Sporting News, The: Fantasy source

PLAY ACTION

All that's left of the 2004 fantasy football season is the crying or the gloating, depending on your team's outcome. But before we move on to baseball next week, let's take a look back at some of the lessons of the season.

Running in circles. Injuries dominated headlines at running back. In Kansas City, for example, a succession of injuries meant Priest Holmes, Derrick Blaylock and Larry Johnson all had moments of significant fantasy value. In this case, it would have helped to draft the starter's backup and the backup's backup. But don't be fooled: This season was an exception. One backup should be enough most years.

Golden oldies? Thirty-year-olds are considered senior citizens when they're NFL running backs; the pounding they take makes them susceptible to breaking down. But owners who opted for youth weren't always rewarded. Among the top five rushers, three were 29 or older (Curtis Martin, Corey Dillon and Tiki Barber). But of the 15 other 1,000-yard rushers, only Warrick Dunn, 30, was older than 28.

Resist the mania. The uncertainty at running back and 49 touchdown passes from a certain Colts quarterback will make it tempting to shift draft philosophy and take a quarterback No. 1. But Dan Marino's record stood for 20 years before Peyton Manning broke it, and it could be another two decades before a player dominates a fantasy season the way Manning did. Beware of Manningmania, the sudden urge to draft a quarterback earlier than normal because of this season's unusual results.

Tight ends re-emerge. Maybe it was the new emphasis on pass interference, but tight ends came out of hiding. Breakout seasons by Antonio Gates, Alge Crumpler and Jason Witten made the position worth paying attention to again.

Rookie roulette. A deep rookie wide receiver class allowed some owners to cash in on players such as Michael Clayton, Lee Evans and Larry Fitzgerald. But those who gambled on Reggie Williams, Rashaun Woods or Michael Jenkins lost. Still, it's worth seriously considering some rookies.

M@IL BONDING

RON HURTT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Is there any way Larry Johnson will start for Kansas City next year?

Pat Gareau, Albany, N.Y.

Pat: It isn't out of the question. Priest Holmes will not be a sure thing because of his knee injury and age (31). Holmes hasn't endured the abuse of someone who has been a full-time starter for his entire NFL career, but he has carried a heavy load during the past 3 1/2 seasons. We'll have to wait and see with Holmes, but Johnson won't be any worse than a midround pick because of the potential he showed this season.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames.sportingnews.com/football.

KEEPER CORNER

The 2005 fantasy potential of 2004's young breakout players:

RB Willis McGahee, Bills. Rushed for 1,128 yards--in only 11 starts. '05 spin: Is a keeper--for the next eight years.

RBs Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell, Broncos. Droughns was a a short-term star, and Bell has impressive speed. '05 spin: Keep neither; you can't be sure of Mike Shanahan's plans.

RB Steven Jackson, Rams. Had a few outstanding games in limited playing time. '05 spin: Is a risk in St. Louis' pass-first offense.

QB Eli Manning, Giants. Made strides late. '05 spin: The Giants' lack of top receivers prevents him from being a keeper, but he could be a draft-day sleeper.

TE Antonio Gates, Chargers. ATD machine who performed like a top wide-out. '05 spin: Is a huge fantasy advantage at tight end.

WR Nate Burleson, Vikings. Matured quickly as a consistent big-play threat. '05 spin: Year 3 is magic for top receivers.--Vinnie Iyer

TSNumber 10

Patriots who caught a touchdown pass in the regular season. That includes linebacker Mike Vrabel, who caught two. Although six Patriots had at least 26 catches, the team didn't have a 1,000-yard receiver.

Offseason issues

Five free agents who could significantly alter the fantasy landscape:

RIB Shaun Alexander, Seahawks, Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and offensive tackle Walter Jones also could leave as free agents, but that wouldn't hurt Seattle as much as losing Alexander, who scored a career-high 20 touchdowns and averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2004.

RB Edgerrin James, Colts. The Colts have signed Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison to long-term deals, so it will be difficult to bring back James. If James bolts, Dominic Rhodes could emerge as a one-year option (provided he re-signs), or the team could go with a rookie.

RB Rudi Johnson, Bengals. The team might have made a mistake by not re-signing Johnson to more than a one-year deal last offseason. He started every game for Cincinnati and rushed for 1,454 yards. If the Bengals don't keep Johnson, they have Chris Perry, who remains an unknown quantity after an injury-plagued rookie season.

QB Drew Brees, Chargers. San Diego has committed big money to Philip Rivers, so Brees could land elsewhere despite leading the team to the playoffs. If he leaves, he should excel, provided he signs with a team that isn't rebuilding.

WR Plaxico Burress, Steelers. He developed a rapport with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, so staying might be Burress' best option. The team has Antwaan Randle El to fill in if Burress leaves. Should that happen, Burress would need time to mesh with a new quarterback, perhaps hurting his short-term value.