Fantasy Football: Gonzalez Will Help Turner

Most fantasy league experts have Adrian Peterson head and shoulders above the field as a fantasy league performer but I beg to differ.  I think the addition of Tony Gonzalez will help Michael Turner in the red zone.

A tough running game and a quality tight end go together like hand and glove in an NFL offense and that’s even more sure in the red zone.

Peterson is still the best in the league but don’t be surprised if Turner is right there with him in regards to yards.

Defenses are going to have to decide whether to concentrate on stopping Hall-of-Fame bound tight end Tony Gonzalez or Turner.

The linebackers are responsible for both stopping Gonzalez and stopping Turner.

A middle or outside linebacker can’t do everything in the red zone, he’s got to lean toward stopping the pass or the run.¬† If they hesitate any at all, Turner is going to run him over for those one or two yards for a TD.

They’re going to get caught trying to do both and that’s going to mean easy picking for Turner and Gonzalez.

Also don’t forget that quarterback Matt Ryan is going into his second year and headed toward major improvements.

The threat of Ryan throwing to Pro Bowl wide out Roddy White will force teams to abandon eight-man fronts against Turner.

As the season progresses you’re going to have Turner playing against seven man fronts while Peterson is battling eight man fronts when Brett Favre’s arm goes south.

He won’t get as many carries but his yardage per carry and touchdowns will likely increase over a year ago. Remember he had 17 touchdowns in 2008 without the threat of Gonzalez in the red zone.

Of course the addition of Brett Favre will help Peterson, but I don’t think Favre is going to be able to make it through the season.¬† Remember his arm gave out last season.

He’s already admitted that he has a tear in his rotator cuff.

I think it’s just a matter of time until Peterson is facing nothing but eight man fronts after Favre’s arm gives out.