Top 25 Fantasy Football Keepers For 2008

Published: 02/25/2008 12:17 am by Smitty in Fantasy Football Articles

Below, Smitty and Tavaner face off comparing their Top 25 Fantasy Football Keepers for the 2008 fantasy football season. These rankings are based off of a standard scoring format (no PPR), rookies are not involved, as this is based off of keeping players from the 2007 fantasy season.

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Top 10 Keepers

1. Adrian Peterson | MIN, RB

One could argue that Tomlinson deserves consideration for this top spot, but AD has such a high ceiling, and he has so many years ahead of him, I just don’t see how one can, in the end, rank him #2 in any kind of keeper format. On 12 carries, this guy can get 100+ and two scores — He is just that good!

2. LaDainian Tomlinson | SD, RB

Many fantasy owners are starting to think that Tomlinson is about to pull a Shaun Alexander, but L.T. will only be 29 this June, so he has at least two more seasons as a top five running back. Tomlinson finished with 1,949 total yards and 18 scores last year… expect more of the same in 2008.

3. Steven Jackson | STL, RB

Jackson had a rough year in 2007, as he missed Weeks 4-7 with a nasty groin injury, but once he returned to action in Week 8, he was back to elite-form, rushing for 90 yards or more in five of his last six contests.

4. Brian Westbrook | PHI, RB

Westbrook had a phenomenal 2007 campaign, breaking personal bests in rushing yards, receiving yards and total touchdowns. That said, the Eagles runner was on the injury report just about every single week last year. While it’s tough to expect 1,300/700/12 again in 2008, Westy could certainly accumulate 1,600+ total yards and score 10+ touchdowns.

5. Joseph Addai | IND, RB

Addai is a good running back, a far better runner than I gave him credit for last off-season. What is even better than Addai’s style of play? His situation!

6. Larry Johnson | KC, RB

Johnson will have great draft-value this year, as many do not realize that he was back to form before going down in Week 9 with a season-ending foot injury. In his final three contests, Johnson was averaging 123.6 total yards and 1.33 TDs per outing. Before you pass on the running back in 2008 drafts, keep in mind that he only carried the football a 158 times last season, so he is well rested.

7. Frank Gore | 49ers, RB

Only injuries can stop Gore from producing top 5 overall numbers in 2008. He is going to thrive in that Mike Martz offense, which will be constructed around the Faulk-like back.

8. Willis McGahee | BAL, RB

Like Gore, injuries are the only thing that can slow down McGahee in 2008, as his offense will be built around him. Cam Cameron produces monster fantasy running backs, as he just proved in Miami last season… McGahee could be a top 5RB in 2008.

9. Marshawn Lynch | BUF, RB

If Lynch didn’t miss three games last season (Weeks 11-13), he would have likely finished inside the top 8-10 for fantasy rushers in 2007. With Trent Edwards a year more mature, expect Lynch to develop into a consistent top 10RB looking forward.

10. Michael Turner | FA, RB

Turner is about to become an NFL starter, as he is a free agent at the end of this month. He has the power, speed, hands and low mileage to be a top 10RB for years and years to come.

The Rest

11. Randy Moss | NE, WR

12. Tom Brady | NE, QB

13. Ronnie Brown | MIA, RB

14. Ryan Grant | GB, RB

15. Clinton Portis | WAS, RB

16. Peyton Manning | IND, QB

17. Willie Parker | PIT, RB

18. Marion Barber | DAL, RB

19. Maurice Jones-Drew | JAC, RB

20. Tony Romo | DAL QB

21. Ernest Graham | TB, RB

22. Jamal Lewis | CLE, RB

23. Andre Johnson | HOU, WR

24. Reggie Wayne | IND, WR

25. Brandon Jacobs | NYG, RB

tavaner is a contributor of fantasy footballxtreme

Top 10 Keepers

1.LaDainian Tomlinson | SD, RB

The complete package. 60 receptions to go with 18 td’s. He’s still #1.

2. Adrian Peterson | MIN, RB

Has to finish strong before he moves up to #1. Risky but worth it.

3. Brian Westbrook | PHI, RB

All the guy does is produce. 90 receptions! Keeps improving, has missed only one game each of the last two seasons.

4. Joseph Addai | IND, RB

He did fade but produced 15 TDs combined last year. The clear #1 RB on a potent offense.

5. Steven Jackson | STL, RB

Another strong second half finish puts him here. Should be healthy and have a healthy OL to run behind.

6. Larry Johnson | KC, RB

Cannot be ignored in a run heavy offense behind a revamped OL. Expect a return to dominance.

7. Frank Gore | SF, RB

The #9 fantasy RB despite an inept offense. Visions of Marshall Faulk have to be dancing in his head. Get in on this ride early.

8. Clinton Portis | WAS, RB

No more timeshare, the teams clear #1 will improve on the 47 receptions and 11 TDs that he had last year.

9. Marion Barber | DAL, RB

Just 50 more touches this year will more than justify this ranking. A burgeoning star. 12+ TDs this year with 60 receptions puts him into elite company.

10. Tony Romo | DAL, QB

36 TDs and the guy is still improving.