2011 Fantasy Football Analysis: AFC East Running Backs

Ryan LesterJun 1, 2011

The AFC East is a division without a dominant running back.

The class of the division is the Jets' Shonn Greene, but isn’t that the same thing we expected last year? LaDainian Tomlinson is still in the picture, but he seems to be at peace with not being the featured back anymore. Greene is a powerful runner that should have a solid season. He’s better suited to be in the RB2 slot, but if you went WR or QB with your first two picks, Greene is capable of putting up RB1-type numbers. Heck, he’s capable of putting up top-10 numbers overall. LT should still be selected by anybody, but don’t reach for him because of his name. He’s best suited for PPR leagues. Joe McKnight also could work his way into the mix, but the lockout will probably lead to more of a veteran presence early for New York. Rookie Bilal Powell is best suited for dynasty leagues.

In New England you have a fantasy mess. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was voted "Running Back Most Likely to Regress" by his classmates. With Danny Woodhead and rookies Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, the Pats’ running back pool is too murky to rely on. At some point it could sort itself out; but Bill Belichick is not concerned with fantasy numbers. Winning is the name of the game, and he’ll mix and match his RBs as he sees fit.

Buffalo is a full-blown RBBC (running back by committee). Fred Jackson remains the starter and, without off-season OTAs, will have a foot up on second-year back C.J. Spiller. But we’ve seen more committees lately that have allowed for two effective fantasy players to coexist, so don’t be scared off. Jackson makes a solid RB3, and Spiller a good RB4. If one of these backs goes down, the other’s value will jump dramatically. Once again, Jackson will likely be undervalued on draft day.

Then we have Miami. We still don’t know what will happen with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Assuming that only one of them returns, either will have the advantage over rookie Daniel Thomas thanks in part to the lockout. Both veterans have excelled in a RBBC, so they are willing to share the carries. Thomas will have to quickly get up to speed picking up blitzes to stay on the field. He very well could end up the top rookie running back this year and has a bright future in keeper leagues.

Now that you’ve strolled through the muddy AFC East running back terrain, be sure to wipe your feet.

Also check out: