Over the past couple seasons, I have had an ongoing conversation about Joseph Addai's ability to be a true fantasy stud. My contention was that until Addai could sufficiently prove that he could stay healthy and play a full season, then he had no business being mentioned among the league's elite. Addai's success has been more about the situation he was drafted into, and even though his offensive line could do him no favors last year by not being healthy, I think you could plug any number of running backs into that system and get the same amount of production, if not more. Quickly becoming Laurence Maroney version 2.0.
('09 Proj: 790 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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After two excellent seasons to start his career, injuries took their toll last season as Addai only played in 12 games. With the Colts passing game slightly down, I expect Addai to put up career numbers in 2009.
('09 Proj: 273 att, 1,201 yds, 14 touchdowns, 45 rec, 360 yds, 3 TDs) ~Robb Perkins
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Many owners used a first rounder on him last year and were horrified to find out he was outrushed by Fred Jackson! Even more disturbing was the fact that he didn’t score in the final six games, essentially killing fantasy teams during the stretch run. Take advantage of the fact that many owners will give up on him, expect a big rebound year as his offensive line was banged up all year.
('09 Proj: 1,350 total yds, 11 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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New Coach Jim Caldwell is basically an extension of Tony Dungy. I don’t expect much to change in Indy, with the exception of retooling the offensive line that was terrible last season. Expect Dominic Rhodes to continue to platoon with Addai. But also expect Addai to get back to his 1,000 yard ways.
('09 Proj: 200 att, 1,300 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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A front runner for most disappointing player of 2008. Many are beginning to question his ability to carry a full regular season load, including his own coaching staff and front office. Running backs Dominic Rhodes and Mike Hart (who spent most of last season in injured reserve) are waiting in the wings and will be used extensively next season.
('09 Proj: 180 att, 1,000 total yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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With a down year in 2008, Addai will present a strong value in 2009. Along with the fast back from LSU being healthy, Peyton Manning should be 100% which will open the running lanes and swing passes for Addai. The Colts are professing off season O line improvement which should provide a boost.
('09 Proh: 1,500 total yards, 10 touchdowns) ~Dave Fosdick
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He suffered a disastrous setback last year when he couldn’t stay healthy enough to contribute on a regular basis. The Colts may not believe they can count on him and therefore go with a committee approach this season, something that won’t help Addai rebound. Whatever happens, the whispers are growing that Addai may end up being too fragile to be a full time back in the NFL.
('09 Proj: 170 att, 750 yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The 25 year old Addai has his shortcomings. I think we can all agree his top end speed is below the league average of the #1 backs. He's been dinged up but, heading into his 4th season, I'm not ready to tab him "injury-prone", a woefully overused term I don't have the time to get into. As was already mentioned, the loss of C Jeff Saturday for four games (with highly questionable health in all others) along with other maladies along the O-line, limited the running game as much as anything. It'll be interesting to watch how Indy shuffles the line in the coming months. For now, I'm giving Addai a healthy 16 games with similar attempts per game.
('09 Proj: 215 att, 800 yds, 300 yds rec, 8 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins
