Each year changes in fantasy football rankings are made, most often due to a player getting injured or age finally catching up to the player. Rarely is the change made this high in the rankings when last years leaders are still in their prime. There are many reasons for the elevation of St. Louis Rams RB Stephen Jackson to the second spot. In this article we will look at five.
Reason 1 ? Offensive Scheme
The Rams will continue to employ a modified version of ?The Greatest Show on Turf? in which the field will be stretched horizontally as well as vertically. Defenses will not be able to put 8 or 9 defenders in the box as their defense will be tested on every level on any play. The Rams will continue to spread defenses out by continuing to use 3 and 4 receiver sets along with Steven Jackson. Defenses will have to pick their poison when defending the Rams, keeping both safeties back to protect from the big play.
Reason 2 ? Coach/Game Plan
Coach Linehan has always said he wanted to run the ball more than Mike Martz, and last season Jackson made him a genius for implementing that change to the offense. In 2006 Steven Jackson responded by rushing for 1528 yards and 13 touchdowns. The touchdown number should rise as the red zone carries that went to Stephen Davis last year (bad experiment) should go to Jackson this year. Steven Jackson is also involved in the passing game, last season he accumulated for 90 receptions another 806 yards and 3 more touchdowns; those are numbers that bring to mind the old Marshall Faulk season stats.
Reason 3 ? Other Options on Offense
Stephen Jackson isn't the only option when the Rams have the ball. Proven game breaker Tory Holt will team with ageless Isaac Bruce to again provide one of the better receiving tandems in the league and the addition of tight end Randy McMichael stretches the middle of the field. Pro Bowler Marc Bulger makes everything go with his decision making from the quarterback position. The drafting of versatile running back Brian Leonard should provide a backup for the few times Steven needs a breather, keeping him fresh for the entire season.
Reason 4 ? Offensive Line
Due to injuries last season, a lot of players got very valuable game experience. The problem from the rotating players showed in the Rams? pass protection, the running game was decent ranking 17th in the NFL in 2006; with the added experience those numbers will improve. The Rams released the cagey Adam Timmerman, but feel his replacement is already on the team.
Reason 5 ? The Schedule
The schedule is conducive to Steven Jackson and the Rams to run for big numbers as they face top ten against the rush defenses in only 4 games in 2007. In 2006 games against the division, Jackson averaged over 90 total yards a game, a trend that should continue in ?07.
These are are five of many reasons that make Steven Jackson the number 2 fantasy football player for 2007. If you have Steven Jackson, keep him. If you can draft him draft him, he will make an excellent cornerstone for a winning team.
