Publicly known personalities receive many suggestions and requests from their readers. Like an online Madonna interviewer, readers regularly ask me about my rankings for this or that position. I normally decline touting any personal rankings, reminding them that my draft list is likely not better that theirs. I also remind them that player drafting is only the fantasy team's foundation. In-season transactions and starter assignments are equally important to a season of success.

Of course, that was not true in the pre-online days, when information was either dated by paper publication or self-investigated. Now it is much, much easier to field a respectable team with less effort. And.. since I'm off the article topic already, let me say that... I have mixed feelings about that the ease of today's fantasy success, too. I recall that FF championships were more satisfying back when we had to be more resourceful than just owning a modem.

Back by popular demand - actually it was just a few guys asking- it is time for the 2001 edition of TC's FANTASY FAVORITES. It is a somewhat limited list, by choice. Anyone can pinpoint the likes of Marshall Faulk. Randy Moss, and Tony Gonzalez. In most cases, we're trying to go a bit beyond the obvious and discuss players I like to have 2001 success. Such as..

Fantasy quarterbacks seem to have a positive feel. Last year, we saw how the position was richer than it had been in recent history. Now, it looks even deeper. This presents us with an interesting dilemma. Do we go after the true cream of the passer crop early, or do we stock up on prime rushers and receivers before taking advantage of the QB depth? The longer we wait, the riskier the selection becomes.

QB Trent Green KC has proved he can be productive with a limited (Redskins) or superior (Rams) supporting cast. With the Chiefs, Green could surprise many people, if the running game can balance the offense to a reasonable level. He certainly has the pure abilities to be an ace fantasy quarterback, and it looks like he'll be given every chance to succeed.

Rushers have traditionally been responsible for our fantasy successes and failures. An Emmitt Smith here or a Dorsey Levens there will often decide our team's fate. despite the h-u-g-e number of productive RBs, it remains important to claim the most productive ones possible for our roster.

Jaguar RB Fred Taylor JAX is the most spectacular running back in the NFL since Barry Sanders snuck out of the patio door at the 2000 Meet-The-Lions Barbeque. He would be an expensive option for an owner to build a team around, but he'd certainly be worth it. The big and quick Taylor is equiped to score at the tough goal line, too. If he plays all 16 games, Taylor could be the top fantasy player. The same is true of RB Terrell Davis DEN; who is likely my favorite fantasy player.

RB James Stewart DET is a middle-priced rusher that I really respect. He tired from playing backup in Taylor's shadow and welcomed the move to Detroit with a great 1450 yard season. Stewart is an established talent with a nose for scoring. He's had 43 TDs in the past 4 seasons. Within the new West Coast offense, I can promise you that Mojo Stewart will be important. Stewart led the NFL in goal line carries since joining the Lions. With an improved offensive line in 2001, that might make him this year's "Wow-Oh-Wow" player in basic scoring leagues (Does that restricted format still draw interest?).

In terms of quality depth, wide receivers stand tall. While their seems to be near two dozen capable fantasy starters. Not to be disrespectful of their talent, but aside from Mister Moss, there is not a single standout in the bunch that you'd kill to trade up for.

WR Eric Moulds BUF will continue to be a favorite this season. He is an integral part of an unbalanced offense that depends on his production. Big and strong. Moulds has a knack for making big plays. He remains one of the super wide receiver picks.

The future is now for WR David Boston AZ. He emerged as quality WR (71-1150-7) and established himself as the go-to receiver on the Cardinal team. He is the ..pardon the cliché.. prototypical NFL receiver, with size, speed, and opportunity. Despite having the skills to be a fantasy favorite, Boston remains trapped in offense featuring home-grown Jake Plummer's ineffectiveness. If if if the Cardinals ever get their offense moving in the right direction, Boston's potential to be a blue-chipper will be realized.

WR Oronde Gadsden MIA has been a steady-eddy, producing about 50 catches and 750 yards and 6 scores for each of his first three Dolphin seasons. I expect him to springboard to a better level. Consider him a late roster addition that will be valuable. I am convinced that Gadsden can be a short term fantasy stud.

For most of us, the tight end position is a creator of frustration. More free agent TEs are claimed in league, than any other position. A few guys constantly put up good numbers - Sharpe, Gonzalez. Another small handful preview a promising future - Alexander, Jones, Franks. Plus, there is a cluster of non-peak been-there has-success fellas - Walls, Wycheck, Riemersma. In short, it's a buyer's market.

TE David LaFleur DAL is an uncommon favorite of mine. With speedsters Galloway and Ismail flanking him, the promising youngster seems primarily restricted to blocking duty for Emmitt Smith. Yet, he'll also see mostly wide open space in the middle of the field. With his 6-foot-7 frame, he's a perfect king-size target and TC fantasy favorite for his 2001 cost. Best of all, with the unpopular QB Banks pitching, LaFleur can be a final round pick. Never again, will he be such a bargain.

To quote Pro Football Weekly.. "The key to selecting place kickers is the same as the key in making money in real estate. It is all about location. Location. Location." Traditionally, the elite PKs have short lived fame. The simpler truth is that the best ones play on the better teams. If we can correctly project the scoring opportunities, we can peg the best fantasy kicker choice, too. Not an easy task.

PK Jason Elam DEN remains one of the best fantasy kickers, in large part because he plays for the high scoring Broncos. WR Jeff Wilkins STL is very similar. As go the Rams, so he goes. It's all about "location".


~TC~

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