Ryan Grant: Does RB Have Any Fantasy Value With Redskins?

Ryan Grant is an intriguing running back for the Washington Redskins.

After all, the veteran ball-carrier recorded 2,769 total yards and 16 touchdowns between 2008 and 2009 for the Green Bay Packers. After missing basically all of 2010 to injury he did bounce back fairly well with 827 total yards in 2011.

Joining the Redskins in late September, the 29-year-old definitely adds reliable depth and talent to Washington's backfield. Is Grant, however, a legitimate fantasy football option in 2012?

Proven Dual-Threat

Ryan Grant does brings excellent downhill running between the tackles for Washington, and his size can break tackles for solid yards after contact as well.

In rushing for over 1,200 yards in 2008 and 2009, Grant was the main Brahma Bull for Green Bay. During those two seasons he also caught 43 passes for 313 receiving yards and actually contributed more out of the backfield in 2007 and 2011.

Grant's skill set to make defenders miss in the open field and sit between the linebacker zones provides great dependability on checkdowns: Not to mention his patience in letting the screen pass develop along with any blocking schemes.

Redskins' Rushing Options

Right now rookie Alfred Morris is playing outstanding. With 376 rushing yards and four touchdowns entering Week 5, Morris leads the Redskins in both categories and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

After Morris, though, rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III is Washington's next rusher with 234 yards and four scores. The Redskins have the luxury of utilizing RG3 with draws, read-option and rolling him out on waggles to give the pass-run look as well.

Morris is proving to be a reliable every down back and with Griffin's dual-threat dynamic, Grant's only shot to make an impact would be on third down. Unfortunately, that significantly limits opportunities to produce and rack up fantasy points.

Schedule Requires Strong Passing Game

For the Redskins to be in the NFC playoff picture, a pass-oriented attack is needed.

Facing teams with explosive offenses such as the NFC East, Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens and Washington has to push the pace. The Panthers are vulnerable against the pass and run, whereas the Ravens are uncharacteristically ranked No. 29 in pass defense.

Divisional opponents are somewhat vulnerable to the ground game, so with Washington's rushing attack a loaded box will occur. So, the Redskins must use more play-action and get RG3 moving to get more explosion.

Combine all these elements and even if Grant sees some playing time, his contributions won't be enough to warrant a fantasy option. The Redskins have a system working with Morris and Griffin, so Grant will only become a viable fantasy player if unfortunate injuries or lack of production happens.

Washington needs him for depth and until Grant is given more chances to perform, he's not yet worthy of a fantasy football spot.

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