Fantasy Fallers

These guys, for one reason or another, won't put up as many points in 2009. Take their totals from 2008 with a grain of salt. If you're in a keeper league, feel free to start shopping them now, while their value is at its peak.

RUNNING BACKS

Thomas Jones-3rd
Jones is sitting at third in points among rbs this year. He's going to be drafted way too high by someone. Don't let it be you. The Jets will not repeat their schedule of chumps again. There's rumors the Jets may draft a top rb, and if they don't, it's likely they sign a complement to Jones. He should see less of the carries against a tougher slate off opponents. Be aware.

Deangelo Williams-2nd
I'm not that down on Willams, he should still be a top 10 back next year. In fact he may be a great draft choice if the experts neglect him next summer and he starts slipping in drafts. He's just not going to repeat his top 2 finish. J Stewart should get a larger share of the fantasy points next year. Instead of Williams in 2nd and Stewart in 22nd, Im envisioning Williams around 9-12 and Stewart 15-18.

Steve Slaton-9th
Whether or not the Texas build on their success in the second half, I don't expect Slaton to enter next season as a feature back. He was a pleasant surprise in 2009 and he served me well in the league I owned him, but count on the Texans to pick up another back to take a few of his carries, especially around the goal line.

Lendale White-15th
White put up a bunch of points this year a touchdown vulture, despite not being terribly effective at the goal line. Several of his TDs were on 3rd down after he failed his first two attempts from the one. He shouldn't get that many opportunities next year and I'd avoid drafting him.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Kevin Walter-11th
Lock City. Kevin Walter will not get 8 touchdowns next year. He did well exploiting the light coverage opposite Andre Johnson this year, but the disparity between his TDs and Johnson's will not happen again. Count on more for Johnson, more for rising tight end Daniels, and more for some type of third receiver.

Antonio Bryant-12th
Bryant's scores came in bunches and likely on someone's fantasy bench. He should be more of a reliable third receiver next year, but without the huge games, as teams will start to gameplan for him.

Lance Moore-17th
Brees spreads the ball around too much for any receiver to be a sure thing. I like Colston to return as the Saint's number one target next year. Moore, depsite this year's strong performance, is still a late round flyer. There is no reason to expect him to be a stronger play next year than Meachem or Henderson.

Hines Ward and Isaac Bruce-19th and 20th
Nice years from two dependable veterans but the wheels have to come off at some point. Neither are part of stellar offenses, and the niners at least should be looking toward the future