Tomlinson the logical MVP in nearly all leagues

By JERRY FAULL The Seattle Times

January 06, 2007 Last Updated: January 07, 2007 12:48 PM Professional

Despite the outstanding season New Orleans' Drew Brees had this season, Peyton Manning of Indianapolis was the top quarterback in most fantasy football leagues.

SEATTLE — The last week of the fantasy football season has passed, so before I start working on position rankings for next summer I thought I'd put together the 2006 Faull All-Starting-Lineup team.

• Peyton Manning, Colts: I wanted to pick Drew Brees because of his value in relation to average draft position (his was 95.4 to Manning's 7.4 in my leagues), but the first-year Saint's disappointing final three games forced me to go with Manning. And Manning's overall numbers (31 TDs passes and 4,397 passing yards) were worth more than Brees' 26 and 4,418 anyway, so I don't feel too bad about the decision. And Manning had four rushing TDs to Brees' zero.• Honorable mention: Brees; Marc Bulger, Rams (4,301 yards, 24 TDs).

• LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers: By the way, Tomlinson's 33 total TDs (two were passing) and 2,323 yards from scrimmage make him the Faull MVP. He had more than 100 total yards in 14 games and had 11 multiple-TD games, including eight in a row from Weeks 8 to 15. He also accounted for at least three TDs six times. He wasn't great in San Diego's final two games (213 yards, no TDs), but the previous output was too amazing to ignore.• Steven Jackson, Rams: It was between the St. Louis star's 2,334 yards and 16 TDs and Larry Johnson of the Chiefs' 2,199 and 19, with Jackson getting the nod because of his outstanding final four games when Jackson averaged 171 total yards and scored 10 TDs while Johnson averaged 128 yards with four scores.• Honorable mention: Johnson; Frank Gore, 49ers (2,180 yards, 9 TDs); Willie Parker, Steelers (1,716, 16).

• Marvin Harrison, Colts: His 1,366 yards and 12 touchdowns give him eight consecutive seasons of at least 1,113 and 10. And he totaled 545 yards (109 average) and seven TDs over his final five games this season.• Terrell Owens, Cowboys: Hate him all you want, but don't try to argue against his production. He led the league in TD catches with 13 (five in the final four games) and had 1,180 yards.• Honorable mention: Reggie Wayne, Colts (1,310, 9 TDs); Chad Johnson, Bengals (1,369, 7); Torry Holt, Rams (1,118, 10).

• Antonio Gates, Chargers: His 924 yards and nine TDs make it three years in a row for Gates as the top tight end, though I wish I had passed on him in drafts (third round usually) because there were a lot at the position worth owning.• Honorable mention: Alge Crumpler, Falcons (780 yards, 8 TDs); Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs (900, 5).

• Robbie Gould, Bears: He tied for the league lead in field goals with 32 and made the second-most PATs (47). And I'm willing to bet he went undrafted in just about 100 percent of leagues.

• Baltimore: The Ravens didn't get as much attention as Chicago this season, but their defense was clearly better with more sacks (60 to 40), interceptions (28 to 24), touchdowns (6 to 3) and fewer points allowed (199 to 231). Baltimore also allowed fewer yards per game (264.1 to 294.1).