|
Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Tim Hightower vs. SF
Young Mr. Hightower has scored at least 1 TD in 6 of the 8 games
he has played. Now that he has eclipsed Edgerrin James on the
depth chart, things are looking even brighter for Hightower owners.
In his first game as a starter, he had 22 carries for 109 yards
and a TD. The 49ers have served up 10 rushing TDs and it would
come as a surprise if that number does not increase on Monday
Night Football.
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart @ OAK
There haven’t been many games where Williams and Stewart were
both viable fantasy options, but considering the pathetic state
of the Oakland Raiders and their inability to stop the run, I
like both of these Panther RBs to do some damage. The Raiders
have allowed 12 rushing TDs and an average of 157.6 rushing YPG.
Last week saw both Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood have productive
games; the same should be expected for the Carolina RBs.
Thomas Jones vs. STL
Jonesy is quietly having his best season as a pro and fantasy
owners should view him as a useful starter. He has TDs in 2 consecutive
games and 5 TDs in his last 4. The Rams appear to have come back
to earth, and even if they haven’t, they are extremely vulnerable
against the run, giving up 12 TD and 155.5 YPG. The Jets would
be foolish not to exploit this.
Mewelde
Moore vs. IND
Fast Willie was not amazing against the Redskins, but he had his
legs under him and showed some explosiveness while rushing for
70 yards and a TD in his first game action since Week 3. Unfortunately,
a shoulder injury will send him back to the sidelines. In steps
Mewelde Moore. The Colts defense is stingy against the pass but
bad against the run, getting shredded to the tune of 143.6 YPG
and 10 TDs allowed on ground. Start Moore with confidence.
Deuce McAllister @ ATL
The Atlanta Falcons managed to choke the running game (67 yards
allowed) of the hapless Raiders last week, but I don’t expect
that to continue against the Saints. Even with that performance
the Falcons still allow opposing RBs an average of 120.9 YPG.
I like Deuce’s chances to plow his way to about 80 yards
and a score.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Steve Slaton vs. BAL
Though his durability is questioned, Slaton has played well; he
is tied for 2nd among rookies with 5 rushing TDs. After 2 creampuff
games (Det, Cin), his schedule took a turn for the worse; Week
9 matched him against the #2 rush defense of the Vikings and this
week he faces the Ravens #1 rush D. Baltimore has allowed an average
of 64.2 YPG and only 1 TD on the ground. New starter (Parsley)
Sage Rosenfels (& Thyme) appears to look to him more in the passing
game, so he could have a little value in PPR leagues.
Joseph Addai @ PIT
Last week the Pittsburgh Steelers D was flying all over the field.
They are #3 in rush defense (#1 in total defense) having allowed
only 3 TDs on the ground and an average of 70.1 rushing YPG. They
held top fantasy RB Clinton Portis in check, limiting him to 51
yards on 13 carries, both season lows. Former LSU Tiger Joseph
Kwahu Duah Addai Jr. is averaging an unimpressive 3.1 YPC and
has rushed for over 45 yards only twice in 5 healthy games.
Marshawn Lynch @ NE
Lynch is still looking for his first 100-yard game and he is on
pace to fall short of the 1,000-yard mark this season. The Patriots
have clamped down their rush D after the Dolphins lit them up
in Week 3; the 4 rushing TDs surrendered to Ronnie Brown in that
game are the only touchdowns they have allowed on the ground this
year. Buffalo has lost 3 of 4 games; as a result Lynch’s opportunities
are waning as the Bills are forced to come from behind.
Justin Fargas vs. CAR
With McFadden battling his double turf toe, Fargie had a shot
in recent weeks to remind the fantasy world (and Raider Nation)
that he can play. He did have 1,000 yards last year, right? Alas,
the Raiders stink. Bad. Fargas hasn’t scored a TD all season
and doesn’t catch any balls. Does it even matter where the
Panthers D ranks? Next.
Matt Forte vs. TEN
Frankly, I don’t like putting Forte on this side of the list.
I’ve been back and forth on this one, but my final thoughts have
me believing that Rex Grossman is awful and that he won’t be able
to keep the Titans defense from stacking the line. Forte is hard
to bench because he does get a ton of touches and has 6 TDs (4
rushing, 2 receiving) on the season; but against a D like the
Titans, Grossman diminishes some of his value.
Wide Receivers
|
