In the past, the first few rounds of fantasy-football drafts followed a similar script. Every owner wants to grab two top-tier running backs, two top to mid-tier wide receivers, and a serviceable quarterback. Beyond that, it became a matter of preference.
But things are starting to change.
My Bleacher Report counterpart, Chris D'Aniello, wrote about this about two weeks ago. In the last few years, NFL teams have started to move to a dual-running-back system.
These tandems are designed to take pressure off the lead back and to give teams a change of pace. Normally, we call these third-down backs. At least, that's what they have been called when talking about a solid, pass-catching back as opposed to a between-the-tackles runner.
Now, though, these are running backs that are given two or three whole series at a time to get going, and they alternate based on formations to best suit the offensive package. Look at what we had going on last year:
Jacksonville: Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor
Dallas: Marion Barber/Julius Jones
New England: Laurence Maroney/Kevin Faulk/Sammy Morris/Random Ball Boy
New Orleans: Reggie Bush/Deuce McAllister
Cincinnati: Rudi Johnson/Kenny Watson/DeDe Dorsey
Tennessee: Chris Brown/LenDale White/Chris Henry
Carolina: DeShaun Foster/DeAngelo Williams
Denver: The Flavor of the Moment
Seattle: Shaun Alexander/Maurice Morris
Atlanta: Warrick Dunn/Jerious Norwood
Detroit: Kevin Jones/Tatum Bell/T.J. Duckett
That’s already ten teams. As many as 12 teams this season could use the committee approach, making it much harder for owners to rely on stud running backs to carry the day.
It also makes the first round more interesting. The top five or so picks are going to still fall in line with the runs on running backs we’ve seen in previous years. It’s likely that LaDainian Tomlinson (LDT), Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Joseph Addai, and Steven Jackson will go in some order.
9 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jacob Sloan 11 months ago
Great tips for not making a big mistake in fantasy drafts.
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Russell Ivanac 11 months ago
I agree with your list, ecspecially number two. I've only been really succesful in fantasy football when I've had two solid top 15 running backs. The having fun part is surprisingly something you need to say, I've gotten in leagues where guys take it way too seriously and they end up hating it by the end of the season. Great Article, I really enjoyed reading it.
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Chris Radez 11 months ago
"Random Ball Boy" ... heh, nice
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Gavin Derek 11 months ago
if you are in a 12 team league would you rather have picks 1 and 24 knowing you are going to get LT or would you take picks 12 and 13? It is a long time until you get to pick again when you have that #1 pick. Saying that it sure makes you feel warm and fuzzy knowing LT is in your starting lineup. Just curious what aspect to take
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Todd Morse 11 months ago
1 & 24, because you also get 25. The key is not to mess up picks 24 & 25.
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Collin Hager - The Roundtable 11 months ago
Tough call. I think in a 12 team league there, getting the number one pick is important and I agree with Todd, getting the 24 & 25 picks will help your team more in the long run. The concern would be more in getting the running back depth, but this year it isn't as tough given the teams using the RBBC approach.
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Gavin Derek 11 months ago
I agree picks 24 and 25 are huge. By the time it gets back around to your pick again the talent really begins to drop off. I would guess the knee issues that Manning is going through could drop him back a few notches on the draft board.
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The Boston Hooligan 11 months ago
Thanks for the tips.
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The Boston Hooligan 11 months ago
Also I have a question. What is your specualtion on sophomores such as Adrian Peterson? Will they be as better or as good as they were last year?
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