This blog recently featured the top 9 fantasy football running backs (the top 8 with a tie at #8) in 2007. Of course selecting any one of these will make you solid at the RB position on your fantasy team. There are fantasy football team managers out there who may play in leagues with more than 8 teams or pick something other than a running back in the first round of their drafts, so they won't get one of the top 8 or 9 fantasy RBs this year. If you're in this situation you needn't despair as there are some talented running backs you'll have a shot at in the second and third rounds of your draft. Some of these RBs could very well break into the top 8 this season, which would make them great value picks.
Rudi Johnson of the Bengals has consistently put up very good fantasy numbers over the last few years and should do the same this season. While he probably won't improve upon last years fantasy stats, he probably won't regress either. Look for his usual 1300 to 1400 yards rushing with between 12 and 15 touchdowns again this season. He should be available toward the end of the first round.
Travis Henry was signed by the Broncos in the offseason, which skyrocketed his value in many 2007 fantasy football leagues. Running behind Denver's offensive line is a guarantee for a running back's success. The only question marks with Henry is his ability to stay healthy and the fact that Mike Bell is still there to take carries if Mike Shanahan decides to go with a 2 RB game plan.
Maurice Jones-Drew scored 15 TDs (13 rushing, 2 receiving) during his rookie campaign last season along with an average of 5.7 yards per carry in Jacksonville. He also had 46 receptions for 436 yards. He will have every oportunity to become the Jaguars' starter at running over the aging Fred Taylor. Even if they split carries at first he still has tremendous potential.
New Englands' second year RB Laurence Maroney won't have Corey Dillon looking his shoulder this season, so he should certainly improve. The only downside with Maroney is the fact that the ball gets spread around pretty evenly in New England, and coach Bill Belichick will use RBs Kevin Faulk and Patrick Pass in certain situations.
Willis McGahee has a change of scenery, coming to the Ravens from the Bills, and very well could have his best season, fantasy-wise. Playing with a better offensive line on a team that won't have opposing defenses singling him out on every play will be good for him. He also doesn't have a lot of mileage for a veteren RB, partially due to his horrific injury in his last college game. He does still seem to miss too many games, but is worth the risk early in the second round of your fantasy football draft.
Last year, Clinton Portis was a top 5 overall selection in most fantasy drafts before his shoulder injury in the preseason. He also missed a bunch of games in the regular season with a broken hand, which opened the doors for Ladell Betts to take over the running game in Washington. If you drat Portis this year you should try to pick Betts for insurance later in your draft. If Portis performs like he did before last year, he'll be a huge fantasy football sleeper pick.
The best thing about getting a late first round selection in your fantasy draft is the fact that you should ba able to pick 2 of the running backs discussed here, which will certainly solidify your fantasy team at the RB position.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment