Takeo Spikes

The Chargers signed Spikes in free agency to take over a starting spot at inside linebacker, and they hope the veteran can bring some leadership to a very good defense. The 15-year veteran has a lot of miles on his body, but he was still very productive last year in San Francisco where he tallied 109 tackles and three interceptions. The Chargers hope that his presence will help take a very good defense to elite level.

Spikes will be 34 years old at the end of the season and is entering the twilight of his career. He was still very productive during 2009, playing in 15 games and making 75 tackles to go along with four sacks. 2010 will likely be his last season as a 49ers' starter, as second-round pick Navarro Bowman will likely take Spikes' job in 2011.

Spikes will start at inside linebacker alongside Patrick Willis. Although he hasn't been a very effective blitzing threat over his 11-year career, Spikes has the ability to make plays against the run or in coverage. Spikes has racked up at least 125 total tackles in every season in which he has played more than 14 games.

Spikes is expected to return to his old role as weakside linebacker, where he should rack up plenty of tackles and definitely becomes an IDP option.

Spikes, who suffered a torn Achilles' in 2005 and missed all but three games, said he's targeting the season opener for his return to game action even though he'll probably sit out most of the preseason. This supports our "buyer beware" that Spikes may be a little slow out of the gate, even if he is able to admirably come back so soon from such a devastating injury. Coach Dick Jauron says he'll also limit Spikes in practice a bit, though he really likes what he sees so far. Think Julian Peterson when you're evaluating Spikes -- we're pretty sure he'll be able to come all the way back, but his potential of 120 total tackles, five sacks and 3-4 picks may turn into something closer to 100/3/2.

It’s not just one of the better names in football, it’s a sentence. Takeo Spikes the ball, pretty often, too, having scored four touchdowns in the past four years. To achieve fantasy relevance with relatively low tackle totals, he has to excel with the extracurricular playmaking, and he’s proven to be one of the best. Last year’s sack (3), pick (5) and touchdown (2) numbers were slightly atypical, though. Nonetheless, over his career he’s averaged roughly three sacks and two picks every year, so you can’t argue with the formula. He’s better in pursuit than when teams run at him, which may explain the tackle stats that typically end up a little lower than some of the superstars at his position.

Spikes brought much-needed athleticism to the Buffalo defense in 2003 as the team's prize free-agent acquisition, finishing with 126 total tackles, two sacks and two picks. Among Bills linebackers, London Fletcher is probably your best bet from a fantasy standpoint, but Spikes should be good for 125 tackles and 4-5 sacks, with an odd fumble recovery or interception to boot. His upside may be a little higher now that he's comfortable in a new defense.

Spikes brought much-needed athleticism to the Buffalo defense in 2003 as the team's prize free-agent acquisition, finishing with 126 total tackles, two sacks and two picks. Among Bills linebackers, London Fletcher is probably your best bet from a fantasy standpoint, but Spikes should be good for 125 tackles and 4-5 sacks, with an odd fumble recovery or interception to boot. His upside may be a little higher now that he's comfortable in a new defense.