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Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Julius Jones v. STL
J2 had a spectacular outing against the Gold Diggers last week,
and the Hawks are playing the passive Lambs this Sunday. Without
Maurice Morris to steal carries, there’s no reason to think that
Jones will put up anything less than top ten numbers. Start him
with confidence.
Thomas Jones @ SD
Thomas Jones has had solid if unspectacular two games to start.
The Bolts are pacing their All-Pro nose tackle Jamal Williams
in hopes he makes it through the season, and the line is leaking
a bit as a result. Jones should put up high RB#2 numbers, possibly
borderline RB#1.
Reggie Bush @ DEN
The light has come on for Reggie or the Saints have figured out
how to use him. Either way, he’s been productive for owners relative
to his ADP, especially, as expected, in PPR leagues. Look for
the Bush to find holes in the Broncos iffy front seven. He should
put up top twelve numbers.
Chris Johnson
v. HOU
He’s for real, and he’ll light up the Texans, owners
of the worst ff run defense. Some online rankings have him in
the teens—no, he’s top ten material for certain. This
week might even see Johnson score his first rushing TD.
Michael Turner v. KC
Only 42 yards last week after 200+ in week one; it could be an
up-and-down year for the Spontaneously Combusting One with a rook
behind center. With KC going in the wrong direction, this will
be an up week for Turner. Start him as your RB#2 with confidence.
Chester Taylor v. CAR
AP has a sore hammy and his backup is very capable of putting
up big numbers. The Panthers are good against the run, but Frerotte
poses more of a passing threat than T. Jackson. You could do much
worse than Taylor at RB#2 (unless Purple Jesus miraculously heals
himself—at this point it ain’t out of the question).
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
LaDainian Tomlinson v. NYJ
The big toe, a clever little lever dangling off the end of the
foot, often forgotten except when stubbed or weathering the odd
fungal infection—also a key pivot point for the mass momentum
transfers so vital to LT’s greatness. He says it’s
getting better, which it might be, but anyone who saw him the
last week knows something’s amiss. Toes don’t heal
very quickly. Sproles and Hester might get the bulk of the touches
against the Jets. Even if he plays, LT won’t put up anything
close to LT numbers.
Clinton Portis v. ARI
He’ll get the carries but as I’ve said elsewhere,
I don’t think Campbell can take the pressure off. Portis
will put up RB#2 numbers at best against the very good (hey, it’s
early in the season) Cards.
Larry Johnson @ ATL
The dude complained about getting yanked while averaging under
two yards a carry against the Raiders last week. Said he was mystified
by the benching—yep, right up there with Stonehenge, dark
matter, and Miley Cyrus’ enduring fame. Aye mios dios. You
can run on the Falcons but Larry Johnson can’t with Pigpen
behind center.
Darren McFadden @ BUF
Even if he plays, the Bills are too tough. Let’s see what
the Bush kid can do.
Ryan Grant v. DAL
The Cowboys bottled up Westy on the ground last week, and an injured
Grant is no Westy. Drafted as a low-end RB#1 in deep leagues,
Grant won’t even be passable as a middling RB#2 this week.
Wide Receivers
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