From Unitas-Ameche-Berry in the late 1950's and early 1960's to Bradshaw-Harris-Swann in the 1970's to Montana-Craig-Rice in the 1980's to Aikman-Smith-Irvin in the 1990's to Manning-James-Harrison in the 2000's, there has been a history of feared QB-RB-WR combos fueling gridiron success in the NFL. In today's NFL, with more wide-open offenses and running backs by committee, having a formidable set of "triplets" has become less integral but no less effective. Here is my list of the top QB-RB-WR combos in the league:
5. Atlanta Falcons (Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White) - The fact that the Falcons made this list speaks volumes about my belief that Matt Ryan will bounce back from an up-and-down campaign in 2009. I believe this kid has elite QB written all over him and will begin proving it in 2010. I also expect to see Michael Turner more resemble the runner we saw in 2008 than the injury-plagued back we saw last season. While Ryan and Turner suffered through disappointing seasons in 2009, Roddy White continued to emerge as one of the league's top wide receivers with 85 catches and a career best 11 touchdowns. Look for the Falcons offense to light it up in 2010.
4. Minnesota Vikings (Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice) - Obviously, this ranking depends a lot on Brett Favre's decision on whether to play or not in 2010. Let's just say, I have sneaky suspicion he'll show up sometime in August after the rigors of training camp are but a memory for his teammates. After doubting Favre's ability to defy age the past couple of seasons, I can find no reason to expect a sharp decline in his play this season. Despite a rather pedestrian end to his season - for my money - Adrian Peterson is still the best running back in the NFL. Vikings fans had been waiting on Sidney Rice to finally live up to some of his vast potential since being taken in the 2nd round in 2007. Well, they finally got what they were looking for as he blossomed with Favre as his quarterback - resulting in Pro Bowl season in 2009.
3. Dallas Cowboys (Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Miles Austin) - Miles Austin came out of nowhere last season to team with Romo and Barber to bring back memories of the original Cowboy Triplets (Aikman, Smith and Irvin). The Boys ranked #2 in the NFL in total yards last season and should once again have no problem moving the ball in 2010.
2. Indianapolis Colts (Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne) - The Colts have found themselves towards the top of this list each year since Edgerrin James teamed up with Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison back in 1999. Eleven years later, a couple of the names have changed but the results have been the same. Joseph Addai took over for James in 2006 and Reggie Wayne moved out from under Marvin Harrison's shadow completely in 2009 as they, along with Manning, helped lead the Colts to a Super Bowl appearance last season.
1. Baltimore Ravens (Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin) - I know this combo is unproven as a unit with Boldin yet to play a down for the Ravens, but I love the potential of these three in the 2010 NFL season. Flacco built on an impressive Rookie campaign in 2008 by passing for over 3600 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2009. Ray Rice, also in his 2nd season last year, had over 2000 yards from scrimmage. If Boldin can quickly develop chemistry with Flacco, look for this group to put up some very impressive totals this season.
A. K. Leonard writes a Fantasy Sports Blog at http://www.h2hfantasysports.com with the latest in Head to Head Fantasy Sports news, tips, advice and recommendations.
