The aforementioned former back-up to Tomlinson, Turner finally gets the chance to start in the NFL and should form a solid one-two running back tandem with Jerious Norwood. I am not a big fan of choosing RB’s forced to split carries, but Norwood could help Turner in his first season as a starter as opposed to hurting him by providing him with rest when needed. Turner did not get many touches playing behind L.T. but we do know that he is explosive as evidenced by the 147 yards (including a 74-yard run) he put up against Denver in week 5 last season.
What we don’t know is he if he will be durable playing a full season as a starter or if he will get a lot of carries if Atlanta is throwing the ball to catch up next season. Turner has a lot of potential on a weak team in a weak division. If the small flashes of explosiveness he displayed during his limited action in San Diego project over a full season, he could be the steal of your fantasy draft this season.
3. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears: 2007 Stats (with Tulane NCAA): 361 Carries, 2127 Yards, 23 Touchdowns, 32 Receptions, 282 Yards, 0 Touchdowns, 0 Fumbles
After a superb senior season in which he was the only non-BCS player nominated for the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards and to be put on the Walter Camp Player of the Year list, Forte becomes the man for Da Bears. With Cedric Benson off the team for repeated off the field incidents, Forte’s ability to gain yards after the initial hit have made him the likely starter in the Windy City. Often compared to Edgerrin James, the 6’2”, 222 LB Forte has the potential on a veteran team to put up better numbers than many of the running backs chosen ahead of him in the 2008 Draft.
1. Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders: 2007 Stats: 222 Carries, 1,009 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 23 Receptions, 188 Yards, 0 Touchdowns
To paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield, Justin Fargas gets no respect. Despite putting up career numbers and signing a contract that guarantees him at least $ 6 million dollars, the Raiders drafted running back Darren McFadden in April. With McFadden reducing Fargas’ touches, expect to see a decline in stats for the Huggy Bear’s kid as his short time as a starter is reduced to what ESPN described as “play[ing] the Chester Taylor to McFadden’s Adrian Peterson.” As a Raider’s fan, I love the depth at the position but you have to feel bad for Fargas as McFadden becomes the centre of attention for both the Raiders and Fantasy Footballers alike.
2. Ahman Green, Houston Texans: 2007 Stats: 70 Carries, 260 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 14 Catches, 123 Yards, 0 Touchdowns, 0 Fumbles
A prime example of a talented running back who can hurt your fantasy team because of injuries, Green received a four year, $ 23 million dollar contract in 2007 but only appeared in 6 games last season. Green will most likely start for the Texans (if healthy) but Houston will most likely rely upon a “running back by committee” approach that includes Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton. If Green is healthy, he can produce as evidenced by the 1, 883 yards he put up for the Packers in 2003 but that was five years ago. Despite the big contract, injuries and shared carries will prevent Green from making an impact for your fantasy team this season.
3. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots: 2007 Stats: 185 Carries, 835 Yards, 6 Touchdowns, 4 Receptions, 116 Yards, 0 Touchdowns, 0 Fumbles
Before you starting posting that I am a complete idiot for including Maroney on this list, let me explain why I don’t believe he is a good choice as a TOP FANTASYrunning back. For one, Maroney missed three games with injuries last season, and had less than 15 carries in 7 other games. In addition, the Patriots added LaMont Jordan in the offseason to a backfield that already saw Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel get over 30 carries last season. I should also mention that coach Bill Belichick gives many of the other RB’s carries in short yardage (i.e. goal line) situations that take crucial fantasy touchdowns away from Maroney. I will be the first to admit that Maroney could have a breakout season this year, but if Belichick keeps splitting carries and calling for Tom Brady to throw to Randy Moss or Wes Welker, touchdowns and yards might be tough for Maroney.
This preview only begins to scratch the surface of the NFL’s running back talent. Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Fred Taylor, Clinton Portis, Willie Parker and Marshawn Lynch have all proven their fantasy worthiness in past seasons and rookies McFadden, Kevin Smith and Jonathan Stewart are all looking to be this year’s Adrian Peterson. Will this be the year Reggie Bush finally explodes? Can Ryan Grant put up big numbers with Farve playing for the J-E-T-S?
There are lots of questions that are answered but if you can only remember one thing, remember to pick safe and have viable options in case of injury.
Straight from The On Deck Circle.net by Patrick Tye.
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