Fantasy owners who play in keeper or dynasty leagues always need to have an eye for the future. Whether through the draft, trading or the waiver wire, finding tomorrow’s fantasy star is the greatest treasure.
There are three kinds of fantasy teams at the mid-way point of this season: Those in contention, those in between and, sadly, those already out of it. If your team is 2 – 7, 1 – 8 or *gulp* 0 – 9, looking forward to next year is about all there is for your 2008 campaign.
The good thing about playing in a keeper or dynasty league is that even when you are out of contention one year the game continues. Redrafters sitting at 2 – 7 or worse have very little to play for other than pride. But keeper and dynasty owners can make some savvy decisions right now that could right the ship next season and beyond.
There are a dozen players available on the wire in most leagues who have the potential to help desperate keeper and/or dynasty owners put more Ws in the win column next season.
Leon Washington [RB, Jets]: The fans and media wonder why Washington does not get more touches in the Jets’ offense. Washington has a knack for the big play and deserves more time, and he could get that next year. Thomas Jones is not getting any younger.
Tim Hightower [RB, Cardinals]: The same goes for Hightower and the aging Edgerrin James. Hightower took over as the starting runningback in Arizona against St. Louis, relinquishing James to the bench for the foreseeable future. If by some miracle this guy still is floating on the waiver wire, grab him immediately.
Mike Walker [WR, Jaguars]: Walker emerged for two solid weeks earlier this season, grabbing the eye of some fantasy owners. Let’s face it: No receiver in Jacksonville is all that terrifying for opposing defenses right now, even though Matt Jones is putting together a decent campaign. Walker is due back from a knee sprain soon and could re-emerge as one of David Garrard’s favorite targets.
Shaun Hill [QB, 49ers]: Now that Mike Nolan is gone and the Alex Smith and J.T. O’Sullivan projects are essentially over, Hill gets his shot to prove his worth. And if he plays well down the stretch this year, he will be named the starting quarterback for San Francisco until proven otherwise.
Brady Quinn [QB, Browns]: Derek Anderson’s inconsistent season to date ultimately led to yesterday’s news that the Browns have named Quinn the starting quarterback, at least for this week’s Thursday night game. The future is now for Quinn, and he has a shot to run away with the job against the Broncos.
Jamaal Charles [RB, Chiefs]: With Larry Johnson finding himself in trouble this season, he could be finding his way out the door next season. The Chiefs drafted Charles should something happen to Johnson, one way or the other. He could get his chance to run the show without LJ next year.
Ryan Torian [RB, Broncos]: Fantasy owners did not get much of a glimpse of Torian in week 9. With Andre Hall and Michael Pittman now out for the rest of this season, he should get plenty of chances to prove his worth. He could be the next unknown-turned-good fantasy runningback out of Denver.
JaMarcus Russell [QB, Raiders]: The offense is so young and without direction right now. Even still, Russell looks like a guy who is starting to put things together a little bit, minus the effort against Atlanta. He certainly has some of the necessary weapons with Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Zach Miller. If the Raiders can keep adding weapons to the offense, particularly at wide receiver, Russell could be poised for a breakout season in 2009.
Ray Rice [RB, Ravens]: There were indications this preseason that the Ravens new coaching staff was not enamored with Willis McGahee. If those indications come to fruition, McGahee may be ousted from Baltimore this offseason. Rice and LeRon McClain would share the runningback duties should McGahee skip town, making both players worthy commodoties.
Robert Meachem [WR, Saints]: It is unlikely the Saints retain the services of Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and David Patten next season. They may retain at least two of the three veterans, but losing any of those guys helps Meachem make his way up the depth chart. If he can continue making strides, he should have the opportunity to start opposite Marques Colston next season.
Josh Morgan [WR, 49ers]: Morgan was a deep sleeper as a rookie heading into this season. A staph infection near the beginning of the regular season really set him back though. He appears to have a ton of potential and received some high praise during the preseason. If he can develop some chemistry with Shaun Hill and stay healthy and out of Mike Martz’s dog house, he will get his chance to shine.
Rashard Mendenhall [RB, Steelers]: There is an outside chance that Pittsburgh will not retain the services of Willie Parker next season. After being lost to a season-ending injury in 2008, Mendenhall could emerge next summer as the team’s back-of-the-future. He may have been dropped to the waiver wire after suffering that injury which shut down his rookie campaign.
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