 |
||||
|
|
||||
| ||||
Fantasy Football Draft GuideAFC Running Back Breakdown
By Bryce McRae The running back position in fantasy football is by far the most important if you want to achieve success in your league. These players provide both rushing and receiving statistics (something receivers don't usually do). As the position is thinner than most others, it's crucial you understand each team's situation at the position. This piece will focus on the running back situations for each of the 16 American Football Conference teams. We will break down the type of system they use, who the feature back is, who gets the goal line carries and what kind of fantasy value they will have. Since the position is so valuable, it cannot be stated enough that knowing it like the back of your hand is one of the key steps to winning your league's championship. AFC EASTBuffalo BillsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Marshawn Lynch, Anthony Thomas Third-down back: Marshawn Lynch Goal line back: Anthony Thomas The Bills drafted Lynch in order to replace last year's top back, Willis McGahee, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. With Lynch, Buffalo feels as though they have a back who is just as dangerous rushing the ball but will be a better option receiving out of the back field. The team will likely lean on Lynch a lot, as head coach Dick Jauron likes to establish the running game early and often. This should also take the pressure off quarterback J.P. Losman, who despite his struggles last year seemed to progress as the year wound to a close. Lynch is a talented runner who does not possess bulk but is more dangerous when he gets to the outside. While with the University of California, Lynch ran for 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season. He also caught 34 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He is a versatile back and the future of the Bills' running game. The Bills, however, will not likely rely solely on a rookie running back. For that measure, they have kept former Chicago Bear Thomas. The A-Train rushed for only 378 yards last year; however, he should provide a decent change of pace to Lynch. He is the big, bruising back that the team will use to loosen up the opponents' defensive line. After these two backs there isn't much else. Running backs Shaud Williams and Dwayne Wright should occupy the final two spots on the depth chart, but the order is not yet determined. Wright must learn the offense and likely trails slightly. Either way, Lynch is the only one you should really be targeting in fantasy drafts. He might not pan out right away (it usually takes a period of adjustment from the college to pro game), but he has the most fantasy value of the running backs on the Bills. It's a good idea to handcuff Thomas to Lynch at the end of your draft, though, because a rookie like Lynch involves some risk. Table: 2007 Bills Running backs (2006 Statistics)
Miami DolphinsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Ronnie Brown Third-down back: Ronnie Brown, Lorenzo Booker Goal line back: Ronnie Brown There will likely be only one top back in Miami this year. That honor will go to 2005 first-round draft pick Brown. Brown had a bit of a disappointing year last year. He played in just 13 games (12 starts) and rushed for 1,008 yards. He also had five touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 276 yards. One slightly worrying sign was that his yards-per-carry average dropped from 4.4 to 4.2, while his long run was just 47 yards. He is still the top back in Miami and will remain so with no viable threats to his starting job. Booker was drafted out of Florida State this year and could see time as a change-of-pace back to Brown. If he is used, it will likely be on third down or obvious passing situations. He has decent hands and is a shiftier back than Brown. In terms of what he brings to the table, he is comparable to Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, although his fantasy value is not that high yet. Chatman was not in the league last year; however, he has been working as the No. 2 back in training camp. He has some familiarity with this offense, as the last time he received a utilization was with the San Diego Chargers in 2004, when new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron was their offensive coordinator. With Cameron coming over from the Chargers, they should want to run the ball (as Cameron did with running back LaDainian Tomlinson). If you thought Brown was poised for a breakout year in 2006, then perhaps 2007 could be the year for him. He does not have any real threats to his starting job. With a coach that is offensive-minded, it could be a good year for those who own him. He will likely be viewed as a No. 2 with upside. He is also the only back on the roster with great fantasy potential. Booker could offer value in point-per-reception leagues. Table: 2007 Dolphins running backs (2006 statistics)
New England PatriotsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Laurence Maroney Third-down back: Kevin Faulk Goal line back: Laurence Maroney, Heath Evans With former All-Pro running back Corey Dillon shown the door, Maroney has been given the top job. Maroney (shoulder) is a powerful runner who has the speed to move to the outside. There are some questions as to his durability because this offseason he had shoulder surgery that showed "significant damage." It will also be his first year as the top back, and it's possible he might not be able to hold up under the pressure. Either way, he is the running back who the Patriots will rely on most this year. Head coach Bill Belichick is one of the biggest fans of Faulk. He has the most experience of any of the Patriots' running backs, although he hasn't started regularly for the team in recent years. Faulk is your prototypical third-down back. He is only 5-foot-8 and 202 pounds, but he plays bigger than his size and is an elusive runner. Only twice in his career has he garnered more than 100 carries in a season and only once has he played in all 16 games. In leagues that use a point-per-reception format, Faulk would have greater value, as evidenced by his 43 receptions last year. The next two backs on the depth chart are Evans and Morris. Evans has played for the team for the past two years and is the primary fullback. He is 6-foot and 250 pounds; if he sees carries, they will likely come in short-yardage situations. Morris will be joining the team from the Dolphins and could be the main option if Maroney were to go down. He has some experience as a No. 1 back because he served in that role last year while Miami back Brown was out with a hand injury. However, he has arguably the best combination of size and speed to take over as the top back, provided Maroney is not healthy. The Patriots have added quite a few pieces to their offense this year. Last year they didn't have any legit No. 1 wide receivers. They have added wide receivers Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Randy Moss this offseason. The increased talent at the position means this could open things up for the running backs, especially a back as versatile as Maroney. Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are two of the most innovative minds in the game. They should no doubt find a way to make use of all their backs. Maroney has great value, although it would be an idea to get Morris as a handcuff to him with the worries about his surgically-repaired shoulder. Faulk has late-round or bye week-pickup value in point-per-reception leagues. Table: 2007 Patriots Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
New York JetsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Thomas Jones, Leon Washington Third-down back: Leon Washington Goal line back: Thomas Jones With the Kevan Barlow experience over in New York, the Thomas Jones experiment begins. The Jets acquired Jones from the Chicago Bears this past offseason, and the eight-year veteran should provide them with a steadying influence in the backfield. He is a bit short (5-foot-10) but runs bigger than his size. He is not generally much of a threat to break a long run, but he has at times. In 2005 he had 12 20-plus runs, the same number that he has in all his other seven years combined. He will likely be the primary back in the offense; however, head coach Eric Mangini does not want to use one back as the centerpiece in his offense. The other back who will see touches is Washington. Washington was a rookie last year who came on and started eight games for the team when Barlow struggled. Again, he is a smaller back (5-foot-8 and 202 pounds) like Jones, which is another reason Mangini will give both touches. Washington is shiftier than Jones and a more talented receiver. This could lead to Washington getting more third-down time, with Jones picking up most of the first- and second-down carries. Backing up the halfbacks are running backs Alvin Banks and Tony Hollings. Neither should see much time with Jones and Washington used as the primary backs. Jones appears to be fitting in well with the first team; he and Washington have developed a rapport. This has the potential to give the Jets a powerful running attack, but this could be a small detriment to the value of each to your fantasy team. Jones would be the one to target, and he could be a solid No. 2. It's not necessary to handcuff him to Washington, but it would be an ideal situation. Table: 2007 Jets Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
AFC NORTHBaltimore RavensRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Willis McGahee, Mike Anderson Third-down back: Musa Smith, Willis McGahee Goal line back: Willis McGahee With running back Jamal Lewis signed to a one-year contract for 2006, the team needed to address its running back situation this past offseason. They hadn't been too impressed by Lewis, who had looked old and worn down during the season (understandable given the amount of tread on the tires). The Ravens instead went after McGahee, then of the Bills, bringing him in to be the centerpiece for the team's offense. McGahee is a strong runner who has a decent combination of size (6-foot, 232 pounds) and speed. His speed, however, has seemed to be lacking, as he only had four rushes of 20-plus yards last year. His longest rush last year was 57 yards, but in 2005 it was just 27 yards. He also has a 3.9 yards-per-carry average for his career. Baltimore's offensive line is no longer the dominant force it was, which could make it tougher for McGahee to reach the projections some have for him. Despite that, McGahee will still be the centerpiece of this offense and should be given considerable utilizations, especially with the type of power-run, defensive-oriented team they have. Anderson came over from the Denver Broncos prior to last season but found himself behind Lewis on the depth chart. He will again find himself second on the depth chart, although with McGahee's injury history, he could get at least one start this season. He is just one year removed from a 1,014-yard season. With his reduced role, though, don't expect him to come close to that this year. In very deep leagues he might be a decent handcuff to McGahee. After McGahee and Anderson, the team will use the oft-injured smith. Smith is arguably the best receiving back the team has; however, in his four-year career, he has played in just 33 games, starting none. His best value comes in point-per-reception leagues, although with his injury history, he is no lock to be worth drafting. Fullback Justin Green entered camp as the top fullback, but this is a position rarely utilized by the team. He has little fantasy value. Running back P.J. Daniels will again battle for any playing time, as he put up zeroes across the board last year. McGahee should see considerable action next year, but quarterback Steve McNair's lack of arm strength and other deficiencies could hurt his value. Like in Buffalo, teams may be able to key on him. He should be viewed as a solid No. 2 with some upside. Anderson has little value as a handcuff, while the rest of the backs are not fantasy options. Table: 2007 Ravens Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Cincinnati BengalsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Rudi Johnson Third-down back: Kenny Irons, Kenny Watson, Chris Perry Goal line back: Rudi Johnson The team will again base most of their rushing game around Johnson. Johnson is a big, powerful back who has a nose for the end zone. Last year was his worst yardage output in the last three years, and he still finished with 1,309 yards. This did come on 341 carries, which gave him a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. He has been consistent, however, with his touchdowns, reaching 12 in each of his last three seasons. The only worry with Johnson is that he has been overworked. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 346 carries per season. The team drafted Irons in the second round of the NFL Draft this year. He has entered training camp expected to be the No. 2 running back. He might be a bit small for the position at just 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, but he will likely be used as change-of-pace or third-down back. Don't expect Johnson to lose too many touches to Irons, or anyone, overall, though. Perry (ankle, shin) used to be the team's primary third-down back. He has been injury-prone in his career and last year played in just six games. When he does play he has value as he is a good receiver out of the backfield, but it is likely the team drafted Irons to fill in for Perry. Perry has no fantasy value. Watson gets pushed down the depth chart, too. He may find it hard to get much playing time and has little fantasy value, but he's a very good receiver. He could also be used on third downs, and Cincinnati likes to use him on special teams. Johnson is the big fish in Cincinnati and will remain so this season. Irons might be a decent handcuff to him, but keep tabs on how he does during training camp, as the transition from college to pro ball is easier said than done. Table: 2007 Bengals Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Cleveland BrownsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Jamal Lewis Third-down back: Jerome Harrison Goal line back: Jamal Lewis This past offseason Lewis made the jump from the Ravens to the Browns, which could give vindication to some of those Browns fans who are still smarting over losing their team to Baltimore in the 1990s. Lewis had a bounce-back year last year, topping the 1,000-yard mark (1,132) after he managed just 906 yards in 2005. His yards-per-carry mark, however, was just 3.6, not an encouraging mark. Nevertheless, he should be given the bulk of the carries in Cleveland and could once again break the 1,000-yard mark. The team will likely use running back Jason Wright to spell Lewis when he needs a break. Wright played in just 13 games last year and averaged just 3.0 yards per carry. His fantasy value only comes as a handcuff to Lewis, and it's not recommended to do so because Wright would probably split time in that scenario. Harrison was impressive during the preseason last year, but once the real games start, he failed to show up. He was given one start in 2006 but failed to capitalize and averaged just 3.0 yards per carry. He will likely be utilized most as the team's third-down back because of his receiving skills. He is someone to keep an eye on in during the season, as he could have value in point-per-reception leagues, but he has no draft value. As stated above, the bulk of the carries should go to Lewis. However, the team does not have a great offense around him and he has been known to break down. He should be viewed as a No. 3 or high No. 4 back with little upside. Table: 2007 Browns Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Pittsburgh SteelersRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Willie Parker Third-down back: Willie Parker Goal line back: Willie Parker Not much will change from the Steelers' rushing attack from last year to this year. Parker will again be the focal point of the offense on each down. The team seemed to do just fine with Parker as their goal line back last year and have not made any moves to bring in a more established goal line running back. Throughout his career, running back Najeh Davenport has been best utilized as a change-of-pace back or a third-down back. He is big for a third-down back, but if the team can get him some space to work he is hard to bring down. He could also get some carries at the goal line largely because of his size (6-foot-1, 247 pounds). Keep tabs on former San Francisco 49ers and Jets running back Kevan Barlow, as he could be challenge Davenport for time. He has not lived up to expectations during his career but sometimes has a nose for the end zone. Davenport and Barlow will vie for time behind Parker, but neither has a defined role yet. The Steelers will likely again feature a strong running game, especially after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger struggled last year. Parker could be viewed as a top fantasy back, one that typically goes in the second half of the first round. The other two have no real fantasy value yet. Table: 2007 Steelers Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
AFC SOUTHHouston TexansRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Ahman Green Third-down back: Ahman Green, Wali Lundy Goal line back: Ahman Green, Ron Dayne Once again the Texans went to the Green Bay Packers this offseason to add another piece to their offense by signing Green. Green will join former Packers running back Samkon Gado, fullback Vonta Leach and head coach Mike Sherman in Houston. Green will step into the starting role on the team, although he may have more backs challenging him for carries than he did in Green Bay. Last year he showed he still had some gas left in the tank by posting a 1,000-yard season, and his yards-per-carry average was an acceptable 4.0. He could be a decent No. 3 fantasy back, with upside but also some downside. Keep in mind that his best seasons in Green Bay came under Sherman, who is now the offensive coordinator of the Texans. Dayne will likely be the team's goal line and short-yardage back because of his size (5-foot-10, 245 pounds). He is a bruising back, and although he may not get many carries, he could reach the touchdown total he set last year. In deep leagues he also has some value as a handcuff for Green, who has been injury-prone during his career. Lundy will likely see most of his time as the team's third-down back, although this could be cut back significantly with the acquisition of Green. Both are solid receivers out of the backfield, although Lundy is a shiftier back. He does not have fantasy value though, unless Green goes down with an injury. Finally, last on the list is Gado, who like Lundy will be battling for time. He will not likely see much playing time now that he is so far down the depth chart, although he has had some past success, mainly two years ago in his late-season stint with the Packers. Green is the big dog here and will be the top Texans running back selected, barring injury. An injury is a possible, however, as he has a habit of picking up nagging injuries over the course of the season. Dayne could be a decent pickup at the end of deeper drafts as a handcuff for Green. Table: 2007 Texans Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Indianapolis ColtsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Joseph Addai Third-down back: Joseph Addai Goal line back: Joseph Addai At the running back position the team will enter 2007 thinner than they have been in years. Running back Edgerrin James departed for the Arizona Cardinals after the 2005 season, and running back Dominic Rhodes took off to the Oakland Raiders this past offseason. The team should able to fare well without him, though, as Addai is bigger, faster and stronger than Rhodes. Last year was Addai's first in the league; he broke out with 1,081 yards and seven touchdowns. Even more impressive was his 4.8 yards-per-carry average. He also is adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, with 40 receptions last year. That makes him even more valuable in point-per-reception leagues. Addai has no real challenger to his title as top back in Indianapolis. Many consider him a solid No. 1 running back, but he's safer as a low No. 1 or high No. 2. Dorsey and Keith are both still looking for their first NFL carries. Dorsey played in 13 games for the Colts but failed to register a touch, while Keith comes down from the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was one of the top running backs in the CFL; however, there is no guarantee he will transition well into the NFL. For fantasy purposes, consider Addai as the top back. Of Dorsey or Keith, whoever wins the backup job could be a handcuff, but neither is worth a draft pick unless the league is a bit deeper than average. With the Colts' surrounding offense, you don't have to be a top back to put up good numbers. Just ask James what it was like playing in his new offense last year. Table: 2007 Colts Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Jacksonville JaguarsRunning back attack: Running back by committee Primary ball carrier(s): Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew Third-down back: Maurice Jones-Drew, Alvin Pearman Goal line back: Maurice Jones-Drew, Greg Jones, Fred Taylor It seems as though the addition of Jones-Drew through the draft was the catalyst for the Jaguars' strong rushing attack last year. Jones-Drew came in and ran for only 941 yards but carried a 5.7 yards-per-attempt average and scored 16 total touchdowns (13 rushing, two receiving, one return). His presence also revitalized long-time incumbent Taylor. Taylor bounced back from a sub-par 2006 season (when he ran for 787 yards in 11 games). He came through with 1,146 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry. With Taylor and Jones-Drew, the team has two running backs with different styles, which is one of the reasons they were so successful last year. After those two, Pearman saw a drop in his already miniscule numbers, largely due to the impact of Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew (46 receptions) proved to be an excellent receiving threat. Pearman appears to be the second choice as the team's third-down back now and should not be expected to do much more than he did last year. Jones (knee), if healthy, is the team's starting fullback. He could also receive goal line carries, which could hurt Taylor's value more than Jones-Drew. The latter was also useful as a bowling ball near the goal line. Running back LaBrandon Toefield has decent size and could be given a few carries, but it will be hard for him to get utilizations during the season. He could be trade bait before the season begins. As you can guess, Jones-Drew and Taylor are the top two backs here. Jones-Drew does not have the experience nor track record that Taylor has, but Taylor has an injury history that could scare off prospective owners. Jones-Drew could be considered a risky No. 2 running back simply because it's hard to expect a repeat of all of those touchdowns. Taylor is an undervalued No. 3 or high-end No. 4. Either would get a boost in value should the other go down with an injury. The team also has a poor passing game, which means they will likely continue to rely on the running game even with an expressed desire to pass more. The rest of the backs have no fantasy value. Table: 2007 Jaguars Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Tennessee TitansRunning back attack: Running back by committee Primary ball carrier(s): LenDale White, Chris Brown, Chris J. Henry Third-down back: Chris Brown Goal line back: LenDale White What happens with the Tennessee rushing attack will be anyone's guess. The team lost running back Travis Henry to the Denver Broncos this past offseason. Tennessee re-signed Brown and drafted Henry to help White with the duties. White was fairly disappointing in his rookie campaign. After a solid career with the Southern California Trojans, White managed a 4.0 yards-per-carry average and didn't find the end zone once. Not only that, but some questioned his commitment to the team and to staying in shape. He will enter this year as the No. 1, but his name is only written down in pencil. Brown battled injuries last year. He also found himself on the short end with the presence of Henry and White. Brown played in just five games, starting three. He has a history with the Titans, having surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 2004, when he ran for 1,067 yards. However, he has never been able to stay healthy for a full season, and if he starts this year, he will likely give way quite often to White. Henry is the wildcard of the bunch. He was drafted in the second round this year and the team has high hopes for him. He is built like a prototypical running back at 6-foot and 228 pounds. He also possesses decent speed for that size. However, he is still a rookie and it is unsure how he will transition into the NFL. He was never a full-time starter in college, and some question whether his draft position was a product of his impressive workouts. Henry has upside, but he is also an unknown commodity. The running game in Tennessee will also not be helped by a suspect passing game. The team may lack an impact receiving threat. With a weaker offensive line, it could be up to quarterback Vince Young to once again work his magic if the team hopes to compete in 2007. Each of the backs on this team should be considered no more than No. 4 running backs. White, Brown and Henry all have upside, but none of them is a certainty. Henry involves the most risk. Table: 2007 Titans Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
AFC WESTDenver BroncosRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Travis Henry Third-down back: Travis Henry, Mike Bell Goal line back: Travis Henry The question entering Broncos training camp most seasons is usually: Which running back will be this year's 1,000-yard rusher? This year the question was likely answered before that, however, as the team signed the former Titan Henry in the offseason. Henry is coming off a solid campaign with the Titans. After two sub-par years that saw him average fewer than 4.0 yards per carry, he averaged 4.5 last year en route to a 1,211-yard season. He also did it without the benefit of a decent passing game and a weaker offensive line. The biggest question this year will be how he adapts to the zone-blocking scheme used in Denver. If he can adapt quickly, then Henry will likely have good value as a solid No. 2 running back, perhaps with No. 1 potential. If not, then Bell could become more of a factor. Bell had a solid rookie campaign considering he was battling both injuries and departed running back Tatum Bell, now with the Detroit Lions. Mike Bell averaged a decent 4.3 yards per carry and showed a nose for the end zone by hitting paydirt eight times. He is also the better of the two backs receiving the ball and could see more time on third down. After those two backs there is not a lot to choose from on the Broncos. Fullback Cecil Sapp is reportedly giving Bell some competition for the backup role, but it's likely only nominal. As stated above, Henry should be viewed as a No. 2 back, while Bell should be viewed as a No. 5. One thing to keep in mind with Henry is that only once (in 2002 with the Bills) has he started and finished all 16 games in a season. If you do draft Henry, drafting Bell should be a priority as a handcuff. Table: 2007 Broncos Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Kansas City ChiefsRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): Larry Johnson Third-down back: Larry Johnson, Michael Bennett Goal line back: Larry Johnson Johnson has been one of the most talked-about fantasy names this offseason, although not for good reasons. A big factor worrying owners is Johnson's holdout, which could turn nasty. In addition, last year he totaled 416 carries, and the year before that he had 336 carries. That kind of wear and tear on the body has many pundits believing Johnson could break down this year. One worrying sign was the drop in yards per carry of almost one full yard from 2005 to 2006 (5.2 to 4.3). He also fell two touchdowns short of the mark he set in 2005. Head coach Herman Edwards likes to run his running backs into the ground, but he said that he planned to lighten Johnson's load a bit this year. He is a big believer in a power-running, defensive-oriented game plan, though. Johnson is still a top-five No. 1 running back, but keep an eye on him. The track record of running backs returning from 400-plus carries is not good. It might be a good idea to draft his backup. One thing that would take pressure off Johnson would be a good showing from Bennett. Bennett managed just 200 yards last year, but his yards-per-carry average sat at 5.6. He failed to find the end zone for the first time in his career, though. If he can get back to the form he showed with the Minnesota Vikings, then it could greatly reduce the pressure on Johnson. As alluded to, Edwards said he would like to give Bennett a bigger role in the offense. If that is the case, then it would make Bennett a solid handcuff for Johnson and worth selecting at the end of a draft. The Chiefs drafted running back Kolby Smith in the fifth round of the NFL Draft this past April. He reportedly could see significant time as a backup, but don't expect him to jump Bennett on the depth chart. He has no draft value. Also complicating matters is the potential return of running back Priest Holmes (head, neck). Holmes is coming off head and neck injuries that threatened to end his career. Many had figured he would retire this offseason. However, he has arrived at training camp and could be another option for the Chiefs to decrease Johnson's workload. Keep an eye on any training camp updates about Holmes; he could have value if he shows he can come back, but it seems unlikely. Another factor not helping Johnson, or any of the Chiefs' running backs, is the decreasing efficiency of the passing game. The team seems likely to throw second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle into the starting job, and he could struggle. If he does, it means teams will be able to stack the line against Johnson. The offensive line is also on the decline. Johnson looks like a dynamite fantasy option because of his numbers, but consider all of these factors strongly before picking him. It will likely take a high first-round draft pick to acquire him. Table: 2007 Chiefs Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Oakland RaidersRunning back attack: Running back by committee Primary ball carrier(s): LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes Third-down back: LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes Goal line back: LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, Michael Bush The Raiders were a mess last year. Jordan remains at the top of the depth chart, although he had a rough 2006 season. Hurting his value most was the drop in receiving numbers, as he came down from 70 receptions in 2005 to 10 in 2006. Rhodes will miss the first four games of the season because of a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. After he returns he will likely split time with Jordan. This could be a situation similar to what the Colts did last year, when they had running back Joseph Addai and Rhodes split time. After those two backs, Bush could very well occupy the final spot on the depth chart. Bush (leg) was drafted out of the University of Louisville and has the potential to be a solid back in the league. His biggest drawback to this date, however, has been injuries. He was one of the preseason favorites for the 2006 Heisman Trophy in college, but he broke his tibia in the first game of the season. It is unsure how he will look when he gets back on the field, but he has the potential to be a real steal for the Raiders: Bush went in the fourth round after being projected as a first-round pick prior to the season. He is not worth more than a final-round pick in slightly deeper leagues. He's an intriguing prospect for the future, but this year he may only have value as a goal line specialist, and he's pretty risky. The fullback position will likely be manned by Griffith, who was signed away from the Falcons. Griffith is a decent pass-catching back and managed three receiving touchdowns last year. He's an excellent blocker and could open holes in the running game. However, he is not worth taking in a draft, as he will not likely see many touches with the backs on the roster. Running back Justin Fargas may have a chance to make his mark while Rhodes is suspended. He has had his fair share of chances with the Raiders, though. He has averaged 3.9 yards per carry in his career, including 3.7 yards per carry last year. It's more likely that Jordan could just see more touches while Rhodes is out, unless Bush surprises the Raiders and becomes an immediate contributor. The extremely poor performance of the Raiders' offensive line was a huge factor in this team's poor running attack. Oakland brought in former Falcons offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to serve as the same for the Raiders. Knapp helped to orchestrate the league's top rushing attack with an effective and simply zone-blocking scheme. Rhodes and Jordan appear to have the top jobs locked down, but neither is worth an early round draft pick. Jordan could have potential as a No. 3 running back with decent upside, but he should be taken in the middle rounds as more of a No. 4. Rhodes is at best worth a choice at the end of the draft because of his four-game suspension. Table: 2007 Raiders Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
San Diego ChargersRunning back attack: Feature back Primary ball carrier(s): LaDainian Tomlinson Third-down back: LaDainian Tomlinson Goal line back: LaDainian Tomlinson The Chargers fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer this past offseason and brought in an offensive-minded head coach in Norv Turner. Wherever Turner goes, he seems to have a positive impact on the offense in his first year with the team. That should benefit Tomlinson, although it is unsure how he can improve on last year's record-breaking season. His 31 touchdowns set a league record, and Tomlinson was by far the top fantasy player. Turner said that he will look to get Tomlinson involved in the passing game even more this year. Last year he caught 56 passes, but his career high is 100. Not much needs to be said about Tomlinson, aside from the fact that he is virtually a lock to go first overall in your fantasy league. The switch to quarterback Philip Rivers also didn't seem to hurt Tomlinson's value last year. If a decent wide receiver emerges this year, it might take some of the pressure off Tomlinson. It could also keep teams from stacking the line against him, although you can argue that tight end Antonio Gates already does a pretty good job keeping defenses honest. Backing up Tomlinson is someone many pundits figure could start for some teams. Last year running back Michael Turner averaged 6.2 yards per carry and found the end zone twice. He could be given more utilizations this year, as the team has stated they want to use more two-back sets in 2007, with both Tomlinson and Turner in the backfield. As far as talent and potential goes, that could be a lethal backfield tandem. Turner has decent value as a No. 4 or, ideally, a No. 5 running back because he will take a backseat to Tomlinson (with good reason). He is, however, a definite target as a handcuff for Tomlinson. Table: 2007 Chargers Running Backs (2006 Statistics)
Rate this articleAverage score: 9.2  |
Author Bio
Bryce McRae Featured LinksTalk Sports 24/7! Recent articles:
Fantasy football: running back handcuff chart (01/26)
Fantasy football rankings report (09/02) Fantasy football rookie wide receivers (09/01) Rated PPR: Fantasy Football Statistics (09/01) Rated PPR: Fantasy Football Strategy (09/01) Fantasy football rankings report (08/26) Fantasy football rankings report (08/19) Fantasy football rankings report (08/12) Fantasy football reliability ratings: Quarterbacks (08/01) Fantasy football reliability ratings: Running backs (08/01) |
|
Fantasy football: News · Articles · Blog · Rankings · Draft Guide · Stats · NFL Draft · Free Agents Fantasy baseball: News · Articles · Blog · Rankings · Draft Guide Fantasy NASCAR: News · Articles · Blog · Rankings · Race Preview Fantasy basketball: News · Blog · HoopsWorld.com · HoopsHype.com KFFL.com: Contact · RSS · Blog · Forum · Twitter · Facebook · Wireless · Resources · Awards · Positions |