2008 Fantasy Football Player Profile-Peyton Manning

QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

2007 Stats: 4040 passing yards, 34 total TDs, 14 INTs
Projected 2008 Stats: 3970 passing yards, 31 total TDs, 15 INTs
Projected Fantasy Round: 1st Round
Quarterbacks to be picked ahead of Peyton Manning: Tom Brady

Fantasy Outlook:

Why should you draft Peyton Manning: Manning is a reliable fantasy player that doesn’t miss any games, and he can be penciled in for at least 30 touchdowns every year.  Over the last four seasons, Manning has averaged 4185 passing yards and over 36 touchdowns.  He also has completed over 60 percent of his passes in every single season, except his rookie campaign.

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Peyton Manning: If you subscribe to the theory that you need to draft a running back in the first round, then you might opt to pass on Manning.  In addition, Manning threw more picks last season then he had since 2002, and with the injury concerns with Marvin Harrison, he could flirt with averaging one interception per game in 2008.

Bottom Line: With Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson having an unexpected down year in 2007, coupled with the fact LaDainian Tomlison is recovering from a serious knee injury, this could be the year to snag a safe pick like Manning in the first round.  Manning will likely be the second quarterback taken in most fantasy drafts towards the latter half of the first round.