Chick Fantasies

Sneaky Scoring Machines - QBs and WRs

Sometimes a man can really take us by surprise with his unexpected scoring prowess. A lot of people call these fellows “sleepers”, however sleep is the last thing on our minds when these virile men enter our thoughts. We chicks have been busy fantasizing about all the scoring action we can get out of these sneaky men. They may not be topping the fantasy draft charts, but they just may give a thrill to the lucky man or woman who decides to pick them up.

Trent Green (QB), Kansas City: Despite throwing only 17 touchdowns and an eye-popping 24 interceptions in 2001, last season was not a total flop for Trent Green. Green led the third-rated passing offense in the AFC as he threw for 3782 yards. However, he and his troops fell short when it came time to put points on the board. We hate making excuses for players, however Green did suffer from a lack of healthy and effective wide receivers. In fact, the Chiefs’ two leading receivers were their scrumptious tight end (Tony Gonzalez) and stud running back (Priest Holmes). This year Sylvester Morris will be back in action after missing the entire 2001 season. Even more exciting for Green is the addition of the tantalizing Johnnie Morton. Coach Dick Vermeil is drooling over what he has seen from his new hot receiver. Now that Dick has all the necessary ingredients in place, we smell another red-hot offense cooking.

Michael Vick (QB), Atlanta: Chandler is out and it is now time for Mr. Hot Shot to step up and show us what he has got. The Falcons surprised many fans by not snagging one of the premier receivers in the draft for their young quarterback to play with. However there should be several talented veteran receivers available in June (perhaps Keenan McCardell or Derrick Alexander), who could help spice up the passing game. Having Warrick Dunn and rookie T.J. Duckett in the backfield, will improve the Falcon offense and will help take the pressure off Vick. Dunn has proven to be an effective receiver out of the backfield as well. An added bonus with Vick is his versatility – when he is not taking to the air, Vick will be trying to score on the ground. Vick is the fast quarterback in the league and should rack up some rushing yards every week. Because he is green, Vick may start slowly – but do not make the mistake of dumping him too quickly. He will likely gain momentum as the year goes on and may help you make that late season playoff run.

Brad Johnson (QB), Tampa Bay: Last year Johnson struggled with only 13 touchdowns. Despite productive play from Keyshawn Johnson, the boys were only able to hook up for one score. Well, Jon Gruden will put an end to that nonsense. Coach Gorgeous demands that his offensive players put out for him. Gruden got the most out of Gannon’s cannon and he will make sure that he gets the most out of his double Johnsons as well. He is moving Keyshawn from flanker to split end and has also added the mammoth receiver Joe Jurevicious.

Qadry Ismail (WR), Indianapolis: When the Colts signed Ismail, Coach Dungy commented that Ismail was “a little present for Peyton”. Manning probably needed a gift to cheer him up after last year’s rocky season. This signing should prove to be a present to Qadry’s fantasy owners as well. “The Missile” has been blowing away his new mates in Indianapolis and has quickly gained the confidence of his quarterback. Although Marvin Harrison will continue to be the #1 dude in Indianapolis, Manning clearly has enough bullets in his gun to spread out the wealth. Ismail put up over 1000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in a very average Baltimore offense last season. Look for a big boom in production now that he is plugged into the AFC’s #1 offensive unit.

Jacquez Green (WR), Washington: With Michael Westbrook gone, several ‘Skin receivers will have the chance to step up and shine in Coach Spurrier’s pass-happy offense. Many fans are banking on last year’s top draft choice Ron Gardner to explode in his sophomore season. However, we chicks have our eye on four-year veteran Jacquez Green. Green has never lived up to his potential in the NFL, but now that he is reunited with his Florida coach, he should be able to recapture his magic. Green has blazing speed and a great understanding of Spurrier’s offense. He should be able to quickly make a love connection with whichever ex-Gator is making the passes.

Chris Chambers (WR), Miami: The most productive rookie receiver last season was second-round draft choice Chris Chambers who led the ‘Fins with 883 receiving yards and seven scores. With Ricky Williams in the backfield, Miami’s passing game should open up and Chambers will be the hottest sophomore sensation on the gridiron.

Santana Moss (WR), New York Jets: Last season Laveranues Coles helped ease the heartbreak to Jets fans when sizzling rookie Santana Moss went down. Now that Coles is in on everyone’s radar, it is time for Moss to sneak up and show us his stuff. New Yorks’ passing offense was worst in the AFC in 2001 and therefore the Jets will look to the speedy Moss to give them a needed boost. Moss appears to have recovered well from knee surgery and has been running and making cuts in practice. Although injured last season, he did have the benefit of learning the offense and should be able to make an immediate impact.