Tatum and Mike Bell, RB, Denver Broncos

October 31, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Just when fantasy owners thought they had the Denver Broncos' running back situation all figured out, Week 8 happens. Sunday starting tailback Tatum Bell (toe) struggled early against the Indianapolis Colts, who have one of the poorest run defenses in the league. At halftime Bell complained that his turf toe injury was hindering him and asked to be spelled. Backup running back Mike Bell came on to rush for 136 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries. That showing sent Tatum owners who were feeling secure into a sudden frenzy. Who should they own?

Tatum Bell

Before Denver's Week 3 game head coach Mike Shanahan named Tatum Bell the starter and said that he would be the primary ball carrier barring injury or the need for a breather. Bell backers who had been waiting for this to happen rejoiced. From Week 3 to Week 7 (four games), Bell averaged 103 yards and 0.5 touchdowns rushing per game. He also averaged 4.4 yards per carry and tacked on 12 receiving yards per game in that time. During that stretch the Broncos utilized Bell 27 times (44 percent), including 2.8 times in the red zone and 0.8 times inside the 5, per game. Sunday, however, Bell toted the rock 13 times for just 27 yards. Bell's toe injury was downplayed leading up to the team's Week 8 game, but it was obviously a problem. He did receive spot duty in the second half, but the injury still bothered him the next day. A turf toe injury can hinder a player for an extended length of time, and the only real treatment is rest. He has lost two fumbles, although he has 150 touches this year.

Mike Bell

During that stretch from Week 3 to Week 7, Denver only utilized Mike Bell 3.8 times (6.2 percent) per game, and not once in the red zone. The rookie averaged a mere 9.8 yards rushing per game in that time, gaining only 2.6 yards per carry. In Week 8 he put on the same decisive running and cutback ability that he had displayed in the preseason, however. His performance did come against, as previously mentioned, a porous Colts run defense. With Tatum Bell nursing the turf toe injury, though, Mike Bell could be in line for more work. Bell has yet to lose a fumble, although he has only 59 total touches in 2006.

Outlook

Both players have great upside because of Denver's history for churning out 1,000-yard rushers, so owners of both can feel safe, if confused. If Bell is on your league's wire, you should grab him immediately. Tatum Bell owners should look to trade for Mike Bell without giving up a prominent piece of their team. Both rushers have a fluctuating schedule in the coming weeks. In Week 9 the Pittsburgh Steelers present a daunting challenge. The Oakland Raiders follow and represent a good matchup. The San Diego Chargers, who should be approaching full strength by then, are another stiff test in Week 11. Week 12 find the Broncos backs facing the mid-tier run defense of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Heading into fantasy drafts, most considered the Denver running back situation to be murky. In Week 3 Shanahan had apparently clarified things for them, but Sunday's events have only confirmed that no backfield situation in the Rocky Mountains is crystal clear anymore. Tatum Bell's turf toe and halftime request further emphasize the feeling that he can't hold up for the duration of a season as the primary ball carrier. Mike Bell showed a bit of toughness when he a fractured ring finger in Week 1 and played with it in Week 2. Tatum Bell is still the Broncos back to own right now, but he can't be considered more than a strong No. 3 option with lingering doubt. Mike Bell's value increases to a potential No. 3 or flex play in some weeks. If Tatum Bell is limited in practice leading up to Week 9, Mike Bell should get some chances versus Pittsburgh. Another effort like Sunday's for Mike Bell only increases his stock. There is a chance that he could overtake Tatum Bell as the fantasy back of choice in the not-too-distant future.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Nicholas Minnix

KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010.

The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

Impact Analysis: Dallas Cowboys' backfield (08/02)
Impact Analysis: Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions (07/29)
Fantasy Football Impact Analysis: Cleveland Browns backfield (06/15)
Impact Analysis: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (11/13)
Impact Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers RBs (10/17)
Impact Analysis: Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans (09/24)
Impact Analysis: New Orleans Saints RBs (09/23)
Impact Analysis: John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks (08/28)
Impact Analysis: Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins (08/25)
Impact Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers backfield (08/07)