce to T.O.?s desire to renegotiate.
Deuce McCallister (+2)
After inking a massive seven-year contract extension that makes him the league?s second-highest paid back, McCallister now must start playing like it. Despite averaging over 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns in the last three years, Deuce has been unable to help New Orleans move to the next level. Given the Saints? lengthy record of disappointment (the biggest highlight in the franchise?s 30-year history is a 1970 field goal by a guy with half a foot), this enormous investment will hopefully motivate McCallister and the Saints to take that next step.
Javon Walker (+12)
The Packers? number one wideout makes the biggest leap this week, jumping twelve spots to #38. In a surprise development, Walker reported to training camp after a hold out seemed imminent, and has been highly impressive thus far. With several phenomenal catches downfield, it is clear that any conflicts related to his offseason contract problems will have no impact on the fourth-year Packer?s relationship with Brett Favre.
Anquan Boldin (-5)
Boldin, who missed six games last year due to a knee injury, drops five slots after breaking his nose during a recent Cardinal practice. As the favorite target of Jake Plummer and Luke McCown over the last two seasons, Anquan was looking forward to hooking up with Kurt Warner to generate some impressive fantasy numbers. Although Boldin shouldn?t miss much time, Warner might develop a stronger rapport with youngster, Larry Fitzgerald, and could play (let me apologize in advance) Brad Pitt to Anquan?s Aniston in Arizona in 2005.
The Complete Super 60 Rankings:
Rank Player
1 LaDanian Tomlinson
2 Shaun Alexander
3 Willis McGahee
4 Domanick Davis
5 Peyton Manning
6 Clinton Portis
7 Edgerrin James
8 Corey Dillon
9 Randy Moss
10 Priest Holmes
11 Jamal Lewis
12 Rudi Johnson
13 Daunte Culpepper
14 Marvin Harrison
15 Terrell Owens
16 Curtis Martin
17 Deuce McCallister
18 Tiki Barber
19 Julius Jones
20 Donovan McNabb
21 Michael Vick
22 Kevin Jones
23 Ahman Green
24 Chad Johnson
25 Andre Johnson
26 Tony Gonzalez
27 Brian Westbrook
28 Antonio Gates
29 Steven Jackson
30 Torry Holt
31 Michael Bennett
32 Brett Favre
33 Jeremy Shockey
34 Trent Green
35 Anquan Boldin
36 Nate Burleson
37 Tatum Bell
38 Javon Walker
39 Joe Horn
40 LaMont Jordan
41 Marc Bulger
42 Roy Williams
43 Hines Ward
44 Tom Brady
45 Chris Brown
46 Fred Taylor
47 Reggie Wayne
48 Alge Crumpler
49 Larry Fitzgerald
50 Matt Hasselbeck
51 Ashley Lelie
52 Michael Clayton
53 J. J. Arrington
54 Steve Smith
55 Ronnie Brown
56 Carnell Williams
57 Drew Bennett
58 Jason Witten
59 Carson Palmer
60 Muhsin Muhammed
Honorable Mentions: David Carr, Jake Plummer, Lee Suggs, Kevin Barlow, Darrell Jackson, Chris Chambers, Keary Colbert, and Todd Heap. |
