Fantasy Football: Can't Score a Fab-Five RB? What Next?

In PPR formats, it is arguable that five runners have emerged in an elite class, comforting fantasy owners perched in the top-five of the draft. Which begs the question, who is the next running back off the board?

In our recent high stakes draft, my brother and I were stuck in this predicament at pick No. 6.

Assuming the Fab-Five (20-year Wolverine shout out) fell as predicted in some mixture of Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster, Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, and Jamaal Charles, how do we squeeze the most value out of the sixth pick?

Let’s analyze the next five running backs to target…

LeSean McCoy

Arguably a top-five selection, his 90 targets and 78 grabs led all runners, finishing second in reception yards amongst his peers. Undersized and gritty, Shady endured broken ribs throughout his sophomore campaign while his stats demanded Brian Westbrook comparisons. On the ground, he was one of only four averaging over 5.0 YPC, at 5.2 YPC (minimum of 200 attempts).

Cons: Signing of Ronnie Brown, health of Mike Vick/Jeremy Maclin, many other red zone weapons.

Darren McFadden

DMC was second in Fantasy PPG among runners in 2010, while finally living up to his lofty expectations after being selected fourth overall in 2008. In just 13 games, he accumulated 507 yards through the air, ranking him fifth among starters. He also joined McCoy, Jamaal Charles, and LeGarrette Blount with a rushing average of over 5.0 YPC on the year.

Cons: Loss of OG Robert Gallery/TE Zach Miller, limited air attack, injuries (missed 10 games in 3 years).

Steven Jackson

Old reliable, SJAX has perennially silenced doubters over his career rushing for 1,000+ yards in each of his last six seasons. In 2010, Action Jackson battled nagging injuries, while remaining a major threat in the passing game as a top-12 RB in receptions, targets and yards. He performed consistently in 14 of 16 outings with struggles reflective of an inexperienced offense, differing from similarly drafted Michael Turner in a high-powered offense who dropped six derailing duds in 2010 (games of 42, 75, 50, 45, 39, 46 yards and 0 TDs).

Cons: Veteran workhorse of eight seasons, up-and-coming offense, limited historical TD totals.

Maurice Jones-Drew

A consensus 2010 top-four pick, has lost value due to a shaky start last season and concerns about offseason arthroscopic surgery. Prior to 2010, Pocket Hercules scored 15-plus TDs in three of four seasons, averaging 50-plus receptions over that time frame. At 26, it’s hard to assume his best days are behind him, despite a rebuilding offense that could end up starting a rookie QB in the coming weeks.

Cons: Offseason knee surgery, loss of WR Mike Sims-Walker, poor offensive line.

Rashard Mendenhall

Tied for second in TDs last year, Mendenhall thrived in his sophomore year at the helm in Pittsburgh, reaching paydirt 13 times. He also enjoyed his second consecutive 1,000 yard season, finishing seventh overall in rushing yards, while projecting even higher if Ben Roethlisberger had started before week 6.

Cons: Not a pass-catching back, must compensate with TDs, off-the-field issues a concern.

The Skinny: Outside the Top Five

Biggest Risk/Reward: Darren McFadden

Least Risky: Steven Jackson

Smartest Pick with Upside: LeSean McCoy