Five players whose contract years could bring fantasy payday

By Kyle Chrise  |   Tuesday, August 05, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

Fantasy Football
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It's going to happen to you during your fantasy draft: Along the way, you'll need to decide between two or three players who are of seemingly equal value. Of course, players who seem to be equals on draft day can end up worlds apart when the fantasy playoffs roll around. There's no crystal ball to help you in such a situation, but there's always the next best thing -- a player's contract. Anyone entering free agency in the winter of 2009 has extra motivation (financial security) to perform for your squad.

Having said that, here are five players whose quest for the green will lead your team to greener pastures.

Terrell Owens, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys:

The 34-year-old Owens is aging and drops plenty of passes, but last season -- 81 catches, 1,355 yards, 15 touchdowns -- was his best since 2001. Tony Romo loves to get the ball in Owens' hands and is willing to take risks to make it happen. Plus, all that usual off-the-field drama is missing so far this summer for Owens. There's a lot of money at stake for the veteran, and you know he's going to do everything he can to cash in. If you saw T.O. line up against Adam Jones last week, you know he still has a lot to offer.

Brandon Jacobs, running back, New York Giants:

This 264-pound wrecking ball averaged 5.0 yards per carry last season en route to surpassing the 1,000 mark. The big problem during Jacobs' first season as Tiki Barber's replacement was injuries: He started only nine games in 2007. Durability will be a big question this season as well, and Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward will be waiting in the wings. But the Giants' platoon of RBs is good for Jacobs for two reasons: Not only will Bradshaw and Ward help lighten Jacobs' load, but they'll also push Jacobs to prove he's the true starter in New York.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati Bengals:

Houshmandzadeh keeps getting better every year, and 2007 (1,143 yards, 12 TDs) was his best season yet. As long as Chad Johnson is on the other side of the field, opposing defenses will have to divert some of their resources away from Houshmandzadeh. He's one of the most underpaid receivers in the league and will be playing to make himself one of the richest come next winter. If there was ever an opportunity for T.J. to overshadow C.J., it's 2008.

Roy Williams, WR, Detroit Lions:

Defenses knew last year that former Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz liked to air it out, so they glued their safeties to Williams. That and a sprained PCL led to a somewhat down year for him. This season, Martz is gone and Calvin Johnson has a year of experience under his belt, so Williams should have a little more favorable coverage. This is the final year of Williams' rookie contract; therefore, if he can prove his worth, big bucks are on the way for Williams.

Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo Bills:

Evans went from an 82-catch, 1,292-yard performance in 2006 to 849 yards on 55 receptions in '07. The problem is that he's not the most precise route runner, and coach Dick Jauron and O-coordinator Turk Schonert want their QB, Trent Edwards, to use a lot of three-step drops. The money at stake on his next contract should motivate Evans to improve in that area, and 6-foot-6 rookie James Hardy will draw some coverage away from him. The Bills and Evans are trying to work out an extension before the regular season begins. If a new deal is struck, you may want to move Evans down on your draft board.

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About Kyle Chrise

Like a modern-day Moses, Kyle was found drifting down the Monongahela River, wrapped in a Terrible Towel, next to what was then Three Rivers Stadium. Found and raised by the stadium's grounds crew, Chrise lived and breathed Steelers football. As a youngster, he earned the trust of new head coach ...
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