LaDainian Tomlinson has been a wide topic of discussion among fantasy football owners. The Chargers would not have given him a contract extension if they had concerns about his health or age. That being said, his value should be consistent with that of a late first or early second round pick. L.T. has even said that he feels 100% going into training camp. I predict a pleasant outcome for L.T. owners in 2009.
('09 Proj: 315 att, 55 rec, 1,825 yds, 14 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
___
It seems like everyone is trying to get the old warhorse put out to pasture. While he is turning 30 this year, Tomlinson has one good season left in him. If he’s healthy, expect a nice improvement on last year’s stats.
('09 Proj: 310 att, 1,250 yards, 14 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
___
Finished with respectable totals in 2008, despite a career worst 3.8 yards per carry. I think his days as bona fide elite running back are over, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any fantasy potential left in the tank. I think the key will be identifying the “wrong” matchups to avoid using L.T. if at all possible. Like 2008, he’ll be hot and cold all year long in 2009, with his good games number being #1 running back material and his bad ones potentially devastating.
('09 Proj: 1,400 total yards, 13 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
___
L.T. will be 30 when the 2009 season rolls around, he's carried the ball an average of 332 times in his eight year career while adding 64 receptions a year, and is no longer anybody’s number one fantasy player but I’m not ready to write him off just yet. He’s never had less than 1,110 yards or 10 touchdowns in his eight year career and has scored at least one receiving touchdown in each of the past seven years. And of course we know he’s got an arm too. This could be the final super star hurrah for the future Hall-of-Famer's career.
('09 Proj: 288 att, 1,165 yds, 10 touchdowns, 57 rec, 459 yds, 2 TD's) ~Robb Perkins
___
Tomlinson’s poor 2008 season was only a poor season because Tomlinson has, for so long, been considered the unchallenged champion of fantasy football. For six years, no player could match Tomlinson’s versatility, prolificacy or scoring ability. So a season that saw him produce over 1,500 total yards (for the eighth consecutive season) and score 12 touchdowns (for the seventh consecutive season) was labeled a bust. Will he be a first-round pick in 2008? Probably not. Should owners be thrilled to see him fall into the second round? Absolutely.
('09 Proj: 250 att, 1,600 total yards, 12 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
___
On everyone’s bust list heading into next season, L.T. will have plenty to prove and Sproles breathing down his neck for touches. It’s tough to count him out, but by franchising Sproles and shopping seriously at running backs with their first round pick, it’s tough to ignore the signs that the Chargers are developing Plan B now. His touches will decrease but he could still be good for double digit touchdowns.
('09 Proj: 1,350 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
___
I'm already on record with the fact that I don't believe Tomlinson's 3.8 yards per carry last season was completely injury related. The offensive line fluctuated between slightly above average to downright bad at times. Their draft and O-Line health will begin giving us a clearer picture. One huge bonus for Tomlinson is that Norv Turner has already displayed an unwillingness to look away from L.T. if he says he good to go, regardless of results. I expect another 260+ attempts but not much more in terms of y.p.c. Also, in this offense, red zone opportunities galore.
('09 Proj: 260 att, 1,000 yds, 11 touchdowns, 40 rec, 380 yds, 2 TDs) ~Rick Perkins