Todd Lokken Takes a Look at the History of Fantasy Football Top Performers

Players who become the top pick in Fantasy Football drafts rarely stay in that position long, says Todd Lokken, President of Strategic Fantasy Football. From 1992-1995, Emmitt Smith was King of the Fantasy Football world. 1500 yards rushing and 15-20 touchdowns were not out of the question for any given season, and for whatever lucky soul nabbed the #1 pick in league drafts. However, in 1996, Smith suddenly tailed off, and was replaced by Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos, who kept the top spot until a serious injury derailed his career in 1999.

However, an able replacement was ready to go, as the “Greatest Show on Turf” stole the NFL spotlight, and Marshall Faulk became the consensus top player in Fantasy Football. Faulk’s ability to run and catch made him a two-pronged weapon in the great St. Louis Rams' offense, and "he was a touchdown machine", says Lokken. Like Davis and Smith, Faulk also had a short run at the top spot, and by 2002, his reign at the top was over. Faulk was replaced by Priest Holmes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who scored an amazing 21 touchdowns in 2002, and followed up with 27 in 2003. In 2004, Holmes looked to easily once again be the top performer for the year, but a late season injury cost him the title. In fact, it have ended his time at number one.

Holmes’ injury allowed Ladanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers to grab the top spot, but it already looks like he has been replaced by Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson, however, may keep that spot for a few years. “The fact that he is still very young and is already a tremendous talent gives him a chance to be at the top for 4-5 years”, says Lokken.

Staying on top for 4 years is difficult enough, as no one has had a run that long since Smith’s ended in 1995. Davis had 3 years, Faulk 3, and Holmes 2. Tomlinson has one, and was replaced this year by Johnson, who should still be on top for at least 2 more years. After Johnson, there is no clear-cut choice to replace him. Lokken says, "the next top performer will probably come from a current rookie or second year player, and will be a surprise to most NFL observers, as Davis, Faulk, and Holmes were."

Strategic Fantasy Football provides Fantasy Football analysis and strategy for players of Fantasy Football. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.