2009 Fantasy Football Running Back Forecast : NFC West

During the weeks leading up to the season, myself and Bruno Boys Greg will be bringing you periodic updates that will guarantee that you stay one—no, 32—steps ahead of your competition. Today, we will be focusing on the teams in the NFC West.

Keep on checking back with the Bruno Boys for other divisional running back updates that will help you stomp your way into your league's fantasy football playoffs.

St Louis Rams

Bruno Boys Ziza's Take: When it comes to the St. Louis Rams, there is Steven Jackson and then there is everyone else. The fate of the Rams running game lies solely in Jackson's hands, as he alone possesses what it takes to not only be an every down back but also produce.

And let's not forget, he produced so well a few years back that he was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick in a lot of leagues. With the addition of offensive tackle Jason Smith to the Rams' line, he should have plenty of upgraded protection. And with the departure of wide receiver Torry Holt a lot of the offense will once again run through Jackson. Look at him as a lock to be a solid RB1 option. The others on the Rams, though, are nothing more than waiveriwire fodder.

Bruno Boys Greg's Take: Over the last two seasons, Steven Jackson has failed to live up to his top-five projections. He has had durability issues, as he has missed four games in each of the last two years.  The biggest problem the team has had is the play of their offensive line. That may change after the signing of Jason Brown from Baltimore and the drafting of Jason Smith out of Baylor. 

If Jackson can stay healthy, he may be a steal in the bottom half of the first round.  He will be relied upon to make a big impact on the team, and is without a doubt a RB1 in fantasy.  His backups—Antonio Pittman and Kenneth Darby—will not see the field besides spelling Jackson now and then. The Rams also drafted Chris Ogbonnaya out of Texas in the seventh round.  He has a chance to make the team, but not a chance to make a fantasy football team.  All of the backups under Jackson are RB5 talents at best and aren’t even worth owning as handcuff possibilities. 

FANTASY DEPTH CHART: Steven Jackson, Antonio Pittman, Kenneth Darby

2009 SCHEDULE: @ SEA (1) , @ WAS (2) , GB (3), @ SF (4), MIN (5), @ JAX (6), IND (7), @ DET (8), BYE (9), N.O. (10), ARZ (11), SEA (12), @ CHI (13), @ TEN (14), HOU (15), @ ARZ (16), SF (17)

Arizona Cardinals

Bruno Boys Ziza's Take:  With the release of veteran running back Edgerrin James the Arizona Cardinals are looking towards a youth movement. They selected Chris Wells with their first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft and have the young Tim Hightower already on their roster. If the season were to start today, there is no doubt that both of these backs would split the carries, with Hightower being the likely back to garner the slight majority of them.

But remember, there is a few months yet until training camp starts and Wells has ample time to learn the playbook and make a solid impression to the coaching staff. Either way, whomever comes out ahead for the starting gig, don't be surprised if the Cardinals roll with the same approach that many teams are doing in today's NFL, a two-back system. With the passing game that they possess this could hurt the value of both options. Even if one of the running backs were to claim the full-time gig he still would play second fiddle to the passing attack, and would act as a low-end RB2.

If you are trying to grab some RB depth as your RB3 consider Hightower and Wells, but make sure to surround them with a good supporting cast, as the Cardinals are going to be a pass-happy offense.

Bruno Boys Greg's Take:  The Cardinals were very fortunate in the 2009 NFL Draft when the talented Chris “Beanie” Wells of Ohio State dropped to them at pick No. 31.  His addition, though, led to a subtraction, as the team let go Edgerrin James, who never quite lived up to the expectations put on him when he signed with the Cardinals. 

Wells will come in splitting time with second-year pro Tim Hightower.  Both players should see an even amount of carries, which translates to an even timeshare. If they both are splitting time, then both should be RB3 or RB4 for your team.  Watch to see if anyone does see more touches though, because if one does, then he could be a RB2.  

FANTASY DEPTH CHART: Tim Hightower, Chris Wells

2009 SCHEDULE: SF (1), @ JAX (2), IN (3), BYE (4), HOU (5), @ SEA (6), @ NYG (7), CAR (8), @ CHI (9), SEA (10), @ STL (11), @ TEN (12), MIN (13), @ SF (14), @ DET (15), STL (16), GB (17)

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