Michael Turner to Falcons – 2008 Fantasy Projection

On Sunday, a report surfaced that has Michael Turner signing with the Atlanta Falcons to be the team’s team lead running back. Turner, who spent the beginning of his career backing up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, finally has a team of his own.

This was a fantastic signing by the Falcons. Turner is the type of player you can build an offense around. He’s tough, strong and has a good open field burst. The only question remaining is whether he’s durable enough to survive a 16 game season.

Even though the Falcons offense is still a work in progress, Turner should be in line for a quality 2008 fantasy football season. An early projection for him would be 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. In a fantasy football draft, Turner will likely go in the second or third round.

The Chargers won’t be affected too much by this move. Tomlinson is still their main horse and they’ll find someone to be his main backup. Perhaps even Darren Sproles, who came to life last season in the playoffs.

In Atlanta, the big loser appears to be Jerious Norwood. Every fantasy owner was waiting for Norwood to break out in a big way in 2008. With Turner likely being the starter, Norwood will continue the same role he’s been in the last couple of seasons. While some are speculating that Norwood and Turner will split carries, don’t count it. The Falcons didn’t bring in Turner to be a part-time back.

Warrick Dunn has been a real professional with the Falcons over the last handful of years but expect him to be released soon. Dunn probably has enough gas in the tank to serve as a quality backup running back somewhere. Perhaps with the Dallas Cowboys behind Marion Barber.