Daily Fantasy Sports Action: 12/30/08

So here's the idea. I'm going to post what I do to win my fantasy leagues every day, which will include strategies, pickups, trade targets, etc.

Today, I was contacted by a league commissioner to select 3 keepers and email them to him. The decision for this setup wasn't as I would like. We talked about it on the league message board, but no decisions were made until this email. I'm okay with the setup, so I'm not going to argue.

Now, here's the problem. I was hoping for 5 keepers. Well, actually, 9 or 10 would have been even better. I had a great year, although I did come up a little short in the championship. I got (Tyler) Thigpened in week 16.

Given that we start 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, and 1 DEF. Here's my list of potential keepers (in order of points above replacement):

1. Maurice Jones-Drew

2. Steve Smith

3. Chris Johnson

4. Aaron Rodgers

5. Anquan Boldin

6. Baltimore Ravens Defense

7. Terrell Owens

8. Marshawn Lynch

9. Dallas Clark

10. Pierre Thomas

So again, here's the problem. If we kept 5, it would definitely be Jones-Drew, Smith, Johnson, Rodgers, and Boldin. For 3 keepers, Jones-Drew and Steve Smith are definites, but I'm not sure about the other 1.

Chris Johnson had a great rookie year: 1228 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs, 260 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, and only 1 fumble. However, just following the plexiglass principle, the Titans will probably be worse last year, which means fewer carries for the RBs. Plus, it's hard to guess how the carries will be split between Johnson and LenDale White next year.

Aaron Rodgers also had a great first season as a starter. He had 4038 passing yards, 28 passing TDs, 13 INTs, 207 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, and 9 fumbles (3 lost). Does he improve next year? That will be hard to do. While the increased experience could mean fewer turnovers, you can't count on Rodgers maintaining those yards and TDs.

Anquan Boldin suffered through an injury-riddled season, forcing him to miss 4 games. While you could say that his numbers will improve with a healthy season next year, he's only had 2 healthy seasons in his 6-year career. He averages missing 3 games a year, so this year isn't out of the ordinary. It's also hard to imagine he'll score 11 TDs again next year.

Given this information, I think I'm going to go with Jones-Drew, Smith, and Johnson. Who do you think I should keep?