97 recap

What a Year......

Biggest '97 disappointment

1997, could there have been a more interesting year? Some things, and players remained constant. Brett Favre is still, by far the most dominant fantasy QB in the game. The Packers and Broncos played in the superbowl. The Saints, Rams, and Raiders stunk. Minnesota fell flat on its face during November. But all that aside, the theme for 1997 was the element of surprise. How many people took Emmit Smith with their first pick? Jerry Rice? Curtis Martin? If you did you know what I'm talking about. There were some shockers, some sleepers, and some flops. With all the chaos, who has the time to sort out all the ticks from the dog? Why me of course. That's why I'm here. Last year I took my strategy to the championship, and now I'm here to give you some advice, and some '97 afterthoughts. So kick back, grab a cold one, and listen up.

1997 Surprises

Jeff George QB Raiders

George bottomed out in Atlanta in '96, and signed with the high flying Raiders. He didn't do anything to win, but put up impressive stats, and finished 2nd only to Favre in TD's. He led in yards passing, and threw only 9 INT's. As for '98, get him, his numbers shouldn't change much, and there new coach is a West Coast Offense guy. Get him.......

Rob Moore WR Cardinals

Where did he come from? The leading statistical receiver in our league last year, he gobbled up catches and yards. Got most of his TD's when Plummer took over. Expect his catches to go down, but his TD's to go up. Get him....

Kordell Stewart QB Steelers

Ran like the wind, threw like a veteran, and shocked the NFL world. This guy will be a true superstar. His confidence is apparent. He will do wonders for both black and running QB's. 21 TD's passing, 10 rushing. If your league credits rushing TD's, he's the 2nd best QB for 1998. Definitely get him.......

Eric Green TE Ravens

Couldn't have picked him at the beginning, if you did you were either on crack, or you should be doing this article. Most publications listed him as the 2nd best on the Ravens, and low and behold, he shined. Won't give you a lot of yards, but he'll be back in '98. Get him.....

Rod Smith WR Broncos

See Eric Green. He racked up yards, TD's and is the top receiver for the Broncos. If Elway stays healthy, he's money. Get him.....

Corey Dillon RB Bengals

Finished as strong as anyone. Shined when Boomer took over, but this team is a mystery, and Ki-Jana Carter will be back. For now I say get him, but I would wait until preseason.

Brad Johnson QB Vikings

Started off like a champ, then realized he's a Viking. Green's job is in jeopardy, but Johnson seems pretty solid, and has the best duo of wideouts in the game. I say take the chance, Get him....

Andre Rison WR Chiefs

Returned back to his prime, and had a great '97. Rison has, and will continue to be Grbac's favorite target. Tough one to call, but given the Chief's '97, for '98 I say get him.....

Ricky Dudley TE Raiders

Figured by most to be the gamble pick of '97. He came out smelling like roses for a team that smelled like something else. I believe that Dudley will be the prototype tight end of the future, and he won't be a gamble in '98. He's big, fast, and now can catch. He's in a system that scores, and because of poor defense, has to pass. With no doubt, get him.....

Yancey Thigpen WR Steelers

Rocked the NFL during the second half, and has won the confidence of Kordell. Racked up big yards despite double teams, and scored frequently. In my eyes he still a gamble, but he looks to be pretty solid. Get him....

James Jett WR Raiders

Racked up TD's and probably the biggest surprise in '98. Came out and proved he could do more than catch the deep ball. A work in progress though, and I don't think he will repeat. A huge gamble, one that I wouldn't take. Forget him......

'97 Flops

Jerry Rice WR 49ers

You know his history. '97 was a disaster. Who would guess one knee would mean such much to FFL'ers. In '98 there is no better gamble at a comeback. Definitely, get him.....

Jeff Blake QB Bengals

Fell flat in '97, after a great '96. I think he's still a gamble, but with the draught of QB's, and his past I say get him....

Tony Martin WR Chargers

Led league in TD's in '96, then followed that up with a horrible '97 campaign. I think he is still a good wideout, but who's his QB. Definitely a sleeper pick, but I say forget him.....

Emmit Smith RB Cowboys

He's a great back, or at least was. Last year was horrible for both him, and Dallas. In '98 his TD's will go up (guarantee), but he's not where he was. Catches a lot of screens. If he stays healthy I would try to pick him up later. Not the FFL starter he was, but he will be better than most. I say, with caution, get him....

Terry Glen WR Patriots

Injured all year. Would love to say forget him... but, he is still the Patriots best wideout. Injuries are a question, but he was injury free in his rookie campaign, and you may be able to get him later than you probably should. Get him....

Tony Banks QB Rams

Terrible year, terrible team. Vermeil has confidence in him, but I don't have confidence in Vermeil. Plays much better with Bruce in the line up. Fumbles a lot. Forget him....

Carl Pickens WR Bengals

Bad '97. He goes as Blake goes. Ranked as the No. 1 receiver last year, and didn't live up to it. Normally a TD machine. See Jeff Blake, but take the chance, he's too good. Get him....

Carolina Defense

Best defense in '96, were horrible in '97. The team is in disarray, and I wouldn't have them as my starters. Forget them...

Oakland Defense

They lost to the Saints. Forget them......

Isaac Bruce WR Rams

Injury plagued '97, and the fall of Banks killed him. He may be the best young talent at wideout. Without a doubt, even with Banks, get him.....

Eddie Kennison WR Rams

Plays well with Bruce in the lineup, but is too small to get off the line. He's the fastest wideout in the NFL. Not a talent, and will see few TD's. Never should have been ranked high anyway, and still shouldn't. Forget him.....

Brett Perriman WR Dolphins

Had a great year with the Lions in '96. Picked up by KC, got injured, Rison stole the show, and he was shipped to Miami. Didn't do jack for the fish either. Probably is the best wideout on the Dolphins, and should have a better '98. Definitely a gamble, but I think worth a late round gamble. Get him....

Curtis Martin RB Patriots

Only made the list because of what he was expected to do. '96 was superb, '97 mediocre, but not bad. I was skeptical of him going into '97, but even with his down year, impressed me quite a bit. Fell off only because of Pete Carroll. He will learn he has a tough durable back in Martin, and Martin's numbers will go up. Catches a lot of balls. Still a viable starter in smaller leagues. Definitely get him....

Terry Allen RB Redskins

21 TD's in '96, an afterthought in '97. A great back, with little get up left in the tank. A shame for such a hard nosed, under appreciated back. Had a good career, and a model player, but time is up for the under appreciated one. Unhappy to say, forget him....

Get them now

Drop them now

Ricky Watters-RB-Eagles- moving to a new team, and it will probably be a winner.

Kareem Abdul-Jabar-RB-Dolphins- Alot of TD's, Johnson will not start him long

Jake Plummer-QB-Cardinals- took over the QB job, and figures to be there savior. Good backup.

Adrian Murrell-RB-Jets- good back, Parcells will want more

Curtis Conway-WR-Bears- Only legitimate star for the Bears.

Michael Jackson-WR-Ravens- talented, but not a quality starter anymore

Marshall Faulk-RB-Colts- Despite the team, he is still a quality back, good receiver too.

Warren Moon-QB-Seahawks- A true great, too old to continue the training

Joey Galloway-WR-Seahawks- Probably no Moon, but still a topnotch wideout

Any Saints- can't move ball until they find a QB

Garrison Hearst-RB-49ers- proved his worth in '97, will be rewarded in '98

Lawrence Phillips-RB-Unsigned- finished......

Frank Wycheck-TE-Oilers- good '97, and McNair is getting better. Best Oiler Receiver, though he's a tight end.

Any Chargers- the team has no strengths

Keyshawn Johnson-WR-Jets- Saw more action as season wore on, and a true talent, now dedicated to honing his skills.

Oiler wideouts- The weakness of the entire team

Jamie Asher-TE-Redskins- Good sleeper pick at a weak TE position, a good starter, a great back up

Bam Morris-RB-Ravens- tough to play in jail

Randy Moss-WR-Undrafted- Hasn't been drafted yet, bad background. The best receiver in years though.

Jermaine Lewis-WR-Ravens- good year, but it's too crowded for Raven wideouts

Mike Alstott-FB/RB-Bucs- if your league uses FB's he's the best, if not, he's still a TD machine

Wayne Chrebet-WR-Jets- likable guy, but just isn't the big play guy. Will gobble up balls, but no TD's

Keenan McCardell-WR-Jaguars- the most under appreciated wideout in football

Anthony Miller-WR-Cowboys What a joke......

Frank Sanders-WR-Cardinals- good wideout should see more action in '98

Cardinal RB's- see who they draft, but they all just stink.

Fred Lane-RB-Panthers Finished strong, will produce

All Redskins Receivers-None have any significant value

Bert Emanuel-WR-Falcons-Top Falcon Wideout, catches a lot of TD's

Ram RB's- they stink, and are nameless

Antoine Smith-RB-Bills- Big durable back, a good rookie year, will be better now Thomas has slowed down.

Ramont Harris-RB- Bears- good, but not that good, and the backfield in Chicago is getting very crowded

Can't miss Blue Chip Superstars
Sleepers

Brett Favre-QB-Packers- the best QB, should be 1st pick in every draft

Andrew Glover-TE-Vikings- TE saw a lot of late action

Terrell Davis-RB-Broncos- A TD machine, a tough durable back

Leon Johnson-RB-Jets- May start by season's end for Jets

Barry Sanders-RB-Lions- Enough said

Greg Hill-RB-Chiefs- Probably gone from KC, if he does, and lands with the right team he could be a starter

Herman Moore-WR-Lions- Catches in bundles, and TD's to boot

Charles Johnson-WR-Steelers- WR may get some action if Thigpen doesn't pan out, Stewart's favorite target in college and should have fewer injury problems.

Chris Carter-WR-Vikings- All he does is catch TD's

Rashan Salaam-RB-Bears- May put up if Harris leaves

Tim Brown-WR-Raiders- All Pro, will get more TD's

OJ Santiago-TE-Falcons- Falcons only option at TE, a physical marvel

Shannon Sharpe-TE-Broncos- a receiver playing TE

Stepfret Williams-WR-Cowboys- Did good at the end, and Anthony Miller may lose his job to him

Ben Coates-TE-Broncos- TD's galore at a weak TE position

Yatiel Green-WR-Dolphins- Dolphins first pick, hasn't played a game. Johnson loves him

Wesley Walls-TE-Panthers- Only viable target on Panthers

Ike Hilliard-WR-Giants- Injured most of season, but a true talent

John Elway-QB-Broncos- Still got time on his Hall Of Fame clock

Craig Erickson-QB-Dolphins-If Marino doesn't produce, he's in. It's possible.

Jeff George QB Raiders	George bottomed out in Atlanta in '96, and signed with the high flying Raiders. He didn't do anything to win, but put up impressive stats, and finished 2nd only to Favre in TD's. He led in yards passing, and threw only 9 INT's. As for '98, get him, his numbers shouldn't change much, and there new coach is a West Coast Offense guy. Get him.......
Rob Moore WR Cardinals	Where did he come from? The leading statistical receiver in our league last year, he gobbled up catches and yards. Got most of his TD's when Plummer took over. Expect his catches to go down, but his TD's to go up. Get him....
Kordell Stewart QB Steelers	Ran like the wind, threw like a veteran, and shocked the NFL world. This guy will be a true superstar. His confidence is apparent. He will do wonders for both black and running QB's. 21 TD's passing, 10 rushing. If your league credits rushing TD's, he's the 2nd best QB for 1998. Definitely get him.......
Eric Green TE Ravens	Couldn't have picked him at the beginning, if you did you were either on crack, or you should be doing this article. Most publications listed him as the 2nd best on the Ravens, and low and behold, he shined. Won't give you a lot of yards, but he'll be back in '98. Get him.....
Rod Smith WR Broncos	See Eric Green. He racked up yards, TD's and is the top receiver for the Broncos. If Elway stays healthy, he's money. Get him.....
Corey Dillon RB Bengals	Finished as strong as anyone. Shined when Boomer took over, but this team is a mystery, and Ki-Jana Carter will be back. For now I say get him, but I would wait until preseason.
Brad Johnson QB Vikings	Started off like a champ, then realized he's a Viking. Green's job is in jeopardy, but Johnson seems pretty solid, and has the best duo of wideouts in the game. I say take the chance, Get him....
Andre Rison WR Chiefs	Returned back to his prime, and had a great '97. Rison has, and will continue to be Grbac's favorite target. Tough one to call, but given the Chief's '97, for '98 I say get him.....
Ricky Dudley TE Raiders	Figured by most to be the gamble pick of '97. He came out smelling like roses for a team that smelled like something else. I believe that Dudley will be the prototype tight end of the future, and he won't be a gamble in '98. He's big, fast, and now can catch. He's in a system that scores, and because of poor defense, has to pass. With no doubt, get him.....
Yancey Thigpen WR Steelers	Rocked the NFL during the second half, and has won the confidence of Kordell. Racked up big yards despite double teams, and scored frequently. In my eyes he still a gamble, but he looks to be pretty solid. Get him....
James Jett WR Raiders	Racked up TD's and probably the biggest surprise in '98. Came out and proved he could do more than catch the deep ball. A work in progress though, and I don't think he will repeat. A huge gamble, one that I wouldn't take. Forget him......

Jerry Rice WR 49ers	You know his history. '97 was a disaster. Who would guess one knee would mean such much to FFL'ers. In '98 there is no better gamble at a comeback. Definitely, get him.....
Jeff Blake QB Bengals	Fell flat in '97, after a great '96. I think he's still a gamble, but with the draught of QB's, and his past I say get him....
Tony Martin WR Chargers	Led league in TD's in '96, then followed that up with a horrible '97 campaign. I think he is still a good wideout, but who's his QB. Definitely a sleeper pick, but I say forget him.....
Emmit Smith RB Cowboys	He's a great back, or at least was. Last year was horrible for both him, and Dallas. In '98 his TD's will go up (guarantee), but he's not where he was. Catches a lot of screens. If he stays healthy I would try to pick him up later. Not the FFL starter he was, but he will be better than most. I say, with caution, get him....
Terry Glen WR Patriots	Injured all year. Would love to say forget him... but, he is still the Patriots best wideout. Injuries are a question, but he was injury free in his rookie campaign, and you may be able to get him later than you probably should. Get him....
Tony Banks QB Rams	Terrible year, terrible team. Vermeil has confidence in him, but I don't have confidence in Vermeil. Plays much better with Bruce in the line up. Fumbles a lot. Forget him....
Carl Pickens WR Bengals	Bad '97. He goes as Blake goes. Ranked as the No. 1 receiver last year, and didn't live up to it. Normally a TD machine. See Jeff Blake, but take the chance, he's too good. Get him....
Carolina Defense	Best defense in '96, were horrible in '97. The team is in disarray, and I wouldn't have them as my starters. Forget them...
Oakland Defense	They lost to the Saints. Forget them......
Isaac Bruce WR Rams	Injury plagued '97, and the fall of Banks killed him. He may be the best young talent at wideout. Without a doubt, even with Banks, get him.....
Eddie Kennison WR Rams	Plays well with Bruce in the lineup, but is too small to get off the line. He's the fastest wideout in the NFL. Not a talent, and will see few TD's. Never should have been ranked high anyway, and still shouldn't. Forget him.....
Brett Perriman WR Dolphins	Had a great year with the Lions in '96. Picked up by KC, got injured, Rison stole the show, and he was shipped to Miami. Didn't do jack for the fish either. Probably is the best wideout on the Dolphins, and should have a better '98. Definitely a gamble, but I think worth a late round gamble. Get him....
Curtis Martin RB Patriots	Only made the list because of what he was expected to do. '96 was superb, '97 mediocre, but not bad. I was skeptical of him going into '97, but even with his down year, impressed me quite a bit. Fell off only because of Pete Carroll. He will learn he has a tough durable back in Martin, and Martin's numbers will go up. Catches a lot of balls. Still a viable starter in smaller leagues. Definitely get him....
Terry Allen RB Redskins	21 TD's in '96, an afterthought in '97. A great back, with little get up left in the tank. A shame for such a hard nosed, under appreciated back. Had a good career, and a model player, but time is up for the under appreciated one. Unhappy to say, forget him....

Ricky Watters-RB-Eagles- moving to a new team, and it will probably be a winner.	Kareem Abdul-Jabar-RB-Dolphins- Alot of TD's, Johnson will not start him long
Jake Plummer-QB-Cardinals- took over the QB job, and figures to be there savior. Good backup.	Adrian Murrell-RB-Jets- good back, Parcells will want more
Curtis Conway-WR-Bears- Only legitimate star for the Bears.	Michael Jackson-WR-Ravens- talented, but not a quality starter anymore
Marshall Faulk-RB-Colts- Despite the team, he is still a quality back, good receiver too.	Warren Moon-QB-Seahawks- A true great, too old to continue the training
Joey Galloway-WR-Seahawks- Probably no Moon, but still a topnotch wideout	Any Saints- can't move ball until they find a QB
Garrison Hearst-RB-49ers- proved his worth in '97, will be rewarded in '98	Lawrence Phillips-RB-Unsigned- finished......
Frank Wycheck-TE-Oilers- good '97, and McNair is getting better. Best Oiler Receiver, though he's a tight end.	Any Chargers- the team has no strengths
Keyshawn Johnson-WR-Jets- Saw more action as season wore on, and a true talent, now dedicated to honing his skills.	Oiler wideouts- The weakness of the entire team
Jamie Asher-TE-Redskins- Good sleeper pick at a weak TE position, a good starter, a great back up	Bam Morris-RB-Ravens- tough to play in jail
Randy Moss-WR-Undrafted- Hasn't been drafted yet, bad background. The best receiver in years though.	Jermaine Lewis-WR-Ravens- good year, but it's too crowded for Raven wideouts
Mike Alstott-FB/RB-Bucs- if your league uses FB's he's the best, if not, he's still a TD machine	Wayne Chrebet-WR-Jets- likable guy, but just isn't the big play guy. Will gobble up balls, but no TD's
Keenan McCardell-WR-Jaguars- the most under appreciated wideout in football	Anthony Miller-WR-Cowboys What a joke......
Frank Sanders-WR-Cardinals- good wideout should see more action in '98	Cardinal RB's- see who they draft, but they all just stink.
Fred Lane-RB-Panthers Finished strong, will produce	All Redskins Receivers-None have any significant value
Bert Emanuel-WR-Falcons-Top Falcon Wideout, catches a lot of TD's	Ram RB's- they stink, and are nameless
Antoine Smith-RB-Bills- Big durable back, a good rookie year, will be better now Thomas has slowed down.	Ramont Harris-RB- Bears- good, but not that good, and the backfield in Chicago is getting very crowded

Brett Favre-QB-Packers- the best QB, should be 1st pick in every draft	Andrew Glover-TE-Vikings- TE saw a lot of late action
Terrell Davis-RB-Broncos- A TD machine, a tough durable back	Leon Johnson-RB-Jets- May start by season's end for Jets
Barry Sanders-RB-Lions- Enough said	Greg Hill-RB-Chiefs- Probably gone from KC, if he does, and lands with the right team he could be a starter
Herman Moore-WR-Lions- Catches in bundles, and TD's to boot	Charles Johnson-WR-Steelers- WR may get some action if Thigpen doesn't pan out, Stewart's favorite target in college and should have fewer injury problems.
Chris Carter-WR-Vikings- All he does is catch TD's	Rashan Salaam-RB-Bears- May put up if Harris leaves
Tim Brown-WR-Raiders- All Pro, will get more TD's	OJ Santiago-TE-Falcons- Falcons only option at TE, a physical marvel
Shannon Sharpe-TE-Broncos- a receiver playing TE	Stepfret Williams-WR-Cowboys- Did good at the end, and Anthony Miller may lose his job to him
Ben Coates-TE-Broncos- TD's galore at a weak TE position	Yatiel Green-WR-Dolphins- Dolphins first pick, hasn't played a game. Johnson loves him
Wesley Walls-TE-Panthers- Only viable target on Panthers	Ike Hilliard-WR-Giants- Injured most of season, but a true talent
John Elway-QB-Broncos- Still got time on his Hall Of Fame clock	Craig Erickson-QB-Dolphins-If Marino doesn't produce, he's in. It's possible.