Fantasy Football Profile: LaDainian Tomlinson
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LT did not live up to his top two (along with AP) draft status last year. He “only” had 1110 rushing yards and 11 TDs. He did add 426 yards receiving and a TD to give him 1536 total yards and 12 TDs. Though it’s not what fantasy owners came to expect of LT, it is still very good fantasy production, especially considering he was hobbled by injury last year. Tomlinson recently turned 30, coupled with Darren Sproles playoff
run, have caused many to question LT’s fantasy value. While he will likely never return to his 2002-2007 level, there is no reason to think he can’t match or exceed last year’s production. Since he is being taken in the mid-to-late first round in fantasy drafts, he should be an excellent value in 2009.
LT has some great matchups this year. He faces Oakland in Weeks 1 & 9, Kansas City in Weeks 7 & 12, Denver in Weeks 6 & 11, Cleveland in Week 13, and Cincinnati in Week 15. He does have some tough games on his schedule (Baltimore in Week 2, Pittsburgh in Week 4, NYG in Week 9, and Philly in Week 10), but they do not fall in his fantasy playoff schedule. He faces Dallas, Cincinnati, and Tennessee in Week 14-16. Tennessee could be a tough matchup in the fantasy football championship, but they won’t be the same without Albert Haynesworth.
I can see LT going somewhere between the 4th and 10th pick. Personally I would take him with the 5th pick. I expect him to put up 1700 total yards and 10+ TDs next year.
