SLaM 2005
League Preview
A breakdown of the league's three divisions, as well as predictions for the playoffs and SLaM Bowl VIII. Without further ado, the SLaM 2005 season...
THE FAVORITE: As seems to happen quite a bit in this division, the Legion Reborn looks especially strong heading into SLaM 2005. RB LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the most dominating fantasy players in the league right now, and he can be counted on to produce each and every week. Marvin Harrison leads up-and-comer Nate Burleson and veteran Jimmy Smith in a receiving corps that could be one of the league’s best. TE Alge Crumpler was also re-signed to add further muscle to this group of receivers. The team is not without its question marks, including what looks to be a season-long search for a second running back. If Tatum Bell is unable to take over the starting job in Denver, the Legion could be headed for trouble.
THE CHALLENGER: One year after finishing near the bottom, the Sky Rats are looking to rebound with one of their best teams since their title run many years ago. The team’s strength lies with workhorse running backs Julius Jones and Ahman Green. Both look to be worked heavily this season, although questions continue to linger about Green’s health. While QB Kerry Collins has seldom been considered to be a dependable fantasy star, the addition of Randy Moss seems likely to boost his passing stats considerably. The team’s receivers are high on potential, but the results remain mixed. Plaxico Burress has had an up-and-down career and is hoping that a trip to the Big Apple revives his once-promising future. Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald are both young studs, with Johnson more of the sure thing at this point.
ALSO IN THE HUNT: Deuces Wild looks deep, with the team potentially a serious spoiler in the division. QB Aaron Brooks has been oft-ridiculed over the years, but his fantasy production is legitimate. RB Clinton Portis appears likely to benefit from a second year in the Joe Gibbs system, and he could be in for a huge year. Brian Westbrook does not post huge rushing numbers, but his receiving skills more than compensate, although owners always worry about that constant injury threat. If WR Hines Ward bounces back from what – for him – was a subpar (80 catches, 1,004 yards) year in 2004, he could be a real steal for this team. Things look a little different for Grape Kool-Aid, a club that traded last year’s running back troubles – and a second-place finish – in for wide receiver troubles this year. QB Donovan McNabb should again benefit greatly from having Terrell Owens in the lineup, while RB Willis McGahee stands poised to join the ranks of the league’s elite running backs.
THE FAVORITE: When your season hinges on the health of RB Fred Taylor’s groin, there may be some cause for concern. That being said, the Avon Gunslingers are shooting for title #3 with a team that is surely loaded. QB Trent Green, who led the Gunslingers to the title game in 2003, has returned, as has his favorite target from that year, WR Torry Holt. RB Edgerrin James is also back from last year’s division-winning squad, and he’s sure to post strong numbers in his contract year. In addition to Holt, veterans Rod Smith and Eric Moulds help to anchor the passing attack, but one wonders how much longer these old pros can keep doing it. Never write off the Gunslingers too quickly, as they always seem to hang around when it comes playoff time.
THE CHALLENGER: Returning to the formula that has worked for them time and again, Ming’s Minions built their squad around the ground game, with top picks Domanick Davis and Rudi Johnson leading the way. QB Brett Favre, in what could be his final year, returns to the Minions in hopes of avenging last year’s playoff loss. WR Joe Horn also returns, although the word is still out on this year’s end zone theatrics. TE Antonio Gates looks to again challenge Tony Gonzalez for tight end supremacy. Question marks surround a pair of last year’s star receivers doomed to work with suspect quarterbacks. If either Kyle Boller in Baltimore or whatever fresh-faced kid the Bears decide to start winds up producing, then Derrick Mason or Muhsin Muhammed could push this team over the top.
ALSO IN THE HUNT: Leading astrologists have suggested that this might be the year for Chip-Chip, and the team’s roster certainly hints at the possibility. If QB Daunte Culpepper can overcome the loss of Randy Moss and build off of last season’s monster campaign, this team might contend. RB Corey Dillon is a beast running the ball, but his backfield mate could be a work in progress if Travis Henry does not secure the starting nod in Tennessee. WR Chad Johnson has a loud personality but the numbers to back it up. As is their tradition, the Dolla Billz have built a team heavy on potential. QB Michael Vick is still one of the most erratic quarterbacks in the game, while running backs Kevin Jones and LaMont Jordan are too unproven to be considered dependable at this point. However, a comeback by WR Steve Smith and continued excellence from Darrell Jackson could allow this team to sneak up on a few people.
THE FAVORITE: After just missing out on a playoff spot last year, Galt’s Gulch Destroyers are set to finish the job this year. Deuce McAllister and Tiki Barber provide a formidable running back duo at the top of the lineup, with steady QB Tom Brady running the show from the huddle. All-world tight end Tony Gonzalez looks to follow up his mammoth 102-catch season with another spectacular showing. The concern, though, is that the receiver ranks may be shaky behind him. Michael Clayton looks like a keeper in Tampa Bay, but Laveranues Coles and Deion Branch are still surrounded by questions. If the Philadelphia Eagles defense can continue to stymie opposing offenses, however, it might not even matter.
THE CHALLENGER: How serious of a contender can your team be with Jake Plummer penciled in as the starting quarterback? The C-O-N-spiracy is about to find out. Rushers Priest Holmes and Curtis Martin are both on the wrong side of 30, but it is injury – at least in the case of Holmes – and not age that should concern their owner. The presence of mouthy WR Terrell Owens should help to alleviate some of the scoring burden. Behind him are two #2 receivers that have been posting solid numbers - Donald Driver and Jerry Porter. Even TE Jason Witten is coming off a fairly impressive season. If Holmes manages to stay upright and keep Larry Johnson on the bench, expect this team to push the Destroyers for the top spot.
ALSO IN THE HUNT: The defending champion Benevolent Dictators do not intend to give up their crown easily, but their precarious running back situation may dictate otherwise. One year after riding LaDainian Tomlinson to the title, the Dictators are making due with Warrick Dunn and Kevan Barlow. The good news is that Daunte Culpepper has been replaced by Peyton Manning, meaning points will keep rolling in from the quarterback position. The Token Minorities close out what looks to be a very strong division, with team favorite Shaun Alexander and Jamal Lewis headlining a powerful ground game. A year after leading the Gunslingers to the playoffs, QB Marc Bulger attempts to do the same with the Minorities, although more dependable wide receiver help might be enough to hold him back. Roy Williams, Drew Bennett, and Lee Evan all have bright futures, but are they ready to perform on the biggest stage?
Legion Reborn vs. Ming’s Minions: With both teams bucking for their third title game appearance, tensions are high even before kickoff. LaDainian Tomlinson and a guy pulled from the stands manage to play the Minion’s running backs to the draw, but Brett Favre outplays Matt Hasselbeck, the man he replaced in the Minion’s lineup last year, leading his squad to victory. Winner: Ming’s Minions
Avon Gunslingers vs. Galt’s Gulch Destroyers: With Fred Taylor lost for the season with a groin injury, the Gunslingers are forced to play Russian Roulette with their Steelers running backs choice. They guess wrong, giving the Destroyers their first title game berth. Winner: Galt’s Gulch Destroyers
Galt's Gulch Destroyers vs. Ming's Minions: A pair of slighted Destroyers – Tom Brady, recently added to the Minions’ “Banned List,” and Deuce McAllister, bypassed for Domanick Davis – exact revenge on the Minions, giving the RiverDance division SLaM titles in back-to-back years. SLaM 2005 Champion: Galt's Gulch Destroyers
Submitted 8/29/05