My Ricky Williams Blog

The Miami Dolphins came out of nowhere in 2009 to win the AFC East before succumbing to the Baltimore Ravens in the first roundof the playoffs. The two main factors for the dramatic turnaroundnd rest with the acquisition of QB Chad Pennington who was released by the NY Jets after the team signed Brett Favre and the rise of the Wildcat formation that proved to catch several team (ie New England) off guard. In terms of fantasy though the Dolphins really don't have much in the way of players who fantasy owners would feel comfortable starting week in and week out. Let's dissect Miami in terms of fantasy potential heading into 2009.

After building a foundation along the offensive anddefensive lines in last year's draft, the Dolphins added to the framework with more skill position players on the second day of the 2009 NFL Draft. That was a good move because the Dolphins have very few play makers on the offensive side of the ball. Chad Pennington is back for another year but Chad Henne appears to be the future QB for the team. Even Pennington in his hey day with the Jets was really nothing more than a number 2 QB or someone that you may play based on the match ups.

So, needless to say don't be surprised if Pennington goes undrafted in most 12 team leagues this summer. Obviously, Henne bears no fantasy value at this point either. The only QB on Miami's roster that might be worth taking a very late round flier on is former WV QB Pat White with whom the Dolphins selected in the 2nd round. I doubt highly that White will be playing any QB this year and I am assuming the Dolphins drafted him specifically for the Wildcat which was so successful last year. This would be perfect for White andhe would be an upgrade over Ronnie Brown in that capacity. White, would represent the only Dolphin QB that I may consider in the late late rounds of my draft this summer.

Miami's running game was fairly decent in 2009 as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 1575 rushing with a 4.2 yards per carry. There lies the problem though in terms of fantasy. If you read my column "Draft Running Backs Early: Buyer Beware" this is exactly what I am talking about. While the RB by committee is advantageous to incorporate in the NFL it represents a fantasy owners' worst nightmare. I personally drafted 420 Ricky last year and to be perfectly honest with you I thought he would rush for over 1000 yards because I didn't think Brown's health would make it through a whole season thus giving Williams the majority of the carries. Needless to say I was wrong mainly because Browns knee held up better than I thought it would. Don't expect anything special out of either of these guys in 2009 either. The committee will continue and to make matters worse at least half of Brown's 10 rushing TD's came in the Wildcat formation and with the inclusion of White into the mix Brown's role in the Wildcat is expected to decrease. Treat Brown as a number 3 RB or a Flex start and Williams as a reserve worth a late round pick in most leagues.

The receiving corps for Miami is worse that its running game in terms of fantasy potential. At this point the only consistent receive threat on the Dolphins lies with TE Anthony Fasano. 2008 saw Fasano catch 34 balls for 454 yards but 7 TD's. That is an outstanding TD total for an NFL TE and Fasano clearly became the go to guy for Pennington as the season wore on. I don't believe that Fasano was a fluke and with Pennington coming back for a 2nd year there is no reason to think that he can't be good for between 5-6 TD's this year. Consider Fasano a low end number 1 TE or at worst a great number 2 TE.

Although, improving Ted Ginn Jr. has not come close to living up to his potential. Moreover, Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo are nothing more than emergency stop gaps and if you are relying on either of them to produce for you consistently chances are your season will be ending early. Miami drafted Patrick Turner out of USC and Brian Hartline out of The Ohio State University to help solidify the receiving corps. After breakout 2008 campaign and subsequent impressive Senior Bowl scouts the Dolphins are high on Turner. At 6'5" he gives the Dolphins a big target something that the team has been lacking. Look for both Turner and Hartline to make the team but neither are warrant being drafted this summer in leagues with 12 or less teams. In larger leagues then maybe as a late round flier but not much more than that. As for Ginn and Camarillo treat them both as late round reserves until they start to produce quality fantasy points on a consistent basis.

Dan Carpenter converted on all 40 of his PAT attempts and was 21-25 on FG's making him a reliable fantasy option heading into 2009. Ginn makes the DST interesting but still not a unit at this point is worthy of playing every week especially seeing as though they have 4 games agains T.O. and Randy Moss. In summary, with the exception of Carpenter and Fasano I wouldn't rush out to draft many Dolphins for your fantasy roster for the upcoming season. Next up tomorrow: The New York Jets.

Chris Limburg is the fanatical purveyor of Gothicfootball.com: A Oakland Raider/fantasy football blog that provides commentary on everything that is the NFL and fantasy football. Visit today at: [http://www.gothicfootball.com]

The following rankings are based on a fantasy football player's year to end season value. If a draft or auction were to occur today this is the rank and value we place on the players based on their past performance and predicted future production. The basis for the valuations is a 10 team league starting 1 QB 2 RB 2 WR 1 TE 1 K 1 Defense with a 50% yardage and 50% TD scoring system with no points awarded for receptions. The rankings are updated every Tuesday morning, allowing players to value their teams, analyze player values for trades and plan future moves to get the most return out of your Fantasy Football players.

1 Chris Johnson Titans, RB
The love child of Jar Jar Binks and Whoopi Goldberg keeps racking up points. Great playoff schedule. $43

2 Adrian Peterson
Vikings, RB He has racked up 1519 total yards and 14 tds (tied for rushing TD lead) and apparently can grow lizard skin at will. $38

3 Maurice Jones-Drew
Jaguars, RB What Would Jones Drew? Should bring home some fantasy hardware for teams. $37

4 Ray Rice Ravens, RB
He's a top 5 guy and we get the feeling he's only scratching the surface of his potential....if only he was featured more in their offense. $35

5 Cedric Benson Bengals, RB
With his hips healthy again he should be dancing back to early season form. Almost hung a hundo on the stout Vikes run D. $28

6 Ricky Williams Miami, RB
Ever since Crockett got hurt, Tubs has taken over. Look for Miami Vice solo act Ricky "Tubs" Williams to deliver the goods championship week, against the Texans. $28

7 Steven Jackson Rams, RB

4 TD's on the year is hard to forgive. But, with 2 good playoff matchups he could redeem himself. $25

8 Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals, WR
If old man Warner can keep it together his playoff matchups look incredible..... @DET then home vs STL. Pending results of Monday Night Injury. $25

9 Ryan Grant Packers, RB
Tough 1st playoff game vs PIT. He and Packers are surging though, we are believers. $24

10 DeAngelo Williams Panthers, RB
After last years fantasy playoff run, you gotta have him in your line up. $23

11 Andre Johnson Texans,WR
He and Schaub are clicking... Rams and Dolphins make for a good playoff schedule. $22

12 Thomas Jones Jets, RB
If you seek flashy highlight reel TD replays, go elsewhere, but if you like reliable production, you've come to the right place. $21

13 Aaron Rodgers Packers,QB
Now that he is getting the playground approved 5 banana count from his O-line, he is looking better than ever. Topping the charts in most scoring formats. $21

14 Drew Brees Saints, QB
If you're a Brees owner your rooting for one of two options; Saints try to go undefeated or the start losing.... either scenario keeps him on the field. $20

15 Anquan Boldin Cardinals,WR
This won't be the last time you hear this at this site, the Cardinals fantasy playoff schedule is as good as it gets. $20

16 Randy Moss Patriots, WR
Giving body language like he's starting to check out mentally for the season, on the other hand a strong finish would not surprise us. Tough read. $19

17 Rashard Mendenhall Steelers, RB
Despite killing owners with his recent performance against CLE, he remains a strong option going forward. $19

18 DeSean Jackson Eagles, WR
Seems to be clear of the concussion. He doesn't get a ton of receptions, but 18.9 yds/catch is tops in the league (of relevant WR's)....and he returns the occasional punt for 6 as well. $19

19 Frank Gore 49ers, RB
What happened to running 3 times and then punting? Obviously, the 49ers are better off with their new pass first offense, but that is not sitting well with Gore owners. $17

20 Jamaal Charles Chiefs, RB
He's been red hot since taking over the starting role. Chiefs are not a high powered an offense, but he is getting it done on his end. $17

21 Brandon Marshall Broncos, WR
Just set the single game NFL reception record (21) and looks to be hitting his stride, rewarding owners who stuck with him. $17

22 Joesph Addai Colts, RB
Quietly having a really nice season. He has pressed the pause button on the Donald Brown era for now. $17

23 LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers, RB
He's been surprisingly consistent since coming back from injury early in the year. $16

24 Wes Welker Patriots, WR
The league leader in Receptions (105) and second in yardage (1158) gives you week in week out consistent production, any TD's are just icing on the cake. $16

25 Vincent Jackson Chargers, WR
Is to San Diego WR's what MadMen is to AMC.....both have made something completely irrelevant worth watching now. $16

26 Kurt Warner Cardinals, QB
The old man has two great matchups to bring home fantasy championships; @DET then home vs STL. $15

27 Miles Austin Cowboys,WR
Blind Melon, The Proclaimers, Chumbawumba and Hanson want to know his secret for multiple hit success. $14

28 Sidney Rice Vikings, WR
Having the prototypical wide receiver 3rd year breakout season. Expecting even bigger things next year. $14

29 Chad Ochocinco Bengals,WR
Typical streaky season for Chad OchoTweets. Faces 10th (SD) and 24th (KC) ranked pass defenses weeks 15 & 16. $14

30 Calvin Johnson Lions, WR
Looking more like a 'second tier' transforming machine to robot action figure of the 80's......Gobot in disguise! $13

31 Pierre Thomas Saints, RB
He plays Suzanne Summers in the Saints aggravating Three's Company sitcom. He is the hottest by far, yet Mike Bell in the role of the butch brunette gets far too much screen time $12

32 Matt Schaub Texans, QB
He has been a house of fire all season. Faces STL (19th) and MIA (22nd) next two weeks. $12

33 Phillip Rivers Chargers, QB
The main reason the Chargers have won 8 straight. Model of consistency; never scored more than 23 or less than 9. $11

34 Tom Brady Patriots, QB
Everyone in the AFC is rooting for a colicky Brady baby to hamper his production. $11

35 Brandon Jacobs Giants, RB
Like B Jacobs....as much as everyone likes the Cool Asian guy with the twirling kicks in Karate Kid, at the All Valley Tourney, maybe it's just time to admit he's not quite as good as we'd like him to be. $11

36 Steve Smith Giants, WR
Nothing too flashy here, just a consistent 75 yds/game and a TD mixed in every few. $10

37 Peyton Manning Colts, QB
Will you get more than 2 quarters of production out of him? If he's playing for the perfect season, we think so. $10

38 Mike Sims-Walker Jaguars, WR
Having a solid year for the Jaguar-Leopards. As long as he's healthy he could finish very strong. $9

39 Vernon Davis 49ers, TE
A monster who probably deserves to be higher. He'll be spending his off-season lobbying for equal treatment of Tight Ends. $9

40 Kevin Smith Lions, RB
Fairly consistent for such a bad offense. Hope for 8 points, anything more is gravy. $8

41 Roddy White Falcons, WR
247 yds and 2 scores in the last 4 games, not setting the world ablaze, but a strong #2 WR. $8

42 Michael Turner Falcons, RB
The Burner......if last year he was fueled by petroleum products......this year he's apparently switched to "easy bake oven" technology. $8

43 Antonio Gates Chargers, TE
Slow start, but coming on strong. He's delivered fantasy championships before, in Gates we trust. $8

44 Reggie Wayne Colts, WR
Hasn't gone over 50 yds in the last three weeks, cutting his owners deep......I'm talking like BJ Penn cutting Diego Sanchez's forehead with a head kick deep. $7

45 Marion Barber Cowboys, RB
716 yds and 4 TD's on the year....he's on the list based on potential, not for past performance. $7

46 Marques Colston Saints, WR
Marques, along with posse; Shonne, Toni, Geoff, and Alicks frequent the island of misfit name spellers. $7

47 Quinton Ganther Redskins, RB
Shined in his first start against the Raiders, now let's see how he does vs an NFL team. $7

48 Fred Jackson Bills, RB
Every other week streak means, bench next week, cash in on championship game pending your options. $7

49 Beanie Wells Cardinals, RB
Received the bulk of the carries in the Monday night game vs SF. If he continues to get the lion's share of the work, he has plenty of upside with the aforementioned AZ playoff schedule. $7

50 Greg Jennings Packers, WR
His reversal of fortune this season rivals only that of an amateur competitive eater; one minute focused and poised for a Coney Island Championship, the next he's got semi-digested wet hot dogs & buns all over his shoes. $7

http://www.FantasyFortunes.com A fantasy football site which does a weekly humor based top 50 ranking of year to end values for players in the nfl.