2008 Comeback Players
We always see the ebb and flow of fantasy production. There are your consistent aces, then the guys that look great on paper and seem to blow it as soon as the season starts, those who have an impressive season followed by a lackluster one and, also our studs who see a downturn in production due to injury. This piece will focus on some of 2008's comeback players who caused us nothing but headaches in 2007. Let's see what happens in 2008.
QB Marc Bulger, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Let's put it this way, Bulger is an aging QB who still has the skills if everything clicks. I think Bulger could be a huge play for some fantasy owners who wait to pick up a late round QB. I know that in my draft, QBs with hype tend to go early and often. I use these rounds to pick up key running backs and receivers who will be something dependable week after week and wait for an undervalued guy like Bulger. My recommendation is to do the same. Bulger is a strong mental QB who has the potential to cross the 4,000 yard mark as we saw in 2006 and nearly in 2003 and 2004. In these years he also threw twenty something TDs. The one thing with Bulger that you need to watch for is his interceptions; but with the right group of offensive weapons surrounding him, he can be a true threat and solid fantasy play. Keep an eye on Marc as he could be your ace in the hole.
QB Jake Delhomme, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Jake has not been on pace since 2005, but now that his elbow has been surgically repaired and he has had adequate rest and rehabilitation, he could post quality numbers. The 33 year old Delhomme still has a super talented receiving core in Smith, Hackett, Jarrett and Muhammad at his disposal and as we saw early last season, can throw with laser accuracy. Delhomme will be utilized as usual with his strength being passes that subsequently end in touchdowns or in turn open up the ground game for the speedy DeAngelo Williams. You have to have respect for an older QB returning from injury with a positive attitude. Jake will be a solid option as long as he stays healthy and is protected in the backfield. Take Delhomme as a sleeper first string QB or quality back up in late rounds.
RB Ronnie Brown, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Ronnie Brown's return to full capacity is definitely the question. Brown is not as young as he used to be and rehabilitating an ACL injury does take time, especially in a defense slashing RB like Ronnie. Brown may be undervalued and fantasy owners may hesitate to grab him too early, but I suspect that Brown has worked hard this off season and will be looking to pick-up where he left off in 2007. Ronnie will once again have Ricky by his side and these two guys could be a very super secret weapon in tandem if they are both on their games. Miami is now under new guidance and this could help induce some consistent play, resulting in wins. This brings me to my next comeback player, Ricky Williams.
RB Ahman Green, --- - Over the Hill (decreased production)
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I have heard Green's name mentioned in comeback circles, but personally I think he is over the hill at 31. Green has suffered knee injury after knee injury and cannot be counted on for consistent fantasy numbers. In most rankings, Green does not even make the top 35 RBs, making him a possible waiver wire guy. Green's susceptibility to injury makes him a risky play until he shows that he can stay healthy and mobile. If he looks good and does not falter early in the season, take a look.
RB Carnell Williams, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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Cadillac is your ultimate sleeper this season, if you like gambling. Williams is injury prone, as he has so graciously demonstrated since his rookie year. Fantasy owners are tired of players like Williams who look good with sparks of greatness and then drop off the face of the earth for chunks of precious fantasy time. Earnest Graham is your starter in Tampa Bay, but if Williams spent the tedious hours necessary to rehabilitate his patella tendon injury, he could get into form and put on a show. I would look for Williams to get worked into the rotation and have some chances to showcase his abilities, but would grab him off the wire a few weeks in.
