2010-04-22 11:31:17
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports
 Finley should be on your radarIt is never too early to start thinking about 2010. But before you get too far ahead of yourself, it isn't a bad idea to look at how the '09 season ended. There were some players that turned heads late in the year, guys that should be on your fantasy radar for the coming season.
Guys that finish fast tend to start fast the following year. Below is a list of players that saw their fantasy value go up with the way they finished the season. These guys are going to be fantasy factors from day one in 2010. Jerome Harrison, RB, Browns. Harrison finished the year with three straight 100-yard games, including a 286-yard performance in Week 15. Harrison had 33 or more carries in all three of those games, proving he can carry a full load. His amazing finish gives him the upperhand to start for the Browns heading into next season. He won't be given the job, but has obviously turned the heads of the Browns' brass. Consider him a No. 2 back for now.
Matt Moore, QB, Panthers. Moore started the last four games of the season and had eight touchdowns without a turnover during that stretch. He played at a very high level, completing 60 percent or more of his passes four of the last five games. He clearly outplayed Jake Delhomme, who had another poor showing this past season. There likely will be a competition for the quarterback spot next season, but Moore should be the favorite because of his strong finish and Delhomme's dismal season. Devin Aromashodu, WR, Bears. Aromashodu made the most of his playing time late in the season. In his last four games, he had 22 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He emerged as the top target in the Bears passing game and a favorite target of Jay Cutler. And with Mike Martz coming on board for next season, the Bears could be even more pass happy, which improves Aromashodu's value even more. He has a chance to be a legit No. 2 receiver for fantasy teams. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs. Charles had 100-yard games in four straight to end the year. And he had five 100-yard games for the entire season. He performed as well as any back in the league the second half of the season, proving he is going to be the top back in the Chiefs offense for years to come. Charles also scored eight touchdowns the last eight games. Charles is making a case to be a first-round pick next season. Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins. Henne made strides throughout the year, his first as a starter. He finished strong, having 300-yard games three of his last five. He also had six touchdowns during that stretch. The Dolphins are going to remain a run-first team but seem to be gaining confidence in Henne, which is going to lead to more chances for him. He is going to have some value as a backup for fantasy teams next season. Jabar Gaffney, WR, Broncos. Gaffney had an astounding 21 receptions the last two games of the year. He is proving to be a good fit for the Broncos new offense. Gaffney could have a bigger role from day one next season. We wouldn't count on him playing at this high level for the whole season, but a season with big reception totals is possible in this offense. Gaffney has the talent to perform as long as he is getting the chances. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets. The playoffs should be a pretty telling sign about how the Jets feel about Greene. He carried the load much of the playoffs, rushing for 100 yard twice. The Jets relied more on Greene than Thomas Jones, which is likely the case next season. Greene has the skill set to be a top fantasy back in a good Jets running game. If he gets the bulk of the carries from day one, Greene has a chance to be a low-end No. 1 fantasy back. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers. Finley really emerged in the Packers offense the second half of the season. He had at least three catches in the last seven games of the season. Finley also had five touchdowns the last five games. And he had his best showing of the season in the playoffs, catching six passes for 159 yards. Finley is a solid No. 1 tight end heading into 2010. He is only going to get better in a good Packers passing game. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers. Stewart got some starts late in the year because of injury to DeAngelo Williams. And Stewart is going to give the Panthers something to think about this offseason because of his great finish to 2009. Stewart had 100-yard performances four of the last five games, including a 206-yard performance Week 16. Stewart had a 1,000-yard season and double-digit scores despite not starting much of the year. He is clearly capable of being a top No. 1 back. Will the Panthers give him that chance next season? Chaz Schilens, WR, Raiders. Schilens was the top Raiders target down the stretch. In his last three games, he had 17 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown. There was a lot of hype about Schilens before last season, but injury derailed him early in the year. Once he got healthy, though. Schilens proved he could be the No. 1 receiver in the Raiders offense. He could help fantasy teams next season, serving as a No. 3 or 4 receiver. He has some upside as long as the Raiders find some stability at quarterback. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills. Jackson had 100-plus total yards three of the last four games and ended the year with a monster 212-yard performance against the Colts. He had his first 1,000-yard season as a pro and emerged as the clear starter in the Bills offense. Marshawn Lynch won't be stealing a ton of carries from Jackson next season. Jackson is going to be a solid No. 2 fantasy back, capable of carrying fantasy teams any given week. If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com | 
