PPR Leagues: Keep an Eye on These RB's

James Hatfield May 5, 2010

LeSean McCoy – with Westbrook not returning and a new QB taking the
helm, McCoy could burst onto the scene in 2010. McCoy had 40
receptions for 308 yards in his rookie season. I’m thinking he’s
this year’s Ray Rice with slightly less rushing yards. McCoy has 70
catch potential. He’ll most likely go in somewhere in the 2-4 round
range. One major fantasy website has him as the #17 RB. He’s the guy
I’m thinking you can draft in the 3rd round that has a chance to be a
top 10 fantasy RB.

Darren McFadden – he has never reached his potential. I’ve always
thought he was a “boom or bust” type player. I’m leaning more towards
the "boom" side this season. The Raiders got better with the addition
of Jason Campbell. By my count, Campbell threw to RB’s 85 times for
821 yards and 4 TD’s in 2009. And he did it throwing to Quinton
Ganther, Rock Cartwright (now in Oakland) and Mike Sellers. None of
these guys catch it like McFadden. They also don't have his after the
catch abilities. I’ve seen 2 major websites fantasy projections and
McFadden was out of the top 40 RB’s in both. He could be this year’s
“lightning in a bottle”.

Reggie Bush – he had 47 catches for 335 yards and 3 TD’s last season.
If he stays healthy he could reach 60+ catches this season. He’s
obviously a bit one dimensional, but he plays for the Saints. I like
his upside this year. I’d be willing to gamble on 55-65 catches,
800-900 total yards and at least a handful of TD’s. I’m drafting him
ahead of guys like L.T., Thomas Jones & Clinton Portis.

Tim Hightower – everyone will be riding the “Beanie Bus” this season.
I’m not jumping on just yet. Hightower had 63 catches for 428 yards
in 2009. That’s really solid, especially when you factor in his 500
rushing yards and 8 TD’s. Beanie will be the sexy pick in 2010, but
Hightower could remain productive. Remember, there is no more Kurt
Warner or Anquan Boldin. Matt Leinart could be checking down a lot to
his RB’s. Also keep in mind, Beanie was very injury prone in college.
If he were to suffer an injury, Hightower’s value would really
skyrocket.

Darren Sproles – with L.T. gone, Sproles should see even more pass
targets. He had 45 catches, 497 yards and 5 TD receptions in 2010.
Sproles was never meant to be a feature back. He’s a change of pace
or 3rd down back. That being the case, the Chargers drafted Ryan
Matthews as their bell cow in this year’s draft. However, Matthews is
still an unproven rookie. I suspect Sproles will match his numbers
from last season (45 receptions, 840 combined yards, 7 TD’s). He
plays in one of the NFL’s best offenses and has a great rapport with
Phillip Rivers. If Matthews is a flop (for the record I don't think
that will happen), Sproles could be the steal of most fantasy drafts.

Jahvid Best – Kevin Smith suffered a season ending knee injury late
last season. He will most likely start the season on the PUP list (I
just saw word today that he might be out all of 2011). If that
happens, Best should start right away. Even if Smith comes back, I
think Best still has a leg up for the starting role. Although I’m
terrified about his injury history, I do like where he is currently
being projected (mid to late 20’s in RB rankings). That’s good value
for a starting RB, even if he is a rookie. You’d have to love his
upside if he plays immediately. If he does begin the season as the
starter, move him up your draft board, especially in PPR leagues. I
don’t think he’ll score that many TD’s, but he could post 50+
receptions. Head Coach Jim Schwartz is on record raving about Best’s
skill set.

RB’s most likely to kill each other’s value this season, especially in
PPR leagues -

Matt Forte/Chester Taylor – both catch the ball very well out of the
backfield. Both will limit each other’s opportunities and I see a
true time split here.

Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller/Marshawn Lynch – just not enough touches to go around in Buffalo to keep them all fantasy relevant

Article written by: Rick Coeburn
For questions or comments, e-mail Rick at – rcoeburn@gmail.com
Follow his blog at http://fantasystew.wordpress.com/

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