Posted by Mike Caprio May 18, 2009

 

Akin to Spock (powered by the “New” Star Trek of course), I constantly find myself trying to logic-ize decisions by “real-life” Baseball and Football Personnel directors, coaches and GM’s, and then translate that into Fantasy.

Most of you are “in the thick” of the Fantasy Baseball season, but in my mind it’s never too early to start thinking about football again.

In that vein, we have highlighted the Top 5 NFL Fantasy Free Agents—and how their new homes should treat their fantasy owners this upcoming season.

1. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, Washington Redskins

Haynesworth begins his 8th NFL season with the most guaranteed money in Free Agent history ($41 Million) after signing a 7-year contract with Daniel Snyder’s  Redskins.   Snyder’s track record in Free Agency is deplorable, but Haynesworth is a beast.   He is one of the few Defensive Tackles in history to force opposing teams to gameplan against him.  His durability has raised questions, as has his attitude.  Even if you play in a IDP (Individual Defensive Players) league, Haynesworth’s value won’t exceed a pass rushing end…but his real value could be for Andre Carter (4.0 Sacks in ‘09), Phillip Daniels/Renaldo Wynn, and for the Secondary and Linebacking Corps for those playing with team defenses.

Nuclear Option in Buffalo? (Icon Sports Media)

 

 

2.  Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills

Terrell Owens and Drew Rosenhaus took their “show” on the road to snowy Buffalo, where the Bills hope to revive a floundering offense in 2009.  As I wrote last week, the combination of a two-headed (subpar) QB, a starting RB who will likely miss the first three games, and Owens…all in the AFC East, should make for a combustable situation in Orchard Park.  Fantasy owners should seek solace in that—outside of the numbers—you don’t care about anything else.  And if one thing is true, T.O. will likely play well and score lots of touchdowns.  He has something to prove—a long-term deal to pursue.  Say what you will about T.O.—his talent is indisputable.

3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

What a name.  Jeez.  I have to copy and paste it everytime.  I’m a pretty good speller…but I submit on T.J.  As they say, “I digress…”

T.J. has the ability to have the biggest impact of all the Free Agent acquisitions—in real-life and in fantasy.

You have a new coach; a solid QB returning from an injury; a weak schedule; a pass catching tight-end to keep Safeties and LB’s honest; and a newly acquired (and talented) vertical receiving threat.

T.J. surprisingly spurred other offers—including the Minnesota Vikings—to join the Seahawks.  He should provide a much-needed spark to a lethargic offensive unit—seemingly still smarting from their loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XL.

4. Torry Holt, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars

The “King of Turf” has moved from the NFC to the AFC South—adding a much needed vertical element to a Jaguars team who already onws a solid ground game with Maurice Jones-Drew.  ESPN—surprisingly—has Holt listed as the “slot” receiver, behind current WR’s Dennis Northcutt and Troy Williamson.  While Holt may not have the same burst he did in 2000 (especially on grass), he still has great hands, and an uncanny ability to work the slant.  He is no longer a “Tier 1″ Fantasy WR, but is worthy of a 2nd WR spot—assuming he’s on the field for 80% of the Jaguars offensive snaps out of camp.

5. Matt Cassel, Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel emerged from obscurity last season to march the Pats to within one “break” of a playoff birth.  Drafted out of USC (where he had only 14 passing attempts as a Senior), he proceeded to be a student of the Pat’s offense until called upon when Tom Brady’s season ended on Opening Day in Kansas City.   Dramatic irony would have it that Scott Pioli, former player personnel guru for the Patriots, joining the Chiefs as General Manager and quickly engineering a deal for Cassel.  Stepping into a less than ideal offensive unit, with the perpetually unhappy and unhealthy Larry Johnson, a dearth of talent at WR (except Dwayne Bowe), and a “Swiss Cheese” offensive line, Cassel will likely struggle in 2009.  However, Pioli is an excellent evaluator of talent should arm his franchise QB with weapons for 2010 and beyond.

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