6 Marquee Players for 2010

1. RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans jerseys: Johnson had 2,509 total yards last season including 2,006 on the ground.  The 408 total touches (including 50 receptions) is concerning but he is just 24.  Johnson has tremendous big play ability but also showed remarkable consistency (11 straight 100+ yard games.).   Expect a small decline as the Titans manage his workload for a playoff run in 2010.

2. RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: He has had 1,800+ total yards for consecutive seasons and also, led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 18 in 2010.  Expect his receptions and yardage to increase and his touchdowns decrease as power back Toby Gerhart replaces shifty Chester Taylor.

3. RB Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens : Rice was one of fantasy football best values in 2009 and he will look to build on that success in 2010.  A runner/receiver who puts up Brian Westbrook-like stat lines, Rice put up 2,041 total yards (including 1,339 on the ground) while only having more than 20 carries twice.  On the flip-side he caught three or more passes in 14 games.  On the negative side, he plays in a timeshare which limits his touches, especially at the goal line.  Rice is most valuable in PPR leagues (in non-PPR leagues flipflop Rice and Jones-Drew).

4. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville: Jones-Drew proved he was capable of carrying a full-time load with 312 carries in 2009 while gaining 1,765 total yards.  He is tremendous around the goal line with 30 combined TDs the past two years.  His value increases in PPR league as he has caught 40 or more passes every year of his career.

5. WR Andre Johnson, new Houston Texans jerseys: With 100+ catches and 1,500+ yards each of the past two seasons, Johnson entrenched himself as the top fantasy receiver.  His 14 100-yard games the past two years make him the league leader in that category (only one other player, Roddy White, has more than 10 during that time).  He also had only one game with less than 63 yards in 2009.  The only negative on Johnson is his lack of ideal touchdown numbers (eight, eight, and nine the past three years).

6. RB new Frank Gore jerseys, San Francisco 49ers: Gore is a good runner and underrated receiver who is poised for a big year behind a revamped offensive line and playing for a coach who prefers a strong ground attack.  He is more good than great, and has missed two games each of the past two seasons.