Fantasy Football 2012: Cam Newton and the Tailback-Keeper Conundrum

Golf.com guru Jeff Ritter—and one of New York City's most eligible bachelors (at least until mid-November)—hosts one of the quirkiest keeper leagues in fantasy.

For the "10-Yard Fight" league, owners are allowed to retain two players from last year's roster (pre-draft trading is strongly encouraged), then draft two more talents (without the order changing in Round 2)....before partaking in a $100 auction to fill out their respective rosters.

It's equal parts hilarious and chaos; and yet, I wouldn't change a thing.

For my squad, which finished with a sub.-500 record and then won the springtime lottery for the top pick in Rounds 1 and 2, I am left with four plausible options as the two keepers:

1. QB Cam Newton, Panthers—Michael Vick may someday go down as the most electrifying dual-threat quarterback in NFL history; and yet, he never came close to approaching Newton's rookie numbers: 4,757 total yards (706 rushing) and 35 total TDs (21 passing).

2. RB Jamaal Charles, Chiefs—On pure talent alone, Charles would be a no-brainer keeper option and likely top-10 asset for the whole league. But some owners may be skittish to draft him high in August, citing his ACL tear in Week 2 against Detroit last year, while also wondering how RB Peyton Hillis (free-agent acquisition) might cut into Charles' rushing and receiving attempts.

3. RB Ryan Mathews, Chargers—This could be a defining season for Mathews (1,546 total yards, six TDs in 2011), in terms of his capacity to fill the numbers void of Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay) and Mike Tolbert (Carolina) leaving San Diego for greener pastures. Mathews can notch 1,300 total yards in his sleep for the Chargers, but can he rack up double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career?

4. RB Chris Johnson, Titans—Most fantasy owners would throw a parade for a running back with 1,465 total yards; but that was hardly the case with Johnson's 2011 campaign. From his high-profile holdout and lack of conditioning during the preseason to the September slump and four total touchdowns, it was a turbulent season full of sound and fury, but ultimately signifying nothing. But the year was not a total loss. Johnson posted seven games of 100 total yards or more; he also recorded season highs in targets (79) and receptions (57).

It's important to reiterate that I'll own the No. 1 pick after the 12 teams have kept their two players. So, even I keep Newton and a running back (right now, I'm leaning toward Johnson), I'd still have a clear shot at Mathews or Charles with the first draft pick. And it's entirely possible that a talent like Charles could fall into my lap for the first pick of Round 2.

But first things first.

Twitter Nation, for once I'd like your opinion here: Assuming I keep Newton (and it would be a miracle if I didn't), what order would you prioritize the three tailbacks--Mathews, Johnson, Charles—for this season only? Hit me on Twitter at ATL_JayClemons. Thanks!

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night.