Fall is here, and that means it is time for football, of the real and fantasy varieties.
Fantasy drafts are happening everywhere, and you have to pick players that will pay dividends throughout the season.
Here are five players who are primed to improve upon their 2008 campaigns providing a pleasant surprises for owners in 2009.
5. Atlanta Falcons, QB, Matt Ryan
The second-year quarterback passed for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns as a rookie.
Ryan showed poise beyond his years in 2008 and should be more comfortable after a full season and playoff appearance. Ryan is a top-10 quarterback who can be snagged in the fourth round or later while providing production close to probable early-round picks Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
4. New Orleans Saints, RB, Pierre Thomas
When most people think of the Saints’ backfield, Reggie Bush comes to mind first. That may change after this season as Pierre Thomas’ could emerge as a solid option.
Thomas scored 12 touchdowns last season and averaged 80 yards per game during his final six games (four starts).
Despite having a potent passing offense, the Saints will have to keep defenses honest with a solid ground game. Thomas should receive most of the carries, given Bush’s injury history and the departure of Deuce McAllister. Count on Thomas to rush for more than 1,000 yards and close to 20 touchdowns this season, numbers that make him a viable third-round draft pick.
3. Indianapolis Colts, WR, Anthony Gonzales
With the departure of Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez should step in and allow Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense to not miss a beat.
The Colts love to pass the ball, and Gonzales catches slightly more than 72 percent of the passes thrown his way. The speedy third-year receiver from Ohio State is poised for a breakout season and should get close to 1,000 yards and seven to nine touchdowns.
Gonzales is a solid third receiver and a nice pickup in the fifth or sixth round.
2. Chicago Bears, TE, Greg Olsen
Jay Cutler is now the ‘franchise’ in Chicago, and Olsen could not be happier.
Olsen grabbed 54 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns with the pedestrian Kyle Orton at quarterback last season. Olsen is fast and extremely athletic for his position and should be a top target for Cutler in an offense lacking a top-tier wide receiver.
Olsen will probably be the fifth or sixth tight end taken, but should have a productive season.
1. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Fans shouldn’t be surprised that the 2005 No. 4 overall pick has found a home in Cincinnati after the Bears dumped him.
Benson is a better-than-average player who still shows flashes of greatness from his glory days at Texas. The Bengals don’t have a true No. 2 running back, so Benson should get the bulk of the carries.
Benson, who is worthy of a fourth or fifth-round pick, is likely to have a comeback season and rush for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009.
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