10 Bold Predictions for 2010: Fantasy Football Edition

Here goes.

1. Joseph Addai, not Donald Brown, will finish this season as the Colts' starting running back,  and probably end up as a top 10 fantasy back, as he did last season and in seasons past. I feel like this prediction isn't too bold, but with all the hate going his way, I feel that this is befitting of a bold prediction. Let's break it down. First of all, Addai's running style fits the Colts offense perfectly. Sports writers everywhere are raving about Brown's explosive play ability, but honestly, is that what Peyton Manning's offense wants? Of course not. Peyton's way of life is to methodically drive the ball down the field, exhausting opposing defenses while giving Freeney and co. time to rest. The choppy, quick, tap dancing run style of ole J.A. is simply ideal (especially in the red zone). Aside from running productively everywhere from the stretch to between the tackles, Addai is also incredibly effective in the Colts passing attack, especially coming off a career high season in receptions (51) and receiving touchdowns (3). And when Manning takes the air, I can guarantee he'd rather have the rock steady blocking of Addai in the backfield than that youngster from UCONN, so it's pretty clear who will stay on the field for third down. Of course people will rant and rave about how Brown was a first round draft pick, but let's not forget, Addai was the Colts first round pick 4 years ago.

2. Jermichael Finley takes full advantage of his new starting position, becoming Aaron Rodgers' go-to target in the red zone. I boldly predict that Finley will lead all fantasy tight ends in touchdowns, finishing the season with a higher ranking than beloved red zone beast Antonio Gates, who is being drafted rounds higher than Green Bay's soon to be favorite Lambeau Leaper.

3. While we're mentioning Chargers, let it be known that Malcolm Floyd will pick up right where V-Jax left off in San Diego. This 6'5 burner has one of the most impressive wingspans in the NFL and will undoubtedly spark an intoxicating downfield relationship with Philip Rivers, giving the Governator a new reason to scream "GO CHAHHHGERS GO!"

4. Up in Pittsburgh, the 4.3 speed of Mike Wallace is going to infuriate opposing secondaries. I wager that once Roethlisberger retakes the helm of the Steelers offense, Wallace will become a starter of the no brainer caliber. I boldly predict that Mike Wallace: 2010 :: Desean Jackson: 2009.

5. Brett Favre will finish the season outside of the top 10 fantasy quarter backs. He certainly still has that rocket arm that has sealed his date with the hall of fame, but I'm afraid his supporting cast on offense is note as solid as we found it one year ago. His number one target, Sidney Rice, will be out for a majority of the season while rehabilitating from hip surgery, the sort of surgery that presents a long road to recovery. Most notably, the offensive line is not the force we remember so well from 2009. Youngsters DeGeare and Herrera will have to hold down the fort until Sullivan can return as the team's starting center. Harvin, while extremely talented in space, has been suffering migraines all summer, which is not encouraging for a contact sport athlete. And with little chemistry with Berrian, it looks like tight end Visanthe Shiancoe will be the team's top receiving threat. I do believe that things will get better as the season goes along, and the Vikings may even make the playoffs behind that stingy defense, but Favre has his work cut out for him.

6. Ronnie Brown will make a return visit to his mansion on the IR list, but he will be a top 10 running back and be among the league's leaders in rushing touchdowns until he goes down.

7. Before the season is over, Arian Foster will make me wish I had drafted him over Ronnie Brown at the end of the 5th round. This guy is the second all time leading rusher for the University of Tennessee, so he has credentials that merit potential fantasy goodness. Gary Kubiak loves to run the football, which is surprising for a team that boasts one of the league's most dangerous passing tandems in Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. More surprisingly, the Texans are among the league's leaders in rushing plays called inside the 10 yard line. So not only will Foster get his shot at goal line carries, he should also have some impressive running lanes as Andre Johnson and friends keep opposing safeties honest.

8.  Just about every week, Jamaal Charles will score more points than ESPN predicts. This seems to be synonymous among fantasy "experts", but this kid will end the season as a top 10 running back. He's explosive, catches passes out of the backfield, plays in the AFC West, and let's be real, how else are the Chiefs going to move the ball on a weekly basis? Dwayne Bowe? Pass.

9. This is the year of the Rams. And by that, I mean I predict they have more than 5 wins this season. And by Rams, I mean Steven Jackson.

10. Here's one for you folks in IDP leagues. For my 10th bold prediction, I say the Titans, led by 2011's starting AFC Pro Bowl safety, Michael Griffin, make a Super Bowl run this season in a year where 3 AFC South teams make the playoffs, just as we saw in 2008 when the Titans joined the Jags and Colts in the postseason (but this time the Texans will make their postseason debut).