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Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Marshawn Lynch @ STL
Lynch will run through, around, and over the Rams. While his yardage
hasn’t been impressive—only one 100 yard game—he’s
already scored four touches and this week could very well put
up the top five RB points you’ve been expecting.
LaDainian Tomlinson @ OAK
Though LT’s been held out of practice this week, his toe
(has its own publicist now) appears to be somewhat okay if last
week’s game is any indication. His ypc is very average,
but he gets the goal line carries, and in this offense there have
been plenty of those opportunities. Historically the Raiders haven’t
been able to stop him, though I’d be surprised if he breaks
100 yards rushing.
Selvin Young @ KC
The Chiefs are at the bottom of the league in rushing (actually
31st but they can see it from there) and Young played well against
them last year—and this season they have a better passing
game. Despite Shanahan’s penchant for rotating RBs, Young
will earn you the numbers worthy of the RB#2 you drafted (hoped)
him to be.
Jonathan Stewart v. ATL
The carries aren’t there but the TDs are. Jonathan Stewart
hasn’t yet take up the reins of the Panthers ground game
as many thought he would (it still might happen), but his ability
to get in the endzone has already yielded three scores. The Falcons
won’t stop the trend. Stewart isn’t ready to post
bell-cow ff RB numbers yet, but a serviceable RB#2 this weekend
he will be.
Steve Slaton @ JAX
A small, agile, edge runner, Slaton is exactly the type of RB
Jacksonville has had a hard time containing this year (Chris Johnson
and Joseph Addai). He’ll bust one or two big gainers and earn
his owners high RB#2 numbers.
Michael Turner @ CAR
The Panthers defense, while not dominating and having locked down
LT and AP already, might give pause to a Turner start. Not to
worry. The Burner is leading the league in rushing and will put
up at least high RB#2 points—don’t expect another
three td performance this week though.
Mewelde Moore v. BAL
Hail Mary Pick of the Week. Yeah, Mendenhall will start against
the Ravens, and battering ram Davis will get some carries too,
but Moore has had flashes of brilliance here and there in his
checkered past. Perhaps he’ll catch a few out of the backfield
and surprise with a RB#2 performance. Perhaps.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Matt Forte v. PHI
The best rookie RB doesn’t stand much of a chance against
the Eagles impenetrable defense. They absolutely stoned Marion
Barber, and will bottle up a Chicago running game that isn’t
balanced by a strong air offense. He’ll need a phenomenal
outing just to perform as an adequate RB#2.
Larry Johnson v. DEN
Last week was an aberration. He’s toast. Don’t start
him even with Huard at quarterback.
Chris Johnson
v. MIN
This has all the trappings of a low-scoring slugfest, which sees
heavyweight LenDale White getting the bulk of the carries early
on. Can Johnson take one to the house against a tired but good
Vikes line late in the game? Expect maybe low-end RB#2 scores.
Willis McGahee @ PIT
Hard to run on the Steelers with no depth perception.
Wide Receivers
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