Fantasy Football Points;Score with Running Backs
How Less is More for Fantasy Running Backs
The days of the fantasy workhorse running back has been in steady decline over the years. While running back by committee is the smartest and safest trend to winning football games these days, there are still a handful of thoroughbreds left in the NFL.
There are backs that carry enough times to get adequate fantasy points, but too many carries can lead to a short season.
They key is number of + quality ofcarries = fantasy gold.
These are the fantasy running backs that get the rock often, and should maintain a consistent level of play throughout the year.
NFC
Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
The Redskins lean on Portis a lot. He’s one of few backs in the league that get better with more carries.
Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
From LT’s backup to main man! He was the first running back in 2008 to get 100 carries. If his number of attempts keeps up, he’ll be upper echelon fantasy back.
Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are in a great situation with Barber’s bruising style and Felix Jones off the bench. This situation could turn into a committee however, because Jones is really good.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
He’s young and exceptionally powerful and good. He’s almost the definition of modern day workhorse.
Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
He's a monster that gets a lot on fewer carries, but sometimes he disappears based on the Niners lackluster offense. If they're trailing ...fantasy points are bailing!
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
The Bears need him to run because they have little else. Watch the number of carries per week to see if his workload diminishes.
Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
Surprise his career is not over yet. Ideally Ken Wisenhunt would give him the ball 20-25 times a game. However based on whether they’re trailing or not affects his workload.
AFC
Ladanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
He’s not the LT of 2006, but he still gets the carries. Still the crème.
Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
He is the Chiefs offense. With continuing quarterback problems, they have no choice but to give him the ball. He’ll take a pounding.
Jamaal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
He can still carry the load. While his touchdown numbers might diminish, his work won’t.
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
He hasn’t averaged over 25 carries a game, but he will consistently get the ball for the Bills. He’ll carry it an average of 15-20 times a game.
Running Back by Committee
This could be the most dreaded term in fantasy football. However, more and more teams are going in this direction. The reason is, NFL teams can’t afford to have their star running back take such a pounding. Instead, do the “Thunder and Lightning” approach and have a change of pace running back on the sidelines.
Here are the committees that work, but can be a nightmare to fantasy owners.
Maurice Drew Jones/Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a roll of the dice scenario, with Jones getting the edge in points scored.
Chris Johnson/Lendale White, Tennessee Titans
Johnson gives you points off of yards and touchdowns. White is more of a goaline specialist now.
Jonathan Stewart/Deangelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
Classic fantasy nightmare! Stewart gets carries in the red zone, but Williams could have a big game here and there.
Any Mike Shanahan/Bill Belichick team
They are notorious for screwing fantasy teams. Shanahan himself has stated his disdain for the fantasy game. Be wary when acquiring any running back from their teams. Anyone remember Laurence Maroney or Quentin Griffin?
Fantasy Points!
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