Fantasy Football Challenge - Football Fanatics Articles Archive

Enclosed in this archive is every bit of the action and updates that occurred in December 2003 within the world of fantasy football. You may want to read these articles for research on players in the coming year, or just check to see if we were way off base with our reporting. Whatever the reason, it's all here for your enjoyment.

Fantasy Football Challenge - December 2003 Fantasy Football Articles

Fantasy Football Challenge - December 2003 Article Archives

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could enter the 03 playoffs with more options than he had in previous postseason appearances.

Pasquarelli went on to remind readers that one shortcoming for the Indianapolis offense in the past was that it never successfully developed a legitimate complementary wideout, at least not since Harrison and Manning first partnered up in 1998. Between 1998-2002, the teams series of No. 2 wide receivers never had more than 50 catches, or 716 yards. The second starter at wide receiver in those seasons averaged three touchdown catches.

But with two games remaining, Wayne has 65 receptions, 806 yards and seven touchdown catches. The former University of Miami star already has more touchdown catches than in his first two seasons combined, and could still top his cumulative numbers for catches and receiving yards.

Over the past five seasons, Harrison averaged 50.7 percent of the catches by Indianapolis wide receivers, 52.6 percent of the yards and a whopping 66.2 percent of the scores. This year, those averages, respectively, are 42.2, 43.7 and 45.5 percent.

"Weve always talked about spreading the ball around but, this year, its more a reality," Manning said after last weeks victory over Atlanta, a game in which the clubs top three wide receivers had seven catches apiece.

It took Wayne three years, but he has finally reached a solid comfort zone, and his work ethic is much improved. If Stokley can stay healthy, he could be a big upgrade at the No. 3 spot, with his ability to move the chains and occasionally sneaky deep speed off double-moves.

And Harrison, who has averaged 105 catches the last five seasons -- 117 the past four years, is on pace for only 98 catches in 2003.

But as Pasquarelli summed up: "With the other wideouts playing so well, though, that could actually be a plus."

That being the case, the question becomes how is Harrison handling the "dropoff" in production?

"Hes happy," head coach Tony Dungy said with a smile. "But hes not getting enough balls. He never thinks he gets enough balls."

In case you havent been paying attention,

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