2004 FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM PREVIEW: COLTS
BY RICK SERRITELLA 7/17/04

Quarterback: One of the most sought after players in your draft is
sure to be Peyton Manning. He has recorded 4,000+ passing yards and
25+ touchdowns the past five consecutive seasons and is a sure bet to
repeat those numbers once again. Much delight to fantasy owners, he
is as durable as they come and seems to get better every season.
Manning is worthy of a first round selection.

Running Back: Edgerrin James returned to putting up the stats
fantasy owners became accustomed to during the beginning of his
career after sustaining injuries the previous two seasons. He did
miss three games last year and a combined 15 games in the past three
seasons but he is playing out a contract year and will do all he can
to stay on the field and earn himself a nice payday. His durability
is certainly an issue but the risk is worth the reward as he can pay
huge dividends to helping you win your fantasy league.

Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison rounds out the top fantasy production
trio providing Manning with a consistent and dependable playmaker.
As Manning's success goes, as does Harrison's as he has averaged
1,519 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over the past five seasons.
He will be one of the top two wide receivers selected in your draft.
Reggie Wayne had a solid fantasy season last year collecting 838
yards to go along with 7 scores, it is unlikely that he will put up
the same touchdown numbers and could serve as a good number four or
average number three receiver on your depth chart. Brandon Stokely
performed well at the end of the season after returning from injury
but can't be counted on as an every down receiver.

Tight End: Selecting a Colts tight end could be tricky. They plan
on using a two tight end set with their athletically talented pair of
Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark. It is likely that they will both
put up good fantasy numbers as Pollard has averaged 586 receiving
yards the past three seasons and Clark had 340 receiving yards before
a season ending injury forced him to miss the team's final six
games. If your league starts two tight ends every week I recommend
getting a hold of the both of them so you're sure to never skip a
beat.

Fantasy Stud: Peyton Manning – A top three fantasy producing
quarterback on a yearly basis.

Fantasy Dud: Reggie Wayne – A healthy Brandon Stokely and the
emergence of Troy Walters in the slot last season could mean fewer
balls thrown his way.

Fantasy Sleeper: Dallas Clark – Pollard has already established
himself, but Clark has the potential to be one of the top five
receiving tight ends in the league.