Quick, name this season’s best
fantasy running back.
Having trouble? In year’s past, this
question had many candidates to choose from.
This year, however, is a different
story. Owners that chose running backs in the first two rounds of their
preseason draft likely are disappointed with the results that they’ve
gotten from these so-called stud running backs.
There are just two running backs who
are on pace to eclipse the 1,500-yard rushing mark, and one – Adrian
Peterson – is injured and his return date is unknown. The other,
Willie Parker, is on pace to barely reach the mark (1,552), and he
has just two touchdowns, so he hasn’t exactly been a stud.
LaDainian Tomlinson,
Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander, Frank Gore, Rudi
Johnson, Laurence Maroney and Travis Henry all have
failed to live up to preseason expectations.
So, who does that leave as this
season’s top healthy fantasy running back? Philadelphia’s Brian
Westbrook.
The Eagle is second to Peterson in
total yards with 1,219, and his nine total touchdowns are tied for the
league lead among running backs. If your league awards points for
receptions, Westbrook has been even more valuable than Peterson.
Westbrook’s 54 receptions are second only to Reggie Bush, and
they are the only running backs with 40 receptions.
Westbrook also has been the most
consistent running back. He’s the only player at the position to score
at least 11.9 fantasy points (one point per 10 yards rushing and
receiving, six points per rushing and receiving touchdown) in each week.
He also has four games with at least 21 points and two with 36.
Westbrook’s owners no doubt have
been pleased with his performance. Now, just hope he doesn’t get hurt
like he has in recent years.
HOT READ
Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota:
If he’s available in your league, stop reading this and go pick him up.
Peterson, the starter, is out this week and possibly future weeks with a
sprained LCL in his right knee. Since the Vikings are not a playoff
contender, expect them to be very cautious in bringing back their
franchise running back, so Taylor could be Minnesota’s starter for the
foreseeable future. If you can pick him up, consider starting him this
week against Oakland, which has allowed six players to reach the
100-yard plateau.
BROKEN PLAY(ER)
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit:
Wasn’t he supposed to have a Randy Moss-like rookie season? Hardly. The
Lion hasn’t reached 50 yards, caught more than three passes or scored a
touchdown since Week 2. The fantasy strategy of avoiding hyped rookie
receivers proves to be smart yet again.
OFF THE BENCH
Matt Schaub, QB, Houston:
If you own Schaub as a backup and your starter has a tough matchup,
consider starting the Texan. His main target, wide receiver Andre
Johnson, is expected to return to the lineup this week, and Houston
faces New Orleans and its soft pass defense. The Saints rank 29th in the
NFL in passing yards allowed, and the 17 passing TDs they have given up
is third most in the league.
SAFE BET
Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore:
The Raven broke out of a season-long slump last week with 107 yards.
Expect Clayton to have another solid day against Cleveland and its
31st-ranked pass defense that has allowed a league-high 1,750 yards to
wide receivers.
EXTRA POINT
The St. Louis Rams awoke from the
dead by scoring 37 points in their first win of the season against New
Orleans. The Rams finally appear to have their weapons healthy. If they
can stay healthy, look for Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and
Torry Holt to put up stud-worthy points in the upcoming weeks
against the weak defenses of San Francisco, Atlanta and Cincinnati in
three of their next four games.
