FanProphet

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The writers over at Bolt Hype may be a little biased in their opinion of this years Chargers, but I must admit, they are right on point. I had to go there and get information on the Chargers wide-receivers because if anyone knows about this franchise, it’s the Bolt Hype crew.

LaDainian Tomlinson: A no brainer first overall pick and the best player in the NFL. Tomlinson can run, catch, block, throw a couple of touchdowns, and more importantly, he will not come off the field.

Michael Turner: One of the most common mistakes I see in fantasy football is having the leagues best runner and not protecting him with his backup. With the amount of production Tomlinson has shown it would be in your best interest to draft Michael Turner as high as the 5th round in a 10-12 man league. Tomlinson’s numbers this season will be as good as a 1st and 5th round pick, therefore, you will not risk anything by getting Turner earlier than you would a normal backup. In the event that Tomlinson is injured you will have a pro-bowl caliber runningback in a very good system.

DEFENSE: Without question this defensive unit is one of the top 5 defenses in the league and worthy of fielding every week in your fantasy lineup. Last season they produced a total of 28 takeaways and 61 sacks, therefore, it would behoove you to draft them when the defensive draft barrage begins. If they show half of the intensity they showed in 2006, they will remain dominate.

Philip Rivers: I often wonder how Rivers would produce if he didn’t have the NFL’s top runningback as a security blanket. The more I think about it the more I realize it doesn’t really matter because Rivers is a quality quarterback no matter what the situation calls for.

Last season Rivers proved that he is capable of running an offense and running one well. It would be easy to look up his numbers and project his stats for the 2007 season, however, there is no possible formula for an accurate prediction. Just look at the fact that he hit 62% of his passes and had a 92.0 QB rating. If you second guess your reason for drafting this young QB, you will regret your indecision. Even without great receivers, Rivers will have another productive season.

Antonio Gates: Arguably the best in the game and a true weapon to have on any fantasy roster whether you have to field a tight-end or not. What else is there to say about Antonio Gates other than; he is continuing to learn the game, he will catch more balls, and with Rivers emerging as a top QB in the league, he will score more touchdowns.

Receivers: Not much to mention here as the AFC west is run happy and only produced one 1,000 receiver in 2006. Depending on how well Rivers throws downfield will determine how this group will fare. Not much here in terms of early round picks, but not worth leaving off of your roster. Guaranteed, if these guys go undrafted (which would be insane) you may regret it as you find them in high demand in your leagues free-agency market.

Nate Kaeding: At some point of your draft the kicker frezy will will begin as it always seems to happen. The minute the first owner drafts a kicker, everyone else follows. Second in scoring last season and will continue to have opportunities to score points in this potent offense.