Chris Johnson's 2009 season could turn out to be the best from a running back - ever.
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
Fantasy sports is a statistically driven game, meaning that emotion and reputation should have nothing to do with winning. It's all about the numbers.
Therefore, the 2009 TSN Fantasy All-Pro team is based on statistics only. "Likeability," contract size, personality, national television performances and commercial exposure will not play into the decision.
This award is not the same as our "Bargain or Bust Awards' which evaluates players not only on statistical production, but value based on their ADP (Average Draft Position). Those awards will be announced in the off-season.
The award is based on the first 16 weeks of the 2009 NFL season as most fantasy leagues do not use Week 17.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay - 307 points
Rodgers' throwing statistics were solid (4,199 yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs), but the numbers which put him on top of the pile were his rushing statistics. Rodgers led all quarterbacks with 314 yards and four rushing touchdowns. The race was so close, his running was the difference between finishing in first place and third place.
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis - 305 points
Manning threw for 4,405 yards and 33 touchdowns, but had more than double Rodgers' interception total with 15. He posted those numbers without one of his starting wide receivers for the entire season (Anthony Gonzalez injured in Week 1).
Drew Brees, New Orleans - 304 points
Brees threw for the most touchdowns of any quarterback in 2009 (34), the same total he had in 2008. His yards passing total was down this season because his team was ahead more and they developed a solid running attack.
Just missed: Tom Brady, Tony Romo
Running Back
Chris Johnson, Tennessee - league-high 401 points
Johnson's 2009 campaign could turn out to be the best season from a running back ever. Not only will he likely break the 2,000-yard mark, but he also catches the ball very well, accumulating 47 receptions for 483 yards and two scores. Johnson turned a "shared" backfield into a "one-man show." He finished 97 points ahead of second-place Maurice Jones-Drew and 81 points ahead of 2008 TSN Fantasy Player of the Year DeAngelo Williams' total.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville - 304 points
"MJD" has a great year, just not a "Chris Johnson-type" year. Finished with 1,677 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota - 274 points
Peterson actually finished with more yards and TDs than Jones-Drew, but he wasn't as explosive and didn't earn as many long-distance TD bonuses as MJD. He also dropped the ball on the ground too many times. His 20 fumbles since entering the league in 2007 would get most "mortal" running backs benched.
Just missed: Ray Rice, Frank Gore
Wide Receiver
Andre Johnson, Houston - 266 points
He's been healthy the last two seasons and his numbers show it. Back-to-back 1,500+ yards receiving doesn't happen very often.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia - 265 points
Jackson would have been the No.1 receiver, except that unlike Johnson who played every game, Jackson missed one start with a concussion. Jackson was the master of the long TD (NFL record-tying eight) and is an All-Pro punt returner.
Miles Austin, Dallas - 250 points
Austin wasn't even a major part of the Dallas Cowboys passing offense until Week 5 when he toasted the Kansas City secondary for 250 yards and two scores. He averaged 104 ypg over the final 11 weeks.
Just missed: Randy Moss, Wes Welker
Tight End
Dallas Clark, Indianapolis - 199 points
While defenses double-teamed Reggie Wayne, Clark roamed free in the opponents secondary. Led all tight ends with 93 receptions. Totaled 1,054 yards and 10 TDs.
Vernon Davis, San Francisco - 190 points
Davis had to deal with multiple quarterbacks, but led tight ends with 12 TD catches. He'll likely be the first tight end chosen in 2010.
Antonio Gates, San Diego - 188 points
Gates doesn't get as much publicity as Clark or Davis, but was just as productive. Healthy the entire year, unlike 2008, Gates led the position with 1,145 yards. He scored seven times including every week of the fantasy playoffs.
Just missed: Brent Celek, Tony Gonzalez
Kicker
Nate Kaeding, San Diego - 132 points
Kaeding's three 50+ yard field goals helped him edge David Akers for the title.
David Akers, Philadelphia - 129 points
Akers led all kickers with 32 field goals and points 139, but missed two extra points which probably cost him the fantasy title.
Ryan Longwell, Minnesota - 117 points
Missed just two field goals (23 of 25) and one extra point (49 of 50) all season.
Just missed: Rob Bironas, Matt Prater
Defense/Special Teams
New Orleans Saints - 157 points
The Saints scored a league-leading eight times on defense although none over the final six weeks. New Orleans totaled 39 turnovers (26 INTs, 13 FR) and 33 sacks.
Philadelphia Eagles - 155 points
The Eagles had six defense/special teams touchdowns, thanks in part to DeSean Jackson. They also caused 37 turnovers and sacked the quarterback 42 times.
San Francisco 49ers - 152 points
The 49ers had just three defense/special teams TDs, but held opponents under 10 points on five occasions, including pitching a shutout against St. Louis.
