Fantasy Football: Shonn Greene 2010 Projection

It’s hard to imagine that a runningback that averaged just over 40 yards a game last year could be a first round selection in 2010. What a difference two playoff appearances and offseason roster adjustments can make to a player’s fantasy football value. Shonn Greene is heading into the season as the New York Jets starting runningback. Can Greene carry his momentum from last year’s playoffs into this season? Let’s investigate.

Assumptions:

1. Greene will get the majority of the team’s carries, while newly acquired LaDainian Tomlinson will be the Jets second option at runningback
2. The Jets stud offensive lineman, Nick Mangold, will not holdout and play the entire 2010 season

Shonn Greene 2010 Fantasy Projection

While Shonn Greene may not have the deepest set of skills, he is truly the beneficiary of a great situation in New York. Greene gets to run behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, an offensive line that help Thomas Jones gain over 1400 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. The Jets run-first mentality should also aid Greene’s fantasy value. The team is perfectly content playing ball security on offense and letting their top tier defense win games. The only wrinkle in Greene’s situational paradise is Tomlinson. The backup will be quick to take advantage of Greene’s mistakes and should get a decent amount of action in 2010. Don’t be too concerned with L.T. in New York. Two good backs is and NFL norm now; only a few runningbacks get the full load these days.

The Verdict: Shonn Greene has a very good chance finishing 2010 as a top ten fantasy back. He is on the perfect team for fantasy success. Greene should be able to match Thomas Jones’ numbers from 2009. Some experts have him as an early second round draft pick. I am a bit more cautious with players that have a resume smaller than four games. I think the third round is the best spot for Greene.

For more 2010 Fantasy Football Player Rankings and Projections check out Rotistics.com.