There was a story out of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch this weekend about Rams RB Steven Jackson and his impending free agency after this season. A quote from Jackson should have all Fantasy owners pretty excited about his upcoming 2008.
"Well, we all know what happens in a contract year: you ball out," Jackson said. "So, I expect to."
As most Fantasy owners know, contract years are typically good things. For recent proof, check out Ahman Green in 2006 and Jamal Lewis last year. Jackson is a far superior talent than those two and well in his prime.
He also got recent good news that left tackle Orlando Pace is healthy after missing most of last year with a torn rotator cuff. That will improve the offensive line and help Jackson find more running room.
Jackson is in line for a big season. He will likely be drafted in the first six picks of all Fantasy drafts, but I think Jackson will finish as the best running back in Fantasy Football in 2008. In three recent drafts I took part in, Jackson went seventh, fifth and third overall. He should be drafted behind LaDainian Tomlinson, but that's as far as he should go. He will be better than Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook and Joseph Addai.
Some owners might shy away from Jackson because of what happened last year, but count on Jackson having a monster season and earning a big pay day. It's time for him to "ball out."
