By Chad Samuels & Antonino Buccellato from Fantasy Football Maniaxs.com
In standard fantasy football leagues, the position that makes the most impact on a roster is the running back. There is a trend, started not too long ago, in the NFL for teams to establish a running back by committee.
With improved conditioning and sports medicine, players can play at a higher level longer, and with the influx of young talent, there are many viable running backs for teams to utilize.
This limits their touches through the season and prolongs their careers. There can be gems found in these committees if you know where to look.
With the emergence of the RBBC, running backs aren't racking up fantasy points as they used to. That's not to say that all teams do that; each team is different, but you have to analyze their situation.
With the decline of the RB's fantasy points, you have an emergence of WRs.
Wide receivers stocks have risen because teams that practice RBBC find WRs more active and open in the red zone. As such, wide receivers should receive higher picks than their typical third-or-fourth-round-and-later picks they historically receive.
You can still draft good running backs past the first round. When you factor in the wide receiver run in the third round, there will be value at the running-back position after round two and into round four.
We ranked the top-44 running backs. The entire Maniaxs’ staff compiled their own rankings, assigning 44 points to a No. 1 rank down to assigning one point to a No. 44 rank. We averaged the points to determine the final ranks you’ll see below.
As always, we Maniaxs take the integrity of this task seriously and no craziness occurred during the ranking process.
NOTE: These rankings are for seasonal/re-draft leagues only! They're not intended for keeper or dynasty leagues.
As usual, we have provided a table/grid and a downloadable PDF document at the bottom of the article for your upcoming fantasy drafts.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
This ranking is normally reserved for the No. 1 pick in the draft. You want someone who will put up stud points and not burn you. He comes with consistency and a track record of plenty of multiple touchdown games. The Chargers OL finished tied for second in rushing TDs, and seventh in rushing yards last year.
Tomlinson opens the season by facing soft run-defenses like Carolina, Denver, Jets, Oakland, and Miami. Tomlinson is nearing 30, but has one more season left in the tank as an elite back. In the seasonal format, L.T. received all but one first-place vote and still towers over the other RBs for the upcoming season.
2. Adrian Peterson
“Purple sensation” was the only other player to receive a first-place vote. There is little to not like about Adrian Peterson. He is a touchdown machine, and in his first year in the league, has wrestled the bulk of the carries away from Chester Taylor.
When on the field, you cannot go wrong playing him. Running behind OLs Matt Birk, Bryant McKinnie, and Steve Hutchinson will certainly help, as the Vikings led the league in rushing yards, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns in 2007.
In 2008, the Vikings have the sixth-best SOS for RBs, a positive sign for Peterson’s owners. Two things keep Peterson from claiming the top spot in our rankings.
The first is consistency. He has played only one season in the NFL, though we do not predict him to drop drastically in production. There is some extra risk in taking a player who has had only one good season.
The second concern is injuries. For the last three seasons (one NFL, and two college) Mr. Peterson has missed time due to injury. If you take AP, we advise handcuffing Chester Taylor to him for this reason.
3. Brian Westbrook
Westbrook’s age and injury concerns scare people away from him. We are telling you to not be afraid. Westbrook does not reach 30 years of age until the playoffs. Therefore, he will be reliably safe for seasonal formats. Brian also played 15 games each of the last two seasons.
The addition of change-of-pace back Lorenzo Booker indicates that Brian should remain healthy this season. Westbrook is a rushing and receiving threat. He is also the best player on the Eagles. Westbrook should again match 1,800+ all-purpose yards and 10+ touchdowns.
One concern is their SOS, which is 25th in the league for RBs, but with their good OL, that was good for eighth in rushing yards and second in yards per carry, at 4.7, last season. Westbrook can once again excel.
4. Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson tied with Joseph Addai in our scoring system. Really, you cannot go wrong with any of our top five. Jackson gets the edge here because he rushed for just over 1,000 yards last year in only 12 games. This includes an injury-depleted offensive line that should see the return of Orlando Pace.
We feel the cobbled OL is the reason for his drop in touchdown production from 16 to six. We expect that total to rise significantly in 2008, as the line gets its starters back, making Jackson a good fantasy points generator again.
5. Joseph Addai
We see Addai’s scoring similar to last year, with 1,000-1,200 rushing yards and 15+ TDs. He plays for one of the best offenses in the league and is a good receiving back, as his 41 catches for 364 yards in ’07 will show. Do not worry about the Colts clinching too soon. With Jacksonville competing for the division title, there will be plenty of reasons to keep him and the other Colts in the lineup.
Also, for seasonal owners, tough defenses can sometimes surprise. Addai plays Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit in the fantasy playoff weeks of 13, 14, and 15 respectively.
6. Clinton Portis
Clinton proved he could stay healthy last year by playing in all 16 games. He is currently hurt, but is expected to be ready to go by training camp. Clinton will get a lot of carries this season, so do not be surprised if he does not participate a lot in training camp. This will keep him fresh.
Expect Portis to have a better year than in 2007, as he should be targeted more in the West Coast passing game. The Redskins are getting O-linemen Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas back from injures, a good indication that bigger running lanes are on the horizon for Portis.
7. Marion Barber
Barber will be the man in Dallas. He is still capable of a 16-TD season and posting over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. Let other people have concerns over Felix Jones stealing carries. His large contract insures he will see a lot of work this year. The addition of Jones should help keep Barber from wearing down during the season.
8. Ryan Grant
Some people will shy away from Ryan Grant because of his contract situation and the fact that Brandon Jackson is doing well in OTAs, and Grant just burst on the scene out of nowhere. For the last 10 games, Grant rushed for 929 yards and scored eight TDs. Projecting that out for a 16-game season that would be 1,486 yards and 12 TDs!
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He is also still in Green Bay. Even with Rodgers at the helm, Green Bay still should be one of the top offenses in the NFL. We think Grant will offer great productivity at the end of round one.
9. Larry Johnson
Larry is an excellent candidate for comeback player of the year. Kansas City upgraded their offensive line in the offseason by drafting Brandon Albert. He also should see a full training camp and be ready to go at the start of the season. Herm Edwards has already stated that Larry is going to have his workload reduced this season.
Where that is normally a concern, Larry did break an NFL record for carries in a single season in 2006. Look for Johnson’s attempts to be more in line with other backs in the NFL this season. Factor in that the Chiefs have the second best SOS for RBs in the league this year, and Johnson gets a vote of confidence to be a top-10 back once more.
10. Frank Gore
Frank is another back who had a less-than-stellar 2007 because of injuries. Still, Frank is young enough to bounce back. DeShaun Foster should be a backup back only. Do not worry about a committee that will hinder Gore’s production.
Gore’s receiving stats should rise with the addition of Mike Martz as OC. That will offset Martz’s tendency to pass more than he should. We still think Frank will surpass 1,000 rushing yards and 10 total TDs.
11. Brandon Jacobs
Brandon was a 1,000-yard rusher, despite starting only nine games and playing in 11. He is a big, bruising back who, if he can stay moderately healthy, will break 1,000 yards again. After all, he plays on a N.Y. Giants team that finished fourth in rushing last season.
With his size, he should get solid goal-line touches. In addition, his four rushing TDs last year should be a statistical aberration. Brandon is not fragile, but running people over does tend to cause injuries. For this, his value will drop.
Do not let injuries deter you from him though. He is in a contract year and will have plenty of motivation to do well. Expect solid numbers when he plays and plan on him missing a few games.
12. Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice is embroiled in a RBBC. That most likely will not change this year or next. Fred Taylor will get significant yards, and Maurice will be hard pressed to gain 1,000 yards this season. Two years ago, when he almost put up 1,000, he had an inflated 5.7 yd/carry avg. This stat needs to be put into proper perspective.
Since 1947 to present, only eight times has a running back attempted 166 carries or more and averaged 5.7 yds. or better. The most recent backs to do it were Jones-Drew in 2006 and Barry Sanders in 1997.
Drew does have some increased value in that he can break the big play and should obtain 10 touchdowns. Besides, there is always the chance that Fred Taylor will get injured again. Though you might be tempted, do not make Drew your first running back.
If you still are not convinced, Jerious Norwood posted a 5.95 yd/carry in a committee last year. Would you trust him to be your No. 1 running back in a seasonal league? We thought not.
13. Marshawn Lynch
Lynch missed some time (three games) with a high-ankle sprain last season. Sprains normally are not recurring, so his health should be fine this year. We here at Fantasy Football Maniaxs see no reason why Lynch cannot repeat last year’s numbers of 1,115 YDS and seven TDs.
Keep in mind though, Lynch only had three, 100-yard games last year (though two in December). We believe Lynch will improve this year (fifth in SOS) but we are not convinced you will gain any extra points from his receiving skills.
14. Ronnie Brown
Yes, Ron Brown blew out his knee last year. Yes, it takes two years to fully recover from a knee injury. However, Brown reports to be ahead of schedule and Carson Palmer has proved you can come back from a knee injury pretty darn quickly.
Now Ron will need to do more with his knee, and that is why he is ranked this low. Last year, under Cam Cameron, had Brown stayed healthy, he was on pace to 2,200 all-purpose yards, plus 11 touchdowns. Miami would have won more than one game and Ron would be solidly entrenched as our No. six running back.
Yes, Cam is gone. We assure you Bill and Tony have seen last year’s game tape and they will use Ron to all that he is capable of doing. Unless he suffers a setback, the early third round is when owners should draft Brown. If he is there after that, snatch him up and reap the rewards. Enjoy Miami’s seventh-ranked SOS with Brown leading the way.
15. Willis McGahee
Speaking of Cam Cameron (think L.T. and Ronnie Brown), he is now in Baltimore. He has another fine weapon to coordinate and utilize in McGahee. McGahee comes with some injury concerns and the drafting of Ray Rice (think Michael Turner in SD) that will limit his value a bit.
What this means is that McGahee will have competition to push him, but he should win the starting job. Early reports also indicate Rice will also be playing the slot this year, which will help free up coverage on McGahee. Rice will also help keep McGahee fresh, and that makes McGahee a great value-pick in the second round.
16. Laurence Maroney
Patriots' passing game comes down to Earth, and Maroney benefits thanks also to an amicable SOS that ranks eighth this year. Oh by the way, the Patriots' O-line is ranked No. 1 in the league. If they give their running game some consideration like they did last season in the playoffs, Maroney will be a top-10 back by season's end.
17. Jamal Lewis
This aging veteran has one more year in the tank on a high-powered offense. The only concern, besides his age, is a tough 29th ranked SOS.
18. Reggie Bush
He is a multi-purpose threat, and McAllister is injury prone. The Saints should be going back to their 2006 playbook, and that will help Bush in some regard.
19. Michael Turner
He should be ranked higher, but is unproven as a starter. The chance to prove himself is served on a silver platter as the Falcons’ RB will enjoy a fourth best SOS this upcoming season. If the Falcons' O-line returns to their 2006 efficiency, Turner will reap some benefits.
20. Earnest Graham
One-year wonder? Probably not. Graham is a good PPR back with a new four-year contract and no threat behind him, as Warrick Dunn is 33-years old and Carnell Williams' NFL future is in jeopardy while trying to recovery from injury. Williams will begin the season on the PUP list.
21. Willie Parker
“Fast Willie” is a yardage machine that will not see the end zone often. He is rehabilitating a broken leg. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall will steal some caries and TDs from him.
22. Julius Jones
Possible committee in Seattle, but we think it is smoke to motivate as Maurice Morris is not a fantasy household name. Jones could be the steal of the draft.
23. Darren McFadden. This year’s Adrian Peterson by many. Because of Peterson's 2007 success, he will be reached for. Think early third-round value. HE HAS SIGNED A CONTRACT!
His value is a double-edged sword: the Raiders ranked sixth in rushing last year, but are still a team on rebuilding mode with unproven JaMarcus Russell at the helm.
24. Selvin Young
He looks like the starter for now. Shanahanagans and Ryan Torain have to be a concern.
25. Edgerrin James
Edge has not aged well. There are still gaps in the Cards' OL, but we'll take a last 1,000-yard season from him. His value rises a little in PPR leagues.
26. LenDale White
He will get the goal-line touches. He will get the yards. He will not get the receptions.
27. Thomas Jones
30-years old with Leon Washington breathing down his neck. Awesome OL in New York. Jones makes for a safe RB2.
28. DeAngelo Williams
John Fox normally does not play rookies. However, Jonathan Stewart may change his rules. Carolina's SOS is ranked first for 2008. This could be Williams' best year ever.
29. Rudi Johnson
This year, the Bengals have hinted on using a RBBC that will see Rudi, Kenny Watson (their best RB last year), Chris Perry, and De De Dorsey among others. Need we say more? At best, Rudi is consistent if he gets most of the load. Draft with caution.
30. Fred Taylor
Fred will get yards. Can he stay healthy? Jones-Drew is ready to take over in Jacksonville.
31. Jonathan Stewart
Stewart is a human bowling ball. Stewart defines high-risk high-reward. Again, Carolina has the No. 1 SOS for RBs in 2008.
32. Matt Forte
His stock can rise significantly. He will start. Are the Bears offensively sound? Ummmm no.
33. Rashard Mendenhall
He should get the TD carries in Pittsburgh's RBBC.
34. Chester Taylor
Peterson’s track record says he should get hurt. But for how long? Handcuffing is a must here.
35. Kevin Smith
Should be the opening-day starter for the Detroit Lions. His 400+ carries as a senior could be a bad sign.
36. Justin Fargas
He will open the season as the Raiders starter. It will not end that way.
37. Ahman Green/Chris Brown
One should start, and starting has some value. We do not see either finishing the season as the starter for the Texans.
38. Ahmad Bradshaw
Jacobs equals injuries. Bradshaw could replace. Beware! Goodell could suspend him.
39. Leon Washington
One injury to Thomas Jones away from starting for the Jets.
40. Ladell Betts
Good pass-catching back that could see time in West Coast offense. If you have the roster space, handcuff to Portis.
41. Deuce McAllister
Should start and run between the tackles. McAllister has played all 16 games only twice in seven years.
42. Felix Jones
Should play some slot and is a bye-week replacement if you are desperate.
43. Ricky Williams
Puff! Puff! He is only of value if Brown starts the season on the PUP list. If not, his relief carries during games won't hold much fantasy value.
44. Jerious Norwood
Backup to Turner who could see 10-15 touches a game. One of these years, hopefully before he retires, he will be the starting back for the Falcons.
| Rank/Notes | Player/Team |
| 1 | LaDanian Tomlinson SD |
| 2 | Adrian Peterson MIN |
| 3 | Brian Westbrook PHI |
| 4 | Steven Jackson STL |
| 5 | Joseph Addai IND |
| 6 | Clinton Portis WAS |
| 7 | Marion Barber DAL |
| 8 | Ryan Grant GB |
| 9 | Larry Johnson KC |
| 10 | Frank Gore SF |
| 11 | Brandon Jacobs NYG |
| 12 | Maurice Jones-Drew JAX |
| 13 | Marshawn Lynch BUF |
| 14 | Ronnie Brown MIA |
| 15 | Willis McGahee BAL |
| 16 | Laurence Maroney NE |
| 17 | Jamal Lewis CLE |
| 18 | Reggie Bush NO |
| 19 | Michael Turner ATL |
| 20 | Earnest Graham TB |
| 21 | Willie Parker PIT |
| 22 | Julius Jones SEA |
| 23 | Darren McFadden OAK |
| 24 | Selvin young DEN |
| 25 | Edgerrin James AZ |
| 26 | Lendale White TEN |
| 27 | Thomas Jones NYJ |
| 28 | DeAngelo Williams CAR |
| 29 | Rudi Johnson CIN |
| 30 | Fred Taylor JAX |
| 31 | Jonathan Stewart CAR |
| 32 | Matt Forte CHI |
| 33 | Rashard Mendenhall PIT |
| 34 | Chester Taylor MIN |
| 35 | K. Smith/T. Bell DET |
| 36 | Justin Fargas OAK |
| 37 | A.Green/C.Brown HOU |
| 38 | Ahmad Bradshaw NYG |
| 39 | Leon Washington NYJ |
| 40 | Ladell Betts WAS |
| 41 | Deuce McAllister NO |
| 42 | Felix Jones DAL |
| 43 | Ricky Williams MIA |
| 44 | Jerious Norwood ATL |
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about 1 month ago
Question... Do you think Larry Johnson's decline last season was due to 2006 load, a depleted offensive line or combination of both?
I stayed away from him like the plague last year because of his 2006 load and I was grateful. I was remembering what happened to Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson in 1999, how badly they broke down and never really recovered. I'm afraid Johnson may follow a similar path.
about 1 month ago
Paul, great question here.
I strongly believe is a combination of both, with the majority of the cause shifting towards the O-Line issue. Eleven-time Pro-Bowler Willie Roaf retiring at the end of the 2006 season played a major role in his decline. Add the contract dispute with the team last offseason, and him going Wa$hington to culminate the dispute ( no motivation to play well left) and you have a guaranteed decline.
Johnson may follow a similar path to both runners you mentioned because he missed half a season last year and will turn 29 in November. His right guard will be Adrian Jones who hasn't started a NFL game since 2005.
I stayed away from him too last year and plan to do the same this season. I personally ranked him 12th, but after averaging our combined points, he catapulted to No. 9.
He will do well, if can manage to stay healthy enough, as the Chiefs are a run-first team and have a SOS that ranks No. 2 in the league for RBs in 2008.
Keep an eye on Jamaal Charles! He represents the next L.J. for the Chiefs.
about 1 month ago
Sorry if I sounded contradicting. What we meant for comeback player of the year is that he should be easy, considering their schedule, for Johnson to post more yards than the 559 he gained last season and score more than three Tds. (His total last year). Sure, he only played in eight games, but he averaged 69.9 yards a game, his second career lowest. That is what I meant when I said he went Wa$hington.
I hope I clarified that.
about 1 month ago
I think Thomas Jones or Leon Washington could really be sleepers here. I'm not just being a homer, but recent articles on the effect of bringing in a guard like Fanica says the average place movement after such a trade is up 14 spots in the running game. Add to that our fullback acquisition and those guys could put up some yards.
about 1 month ago
Really hope Ronnie Brown can come back healthy. He was tearing up the league before he got injured last season. He's a beast and I hope he comes back 100%.
I also wish the Dolphins would get rid of Ricky Williams once and for all. Tired of that guy and I'm sure Ronnie is as well.
about 1 month ago
Im taking Peterson over Tomlinson.
Why?
Best offensive line in the game, all Hutchinson does is block for 1,500 yard backs.
And Tomlinson at age 30 = scary.
But I probably wont have the 1 pick anyway. I dont think anyone will be upset if they get pick 2 though.
about 1 month ago
Justin, Ronnie Brown's present situation reminds of Clinton Portis of last year. Everyone was scared to touch him and look what happened. I rode him to the championship in one of my leagues.
Ricky Williams is old, hurt, unmotivated and rusty to do anything fantasy worthy.
All is gonna do is damage Brown's fantasy value for a while, since he will be getting some carries.
I'd snatch Brown as a RB2 if I can and get some insurance in the later rounds.
about 1 month ago
Bruce, you're right. The Jets running game will benefit from the addition of Faneca among others this year.
The concern we have here is that the Jets could be playing from behind again most of the year, hampering the running game's continuity.
But, yes, both of them could be mild fantasy surprises this year. Whoever starts anyway.
Jones, who should be drafted as a RB2 or RB3, should break the 1,000-yard mark easily.
from about 1 month ago
Damn it I hope your wrong. I don't want to see a single game where the JETS are behind and the passing game has to make up the difference.
about 1 month ago
hey this is ilyas, once again u dont make me happy with ur ranking of larry johnson over frank gore
you say frank gore is ok, but look at larry johnson, in 06 and 07, in 06 he had 416 carries, 416, way way too much and guess what he got 1789 yards, well in 06 frank had 312 carries 104 carries less than johnsona and 1695 yards, frank is the winner, and in 07 behind a weak o line a sprained ankle, the loss of his mother, the loss of his best friend shaun taylor and 8 guys in the box, he rushed still over 1100 yards in 15 games, whereas johnson in the first 9 games had 158 carries and only 580 yards, gore is the winner, in my mind gore can rush for a lot of yards on not way too many carries, in fact martz realizes that too, gore i think will get 275-300 carries and 1500-1600 yards and some catches, and i think gore is a top 5 running back, as for ur article on the nfc west, the niners will win it
from about 1 month ago
Ilyas, nice to see you remember me. For the wrong reasons (you think I hate your 49ers), but you remember me.
Ok, I personally ranked Gore 8th and LJ 13th in my rankings. Then we averaged them out with the other writers and some players, inevitably, swapped positions.
However, a case could be made for each player's rebound in 2008. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with Gore, especially for him being younger than Johnson.
I'm sure the other rankers factored in heavily the fact that the Niners' defense ranked 25th last year and the team had to stage several comeback attempts thru the air game. I'm sure they thought a likely scenario is to happen this year as well.
Johnson should reap the benefits of an easier, for RBs, schedule and a decent defense behind him that will give him a chance to keep their gameplan (run) intact.
about 1 month ago
Bruce, taking Peterson in Tomlinson's stead should be a fantasy sin.
In keeper or dynasty leagues, Peterson would rank No. 1 overall.
LT is nearing 30 but has at least one more high-level season left on his legs and arms (he passes for TDs too).
The risk with Peterson is that he has been injury prone and has still reliable Chester Taylor hawking some carries. You can't afford to pick him #1 and not pick again until 23 more players have been taken.
Hutchinson is every RB's dream. Either one of them studs should be either handcuffed or insured.
A couple of more issues with Peterson: Sophomore Jinx and lack of a passing game that will force opponents to stuff the box. Is he ready to handle that? The latter part of last season showed the contrary.
Of course, this is nitpicking here. Shouldn't really go wrong with either one, long run!
about 1 month ago
Look, peterson is great no denying that, but dont you think that he is a little hit and miss? (he followed up his 296 yd game with a 45 yder, his 224 yd game with a 63 yder) Also, he really trailed off late in the season as teams figured out how to stop him...Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Tarvaris Jackson for all the media attention he has gotten, has not shown he can do anything at quarterback, and their receiving corps is garbage to say the least. AP lit up the NFL b/c no one was ready for him, this year they are, and I don't see him having any where close to a 1500 season, maybe 1200-1300 with 10-11 tds which is still great dont get me wrong but not bank breaking.
about 1 month ago
ROHIT, he is a hit & miss, but we do recognize his immense talent. You do have great points, which I covered in the previous answer.
Thanks for your comments. If I find myself in the situation of choosing between the two, I'll go with LT.
Experience and consistency is what I look for in a fantasy player.
about 1 month ago
Hey thomas here just curious what the best possible rb combo you could have for a fantasy team maybe like addi and barber not likely to be able to get both what do you think?
from about 1 month ago
Thomas, getting Addai and Barber would be nearly impossible this season, unless you work out a draft pick's trade with someone that has a high pick for your 2nd and 3rd round picks. High unlikely also, but worth a try. If your league doesn't allow trades, then no luck.
To answer your question about the best possible RB combo, I'd need more info.
What position will you be drafting from? Is it a PPR league?
In one of my earlier drafts (6th spot) I grabbed Westbrook (lucky at that spot) and Jacobs in the second round. That was before news out of NY about using 3 RBs this season. I'm still not sure about that.
The reason they make for a good combo is that Jacobs plays behind a terrific O-line that is great in opening running lanes. They finished 4th best in the NFL last year.
Westbrook is a good PPR RB. He will get you fantastic points with receptions and passing yards besides his normal rushing yards and TDs.
Ronnie Brown is also a good second round candidate that has everyone worried because of his injury.
There was the same misconception about Portis last year, and when I took a chance on him in the second round last summer.... he guided me to the Championship!
Good luck!
about 1 month ago
Well we have a 12 man league that favors qbs really six points for tds and 1 point per 10 yrs for rushing or receiving . We get our draft spot the day of the draft so a strategic plan is out lol but I like addi and barber in the first round. Hoping for a lynch or mcgahee follow up kind of leary of both westbrook and portis there durability issues make me nervous . As far as trades we do trade me more so than anyone lol makes things more interesting . I also plan to grab mcnabb as my back up qb thinking he could have a solid year . Another question considering strength of schedule which three rbs would you most likely go after for your fantasy team?
from about 1 month ago
SOS for RBs in 2008 favors the following players:
Selvin Young
Adrian Peterson
Lawrence Maroney
Reggie Bush
Larry Johnson
Ronnie Brown
Jonathan Stewart
L. Tomlinson ( he doesn't need an easy SOS, lol)
Ernest Graham
Ryan Grant
Jonathan Stewart is considered the next A.Peterson by our college scout, Nostradamus.
He also suggests Ryan Torain and Jamaal Charles as sleepers!
about 1 month ago
These are my backs for fantasy football 2008. Any tips on who to start/trade/release for someone else?? Since most of the players are taken any sleepers or a good backup to take? Thanks guys!
We need to play 2 backs and have the third option in a WR/RB slot as well.
1. Maurice Jones-Drew
2. Laurence Maroney
3. Jonathan Stewart
4. Warrick Dunn
from about 1 month ago
Nick, congratulations on watching out for bye-weeks when picking your RBs. All are good backs except for Dunn who will be buried in the Bucs depth chart. I'd get rid of him.
Youe other 3 backs have tremendous potential oin a dynasty/keeper league. They'll be decent in a seasonal league. I hope you drafted some top-tier WRs to make up for the lack of a true first-tier RB.
I need to know who's on your league's waiver wire to further help you.
Our college source tells us that Stewart will be like Adrian Peterson of last year.
Jamaal Charles and Ryan Torain are great sleepers as well.
Let me know the WW.
about 1 month ago
Thanks a lot! I will have to get back to you on the WW players. As for my WR's I have aquired:
1. Randy Moss
2. Plaxico Buress
3. Kevin Curtis
4. Vincent Jackson
from about 1 month ago
Great WRs Nick. Even if Moss repeats 75% of last year's numbers, you're in good shape!
Burress is a solid option. Kevin Curtis is a low-end WR1 but the main target for Mcnabb regardless.
Vincent Jackson was supposed to breakout last season but had a quiet one until Chris Chambers showed up and took some of the coverage off his shoulders. Having Chambers from day one this season will make him a sleeper!
Overall, you have a well balanced team. And BALANCED teams have won me championships in the past.
about 1 month ago
Hi thomas again and just curious of how you think mcfaddens season will turn out? I've heard alot of peterson references to him having that type of season but have serious doubts about that for multiple reasons . First and foremost the offensive line of the vikings is way better than that of the raiders and second justin is still there and not a slouch . I by no means doubt his ability to be a success but by no means comparable to that of peterson . I also see you have high expectations of johathan stewart i tend to believe he will beat out williams to be the feature back of carolina knowing that is how they like to run that position given the chance which rb would you go after ? and in which round of a 16 round draft do you make that move? thanks for all the info like to analyze all the angles to best optimize my draft searching as many sources as possible . thanks again
from about 1 month ago
Thomas, McFadden won't produce like Peterson did for the Vikings last year.
The Vikes O-line is just too good!
I personally would go after Stewart (I drafted him last week).
In seasonal leagues, target them around the 4th to 5th rounds. In keeper/dynasty leagues as early as the 1st and 2nd rounds.
However, every draft is different and depends on your ability to adjust on the fly according to trends and position runs.
As soon as the top-tier RBs and WRs are taken, be ready to grab either one of them.
If any of the two don't make it to you... Draft Ryan Torain and Jamaal Charles. Even Selvin Young is a good option.
I drafted both Denver backs last week, just in case.
from about 1 month ago
Thomas back in July of 2007 we had an article about who the top-backs for 2008 were going to be:
http://fantasyfootballmaniaxs.alexia.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=52
28 days ago
OK so I checked out the WW and here are available running backs...need to replace Warrick Dunn
Kenny Watson
(Cin - RB)
Ahmad Bradshaw
(NYG - RB)
Chris Brown
(Hou - RB)
Chris Johnson
(Ten - RB)
Jerious Norwood
(Atl - RB)
Tatum Bell
(Det - RB)
Ricky Williams
(Mia - RB)
Kevin Jones
(Chi - RB)
Ladell Betts
(Was - RB)
Cedric Benson
(Chi - RB) NA
Ryan Torain
(Den - RB)
Shaun Alexander
(Sea - RB) NA
Leon Washington
(NYJ - RB)
Travis Henry
(Den - RB) NA
DeShaun Foster
(SF - RB)
T.J. Duckett
(Sea - RB)
Kolby Smith
(KC - RB)
Dominic Rhodes
(Ind - RB)
Michael Bush
(Oak - RB)
Lorenzo Booker
(Phi - RB)
Kevin Faulk
(NE - RB)
Chris Perry
(Cin - RB)
Jamaal Charles
(KC - RB)
Jason Wright
(Cle - RB)
Adrian Peterson
(Chi - RB)
28 days ago
NICK, almost anybody will be better than Warrick Dunn.
Kenny Watson - Shoul split time w/Rudi
(Cin - RB)
Ahmad Bradshaw - RBBC w/ Jacobs. Not bad at all. Semi-proven
(NYG - RB)
Chris Brown - Could start in Houston, but wait and see.
(Hou - RB)
Chris Johnson - Lendale is healthy.
(Ten - RB)
Jerious Norwood - Will he ever get a fair chance?
(Atl - RB)
Tatum Bell - Don't bother.
(Det - RB)
Ricky Williams - Not so sure...
(Mia - RB)
Kevin Jones May start season on PUP
(Chi - RB)
Ladell Betts Great handcuff but will he start unless Portis goes down? No. I had him last year.
(Was - RB)
Cedric Benson- Forget it!
(Chi - RB) NA
Ryan Torain - What a shame! Out till mid-November.
(Den - RB)
Shaun Alexander - Better not. He hasn't found a team yet.
(Sea - RB) NA
Leon Washington - Good backup, but won't start.
(NYJ - RB)
Travis Henry - Isn't he in Jail? Lol
(Den - RB) NA
DeShaun Foster - Nope.
(SF - RB)
T.J. Duckett - Nah...
(Sea - RB)
Kolby Smith - Not yet.
(KC - RB)
Dominic Rhodes - Not yet.
(Ind - RB)
Michael Bush - With McFadden in there? Nope.
(Oak - RB)
Lorenzo Booker - May be a sleeper, if Westy goes down.
(Phi - RB)
Kevin Faulk - No with Jordan in there.
(NE - RB)
Chris Perry - Yeah right.
(Cin - RB)
Jamaal Charles- Keep an eye on him...
(KC - RB)
Jason Wright - Only if Lewis goes down
(Cle - RB)
Adrian Peterson- May play some, but no thanks.
(Chi - RB)
I'd go after Bradshaw and Chris Johnson first, then consider Watson, Booker and Charles as sleeper.
Good luck.
23 days ago
I got the one pickin my fantsy keeper league... I am pickin up someone elses team so i am kinda screwed. My keepers can be 3 of the following 4: willis mcgahee, andre johnson, plaxico burress and roy williams.... which 3 should i keep 1st? we use 1 qb 2 rb 2 wr 1 te and 1 wr/rb. normal scoring but 1/2 point for reception.
second question who do i take with the number one pick and in turn the 24th and 25th. These are the top players available.... I think i go with mcfadden #1 but the rest of the players available in the league are: ryan grant, ronnie brown, jamal lewis, anquan boldin, edge, vince young, brandon jacobs, tony gonzalez, t.j. housh, colston, b marshall, santonio holmes, greg jennings. reothlisburger, kellen winslow, calvin johnson, earnest graham, lendale white, cotchery, coles, thomas jones.....
I guess my question is hsould i take one of those guys if they are availble with my second 2 picks or shoudl i just go young and build for the future... Take a calvin johnson, johnathan stewert, forte, kevin smith, selvin young...
Or shoudl i go young qb like big ben, arron rogers, matt ryan, eli, garrad, jason cambell due to schedule, i am lookign to go with a 2 qb system by matchups any recommendations on those
from 23 days ago
Ryan, this is the answer from our draft/keeper leagues expert at Fantasy Maniaxs, Chad Samuels:
"RBs will always be weak in a keeper draft and as such you need to keep McGahee. Andre Johnson has big play ability whenever he is on the field so he is your second keeper. I would give Plaxico a slight edge over Roy Williams. Plaxico's size tend to make him a redzone threat and someone Eli can look to when he needs a third down reception. with 1/2 pt per reception his value is slightly better than Roy. Roy may be younger but I doubt you will keep him over Andre next year and your third keeper will be Darren McFadden.
I had a pause as to who to take at #1 because Ryan Grant and Ron Brown are out there. If this was year one of a keeper league Grant would be drafted before McFadden Brown could go either way. This is a PPR though and McFadden should do well in this format and that he is discounted in most leagues as he is a rookie. there is a good chance that next year he will be a first round pick so go ahead and roll the dice on him.
With your three keepers and McFadden under your belt I think you have a solid core to build a team that you can win now with if you follow up with a smart draft I would not target the young guys at the turn unless the flow of the draft dictates you take one there.
for the turn I think if Winslow is there you should take him. in the PPR format Witten, Winslow, and Gates all can put up elite Wr numbers so go ahead and take Winslow.
For your second pick if by some odd chance Ron Brown falls you have to take him People might be a little gun shy because of Ricky Williams and Brown's knee but he is a great value here. Brown has the chance to beat out McGahee for your keeper next year. All the players you mentioned are solid and should do well as a #3 RB or WR although I would expect most to be gone at 24/25. One person that should be considered is Chris Johnson He is young fast and should catch alot of balls in a RBBC format. Plus L White cant seem to stay healthy and that bodes well for Johnson. Consider Johnson after Smith, Forte and Stewart are all off the board.
Finally given McGahee is a little banged up I would definatly look to back him up with Ray Rice later in your draft. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome knows what he is doing and must believe that Rice can be an effective football player if he drafted him early in round 2. Rice might not break out for a year or two but given McGahees injury record stashing him on your roster might be a good idea."
23 days ago
reports are that orlando pace won't be playing and that alex barron will have to step it up, a lot, i dont see how steven jackson can be rated so high, and if st. louis gets their starters back why would we expect much more from steven jackson if he has another great chance at getting injured and lacking the production we desire. I can't see Jackson putting up all star numbers with a "cobbled" o-line still protecting him.
from 23 days ago
Andrew, Steven Jackson is rated so high because of his dual ability: Run and catch out of the backfield.
Not many RBs are capable of doing that effectively.
It may be a little high considering the line's woes but remember that behind that patched line, he rushed for 96.5 yards a game after he came back from injury.
That was from week 11-17. He scored his 5 TDs after coming back too.
A sub-par year, but based on potential, he warrants another year ranked in the top-10 at almost very site.
17 days ago
Guys, I need help and fast please. I am in a 12 team keeper league and we owe are keeper list by tomorrow evening. It is a PPR league where you start 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Def. We can keep up to 5 players each season and for every player you keep, you lose that amount of draft picks. So if you keep zero, you pick starting in the first round, or if you keep 5 players, your first pick is in the sixth round. Here are my potential keepers that I can keep up to 5 of but I don't have to keep any... the question is, can you get a better player if every one else keeps an average of 4 players...
1) Carson Palmer
2) Ronnie Brown
3) Michael Turner
4) Steve Smith (Car)
5) Lee Evans
6) Anthony Gonzales
I would REALLY appreciate some feedback.
Thank you!
from 17 days ago
Daren, your question has been redirected to our Keeper specialist, but at first glance when the other 11 owners keep an average of 4 players each, that is the best 44 players in the draft.
Sure, someone will leave some worthy players on the table, but no top-tiers for sure.
I'd keep Palmer, Brown, Turner , Gonzalez for sure. Then you grab the best WR/RB available.
Steve Smith is a good keeper too.
The only one I wouldn't bother keeping is Lee Evans.
Check back later when I have the definite and detailed answer for you!
from 16 days ago
Our Keeper guy thinks that is best for you to keep Turner and Brown as RBs.
Palmer at QB and Steve Smith at WR.
You can redraft Anthony Gonzalez in later rounds, nobody is gonna steal him right away.
Also, try to shoot for McFadden as soon as your turn is up.
Good luck!
from 16 days ago
Thank you guys. Not a lot of faith in Lee Evans bouncing back in a contract year?
from 16 days ago
Daren, Evans has been inconsistent thru his career. we feel that you can get him back after the draft starts. If not, Wrs is the deepest position in Fantasy Football.
16 days ago
I checked the WW and I was thinking of swapping WR Vincent Jackson (SD) for WR Patrick Crayton (DAL)?? Good idea??
Also my kicker is Robbie Gould from CHI who sucks at offense so I figure they might kick a lot more. These guys are free though on the WW....any one worth picking up??
Shayne Graham
(Cin - K)
Josh Scobee
(Jac - K)
Phil Dawson
(Cle - K)
Neil Rackers
(Ari - K)
David Akers
(Phi - K)
Ryan Longwell
(Min - K)
Kris Brown
(Hou - K)
Mike Nugent
(NYJ - K)
Shaun Suisham
(Was - K)
Jason Hanson
(Det - K)
Lawrence Tynes
(NYG - K)
Rian Lindell
from 15 days ago
Nick, thanks for the question. I never advocate carrying two kickers, because they are basically the same. Gould is a good kicker, but plays on a pretty weak offense. I like Graham from Cincy, I also like Longwell from Minnesota, just not as much as Graham. I would waive Gould and pick up Graham.
Rackers is another good option. With an healthy AZ offense, the field should be much shorter for Rackers. Last year when he missed it was from long distance.
I'd also grab Jackson for Caryton as the latter finished the season in obscurity while V-Jax played extremely well including the playoffs.
Good luck.
15 days ago
Ut oh my 3rd best receiver was Kevin Curtis....who should I pick up???
I have Moss, Buress, and Vincent Jackson.....
on the WW are:
Rankings Trends Passing Rushing Receiving Misc Fum
Player Action Opp Owner Projected Actual % Owned Yds TD Int Yds TD Rec Yds TD 2PT Lost Fan Pts
Patrick Crayton
(Dal - WR)
D.J. Hackett
(Car - WR)
Jerry Porter
(Jac - WR)
Bryant Johnson
(SF - WR)
Reggie Williams
(Jac - WR)
Drew Bennett
(StL - WR)
Ted Ginn Jr.
(Mia - WR)
Darrell Jackson
(Den - WR)
Sidney Rice
(Min - WR)
Justin Gage
(Ten - WR)
Mark Clayton
(Bal - WR)
Ronald Curry
(Oak - WR)
Deion Branch
(Sea - WR)
Jabar Gaffney
(NE - WR)
Kevin Walter
(Hou - WR)
Devin Hester
(Chi - WR)
David Patten
(NO - WR)
Amani Toomer
(NYG - WR)
Marty Booker
(Chi - WR)
Roydell Williams
(Ten - WR)
Mark Bradley
(Chi - WR)
Laurent Robinson
(Atl - WR)
Muhsin Muhammad
(Car - WR)
Steve Smith
(NYG - WR)
Shaun McDonald
(Det - WR)
from 15 days ago
Out of those FAs I like Crayton, B.Johnson, Sidney Rice, Darrell Jackson (who should be a good sleeper with Marshall out) and David Patten.
I'd try Crayton or D-Jax first.
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