Fantasy: Tomlinson campaigning for No. 1 overall

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, July 23, 2008  |  Comments( 8 )

Fantasy Football
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The San Diego Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson is running a clean campaign.

It's simple, and it's about the issues. The main issue is whether fantasy football owners will make the running back the consensus No. 1 overall pick this summer in drafts around the world.

Fox Sports is behind the "LT in '08" campaign, in which Tomlinson is actively lobbying his selection as part of the promotional package for its fantasy football services. Tomlinson and Fox Sports think fantasy owners should ignore New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's NFL-record 50 touchdown passes last season and the second-year potential of Minnesota Vikings runner Adrian Peterson.

It's money spent to show the obvious: Tomlinson is still regarded as the No. 1 overall player going into fantasy drafts.

But will he be the best on a weekly basis this year? Consider this: Tomlinson's touchdown total went from 31 in 2007 to 18 in 2008. Moreover, the Chargers released fullback Lorenzo Neal -- who played in 16 games in 2007 and just eight last year -- and he was previously a big part of Tomlinson's success.

On the other hand, Brady scorched the grass under his feet in every stadium he played in last season. His 578 attempts were the second-highest total of his career, but his 68.9 completion percentage destroyed his previous best (63.9) and he only threw a career-low 12 interceptions. That made him the most productive fantasy performer on a per-game basis by quite a healthy margin. In leagues giving one point for every 20 passing yards (instead of 25), Brady's potential could be too much to ignore, especially with the return of record-setting wide receiver Randy Moss.

While Peterson missed time thanks to injury last season, his big-play ability makes him a strong candidate. Along with making the Chargers' defense look ridiculous in his 296-yard rushing game last season, Peterson's ability to change direction at full speed left several defenders lunging at air en route to becoming one of the brightest stars in the game. Peterson averaged 5.6 yards per carry, scoring 12 touchdowns in 14 games. He also runs behind arguably the best offensive line in the NFL.

May the campaigns continue to focus on the issues.

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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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