The big uglies are the Rodney Dangerfield of fantasy football. After all, pancakes aren't a fantasy stat, so you don't need to worry about them, right? Wrong. As Larry Johnson - remember him? - has shown, a team's offensive line makes or breaks a team's running game. Back in 2005, when the Chiefs boasted a bevy of future Hall-of-Famers along the offensive line, Johnson was a fantasy god gracing us mere mortals with his absurd 1750 yards and 20 touchdown line (despite only being the featured back for nine games). Once Willie Roaf and crew moved on, however, the combination of overuse and poor offensive line play has made Larry Johnson inspire more hatred in fantasy owner's hearts than this guy does for folks from a certain Midwest town.
Clearly line play matters - in fantasy too. It's why the Broncos have been able to trot out relatively anonymous backs year after year after year and still have a strong ground attack. So what were the top units last year? Thankfully, Rustyn over at Top Fantasy Football broke it down so we don't have to. Here's his top six:
- Denver Broncos ~ The Broncos gave up only 12 sacks and had a 4.8 YPC on the rush. Denver has the all around best O-line in the game. Every season the Broncs trot out RB after RB and they all do well. Jay Cutler will certainly take more than a dozen sacks in Chicago. Fantasy Impact: While the team is somewhat in disarray elsewhere the O-line should continue to open holes for whichever RB gets the nod, and lackluster QB Kyle Orton gets a bump up due to excellent pass protection.
- New Orleans Saints ~ Given how often and obvious the pass is used in N’awlins, the fact that their O-line gave up a paltry 13 sacks is phenomenal. Their rush blocking is decent (4 YPC), and will improve with stability at the RB position. Fantasy impact: Drew Brees should once again be the elite QB in fantasy circles. His pass blocking O-line keeps him on his feet which allows him to do his thing and stay healthy. This in turn makes WR Marques Colston a top 10 pick at WR.
- New England Patriots ~ In 2007 the Pats had one of the best offensive lines around. They also has Tom Brady behind them. Their run blocking was still excellent last season with a 4.4 YPC despite a merry-go-round at the RB position. I expect this season the pass protection will be stellar as well. Coach Bill Belicheck can ill afford to lose his signal caller again. Look to see this O-line back up in the top 5 in 2009. Fantasy impact: Brady should stay safe and upright and remain an elite QB fantasy arm. The team sack total should be half of the 48 they gave up last year. The RBBC nightmare will still tally great yardage, but it will be too diluted to make any of these guys fantasy worthy unless one steps up. Laurence Maroney could be that guy and makes a nice late round sleeper.
- Tennessee Titans ~ People wondered how Kerry Collins managed to lead this team anywhere close to the playoffs last season. Thank the O-line which surrendered only 12 sacks, and gave Lendale White and Chris Johnson the room to gain 4.3 YPC. The same front five return this season, and 80% of them are under 29. Fantasy impact: White and Johnson should again see great run blocking and whoever ends up as QB will have excellent protection.
- Atlanta Falcons ~ Rookie QB Matt Ryan and first time RB starter, Michael Turner, both had amazing seasons. Ryan was sacked only 17 times, and the Atlanta O-line helped the running game to a 4.4 YPC clip. Fantasy impact: The team faces a brutal strength of schedule this season, but Atlanta’s offensive line will continue to protect Ryan and open big gaps for Turner and Co. WR Roddy White and tight end extraordinaire, Tony Gonzalez should find time to get open plenty, and often.
- N.Y. Giants ~ The Giants led the league last season in rushing, and their O-line made that possible with a rush block that had the highest YPC in the league (5.0). On the pass blocking side they gave up 28 sacks, but eight came in one game, and some credit for that
folly has to go to Eli Manning himself. Fantasy impact: Look for the Giants O-line to make all three Giant’s RBs (Jacobs, Bradshaw and Ware) fantasy viable this season. Manning should have solid protection allowing him to find his new Plaxico amongst the teams 30 or so wide receivers. As of today, Dominik Hixon, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are the lucky three.
