Best Backup Running Backs For Your '09-'10 Fantasy Team

In a continuation of my best backups series, I bring you the top three backup running backs this year. As I keep saying, anyone can name you the AP’s, LT’s, and generally anyone else in the league that goes by their initials of the league—but what about on their off weeks? What if one of them goes down with an injury, or is facing a tough team in the upcoming week? Who are the top guys you can bring in to provide some offense and spark your team to victory that week? Continue reading, you’ll find out.
Originally my plan was to go with guys outside the top 25, but then I thought about it and you should really play three running backs at all times, if there’s a WR/RB spot like there is in default ESPN leagues. So really, the backups must come from outside the top 40, or at least around 35th. My rankings, as always, are based off ESPN Fantasy projections which can be found at the ESPN fantasy football home page.

Honorable Mention

The running back position is really deep this year, I’d say there’s a chance to be happy as a fantasy owner with the combination of any three running backs rated inside the top 50, but my rankings required you be outside the top 40. That being said, there are probably at least seven other players worth mentioning besides the three I mention here. However, a few that stood out from the group are:

LeSean McCoy: With Westbrook bothered by injuries, the Eagles may try to protect their investment in him and push McCoy into a contributing role faster than anticipated. He could see 100 touches this season, maybe more. Depending on the health of Westbrook, he could become a real fantasy contributor.

Justin Fargas: I just feel like this guy really has the talent to succeed, and along with that, every starting position in Oakland should be up up for grabs to the best player available. Right now he’s part of a trio out in Oakland, but anyone could jump to the head of the pack. While my money’s not necessarily on him, he’s a distinct possibility for some serious work in Oakland.

Shonn Greene: Greene almost falls into the same category that McCoy does—he’s an unproven rookie with a lot of potential, who is expected to be brought into a starting role—if the stars align just right—behind a pro bowl caliber player. The difference is that injuries don't control Greene’s future like McCoy, but Thomas Jones and his agent. If Jones can’t work out a long term deal with the Jets, that could force the Jets into pushing Greene faster than they’d like. If he responds well, look for him to get some carries as the season wears on.
Other names that jump to mind but are ranked in the top 30 include Reggie Bush, Knowshon Moreno, and Lendale White.

No. 3: New England Running Backs

At this point it’s hard to say who will handle the bulk of the carries in New England—then again, with their receiving unit and quarterback, who cares? While Maroney has all the talent in the world, injuries have plagued him throughout his career. There’s really no reason to think that this season will be any different. That being said, I wouldn’t put it past Bellichick to call for 30-40 carries in a game sometime this season in order to screw with the opposition. They play the Colts (ranked 24th against the run last year) and Denver (30th against the run) this season, and either week could lead to some serious rushing yardage. Whoever is starting might be a good replacement in either week (5 at Denver, 10 at Indy) for Matt Forte, Ryan Grant, or LT who are off in Week 5. Or perhaps for Brandon Jacobs and Steve Slaton who are off in Week 10. Rated as the 52nd and 38th ranked overall (respectively) Maroney and Taylor should be available in the later rounds. Even if those two aren't available or don't pan out this season, Sammy Morris showed his ability to stand and produce last season. He put up 138 yards against Denver and 117 yards against Oakland. Any one of the three, on any given Sunday, could be a welcome addition to your roster. Taking a chance on them against weak defenses might be a solid bet.

No. 2: Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys

With the rage of the Wildcat spreading like wildfire, (at least reportedly so) Jerry Jones is sure to call for a similar formation to be run in Dallas this upcoming season. Jones offers a big play capability that few others on the Cowboys' roster do, and I expect him to be a big part of that package this season. He should also excel in regular sets, after averaging nearly 9 yards per carry in only 30 touches last year before going down to injury. If he can stay healthy, he has as big an upside of any other back in the league. Jones faces Denver in Week 4 and Kansas City in Week 5, so he could be a good backup for Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, or Brian Westbrook who are off in Week 4 or Matt Forte, Ryan Grant, or LT who are off in Week 5.

No. 1: Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

As I mentioned when speaking about Fargas earlier, the race for starter in Oakland should be open at almost every position after an abysmal showing last season across the board. Bush is a big, bruising back in the mold of Brandon Jacobs (and we see where his size has gotten him). At 6’1” and 245 lbs, he should be the first choice to punch it in across the goal line. He could score as many as 10 touchdowns this season. He has a few easy games, particularly in Week 10 vs. Kansas City and Week 11 vs. Cincinnati, both poor rushing defenses last season. Bush could be a good sub for Jacobs or Slaton in Week 10 or Marion Barber, Steve Slaton, Knowshon Moreno, or Larry Johnson, four players that face a tough defense in Week 11.

That's it...Afterthoughts

A few names I'd like to mention in this particular article include:

Daren Sproles and Leon Washington-these two fast little guys have showed that they can change a game and are up for a 70 yard sprint to paydirt at any time. They sure can add some instant offense in a tough week, but are hardly locks for 100 yards or 300 carries on the season.
Fred Jackson-This Bills back should get some good carries in the first three weeks and we'll really see what he's made of then. Once Lynch is back his continued role will likely depend upon his performance in the preseason and those first three weeks. After all, in this league anyone can lose their starting job at any time.