Under The Radar Fantasy Football Running Backs

Michael Whooley by Senior Writer Written on July 08, 2009
CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 28: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 28, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

ooking for sleepers in your draft come August? Bruno Boys Greg will analyze who he feels should have a strong fantasy football showing in 2009. Throughout the course of two weeks Bruno Boys Greg will give you his position by position under the radar picks. These are players who won’t be highly touted on draft day but should produce at a level higher than their average draft position.  This week, he covers the RUNNING BACK position.


Cedric Benson, RB. Cincinnati Bengals: Benson broke out at the end of the ‘08 season, totaling 282 yards over his final two games. With the return of quarterback Carson Palmer the Bengals get an immediate boost and this should allow the running game to find more holes from the get-go. Another key is the lack of competition he has in stealing carries away from him. Benson will start the season getting the bulk of the carries and will be given every chance to keep his job. Brian Leonard and Kenny Watson are behind him on the depth chart but neither are proven NFL running backs, though Leonard has impressed during off-season workouts. Your ideal fantasy football draft day situation would be to take Benson as a RB3 and use him as a Flex play or a spot starter in two RB leagues when the match-up is right.

Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks: Based on mock drafts across America, Jones is projected to get drafted in the 7th or 8th round and should be drafted as a low end RB3 heading into 2009. His production though could get to RB2 status as the only guy truly pushing him for carries is Justin Forsett. With Forsett likely to only see 5-8 touches per game it should give Jones plenty of chances to make an impact right out the gate. While Jones is hampered by having T.J. “I only score touchdowns” Duckett on his team, he will still see a lot of carries and a lot of yards. Plus, Jones plays in a weak NFC West and he should be able to run all over below average run defenses during divisional games. He was considered a sleeper last year and didn’t pan out, but the second time around could prove golden for Jones and his fantasy football owners.

TO SEE THE REST OF THE LIST CLICK BELOW...

UNDER THE RADAR RUNNING BACKS

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written on July 08, 2009 Sports

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