Keeper Rankings

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The 2004 season may still be a ways away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start looking ahead. Keeper leaguers, in particular, will already be thinking about which players to hold on to in hopes of competing for a championship.

Vaughn Anniston, known in the Cafe Forums as VHawk15, has compiled a list of the top 20 keepers for next year. Your league’s scoring rules might influence these rankings, of course, but it’s safe to say that if you have a few of these guys on your roster, you’re in pretty good shape…
 

1) LaDainian Tomlinson – RB, SD

Even though many may disagree, LT might have a slight edge over Priest in keeper leagues. His Chargers can only get better, and he’s quite possibly the most talented back in the league.

2) Priest Holmes – RB, KC

You can’t argue with 27 TDs, but Priest is on the wrong side of 30. But that said, expect at least two more solid years out of Kansas City’s main man.

3) Clinton Portis – RB, Den

Last year, Portis laughed in the face of the sophomore slump; expect good things this time around as well. He’s very speedy and should succeed no matter where he plays.

4) Ahman Green – RB, GB

Green has some fumbling problems, but he definitely proved last season that he’s a top five back. Brett Favre’s eventual departure may hurt him, but he’s good to go for 2004.

5) Deuce McAllister – RB, NO

Deuce went nine straight games with 100+ yards, and while expecting improvement on last season’s numbers might be a bit of a reach, he’s poised for a solid campaign.

6) Shaun Alexander – RB, Sea

Alexander proved all those who said he was inconsistent wrong this year by being … consistent. He’s especially nice in touchdown leagues, because he gets lots of goalline carries.

7) Jamal Lewis – RB, Bal

Lewis, who in 2003 posted the second-highest season rushing total of all time, rounds out the top tier of RBs. You might think he’s ranked too low, but he’s going to have to find the endzone more often and catch some balls out of the backfield if he wants to be in the top five or six. (Note: this assumes that his legal troubles don’t cause him to miss time.)

8) Edgerrin James – RB, Ind

Once again, Edge’s back is a large question mark. We all know that he can put up stellar numbers, but he has struggled through injuries of late. If he wasn’t such a risk, he could be ranked in the top three or four.

9) Ricky Williams – RB, Mia

Ricky was considered a bust last year mainly because of his lack of big plays. He racked up a large number of carries, but had a fairly low average gain. He’s cut his dreads, and we’ll see if it makes a difference in 2004.

10) Fred Taylor – RB, Jax

There’s reason to be optimistic about “Fragile Freddy” this season, and it might even turn out to be his best yet. His team will be better and his TD total should definitely go up. But if you are own or plan on drafting Taylor, make sure you grab LaBrandon Toefield in the later rounds just in case…

11) Randy Moss – WR, Min

Moss is definitely the top wide receiver going into this year after a huge 1632-yard, 17-touchdown season, and should be considered the top non-RB keeper heading into 2004.

12) Domanick Davis – RB, Hou

Dom Davis edged out Kevan Barlow for the twelfth spot mainly because Houston might be in better shape than San Francisco. The Texans, led by Davis, could be a nice sleeper team this year, and the sophomore RB is a great pick in keeper leagues.

13) Kevan Barlow – RB, SF

Barlow had a couple of really nice games towards the end of the season when he was finally allowed to start. Now that Garrison Hearst’s stay with the 49ers has drawn to a close, Barlow will be the premiere back in San Francisco.

14) Marshall Faulk – RB, StL

Faulk shouldn’t go this low in redraft leagues, but his age is getting on up there. If the Rams go into the upcoming season with lingering controversy at the quarterback position again, their offense might also suffer.

15) Daunte Culpepper – QB, Min

Picking the top keeper QB is a bit like choosing the proverbial prettiest Miss America. But as long as Culpepper has Moss to throw to, he will be in great shape this year and for years to come.

16) Michael Vick – QB, Atl

Vick’s potential and ability to scramble makes him a very inviting keeper league pick. He is especially valuable in leagues that count extra for rushing yards and touchdowns.

17) Marvin Harrison – WR, Ind

Marvelous Marvin had a somewhat dissapointing season in 2003, but I doubt that will carry over into next year. He has one of the best QBs in Peyton Manning and is usually as consistent as they get.

18) Torry Holt – WR, StL

Holt came through with a huge year in 2003 and was second only to Moss in most receiving categories. Expect the success to continue, no matter how many interceptions Marc Bulger throws.

19) Rudi Johnson – RB, Cin

Rooooodi looked great last year and Corey Dillon will soon be out of Cincy, giving Johnson the starting job. Rudi makes an excellent #2 RB this year for your fantasy squad.

20) Travis Henry – RB, Buf

There have been reports out of Buffalo that suggest that Henry will split carries with college standout Willis McGahee, which reduces Henry’s value dramatically. But Henry is still a great runner, and it seems doubtful both McGahee and Henry will stay in Buffalo for long.

Just missed: Chad Johnson, Peyton Manning, Stephen Davis, and Terrell Owens