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Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Willis McGahee @ IND
The Colts rushing D is dead last in the NFL and has been shredded
by opposing RBs this year. “Whatchootalkinbout” Willis
may be banged up, but despite sharing carries with Le’Ron
McClain, he still got his heaviest workload of the season (22
carries) last week. Given the same against the Colts he is in
line for a good day. Expect him to cross the stripe this week.
Maurice Jones-Drew @ DEN
MJD is too good to be kept in check for 3 consecutive games. Consider
that this week’s foe is the leaky Broncos defense, and MoJo
should be able to pop a few good runs and make a difference in
the passing game for the Jags. Throw in a goal-line score and
Jones-Drew makes a fine RB2 this week.
Julius Jones vs. GB
JJ never got going against the Giants last week largely in part
to his team trailing big all game. Their offense is not what it
was, but Jones will have to shoulder the load to keep Aaron Rodgers
off the field and give the ‘Hawks a chance. Jones looked great
in two games prior to facing the G-Men and The Packers have plenty
of holes in their rushing defense. Look for JJ to hit the holes
hard.
Ronnie Brown @ HOU
OK, after last week’s performance I am officially a believer
in Downtown Ronnie Brown. It took a few weeks, but he has returned
to form that we saw prior to last year’s knee injury. The
Pats couldn’t stop him, the Chargers couldn’t stop
him and the Texans will not stop him. They have surrendered an
NFL-worst 8 rushing scores in only 4 games. Start Ronnie with
confidence and enjoy the “Wildcat” formation.
Clinton Portis vs. STL
With back-to-back 100-yard games on the road, and an offense that
has yet to turn the ball over, C-Po gets the “no duh”
start of the week. The Rams rush defense only appears decent because
most teams choose to destroy them through the air. The ‘Skins
balanced attack focuses on the hard-running Portis who will yet
again reward his owners with quality numbers this week.
Reggie Bushvs. OAK
Reg-gie! Reg-gie! Reg-gie is finally delivering this season. While
not a prototypical NFL RB, the electrifying talent is getting
into the end zone and that is what matters to fantasy owners.
The Raiders are a mess and the Saints will find a way for Bush
to exploit them, whether it is on the ground, through the air
or in the return game. Reggie is a must start.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Steve Slaton vs. MIA
The pride of Levittown, PA, this consistent rookie has turned
a lot of heads as a runner and a pass catcher for the Texans.
This week he faces an inspired Dolphins defense that smothered
LaDainian Tomlinson and stuffed him at the goal line last week.
They have only given up 2 scores on the ground and held opponents
to 82 YPG. While Slaton is slick, he runs into trouble this week
in form of the Fish.
Joseph Addai vs. BAL
Addai has been solid yet unspectacular and should not be counted
on for big yardage totals this week against the Ravens. You drafted
him with your number 1 pick and chances are you are going to roll
with him, but don’t expect Joseph to do much better than
60 yards and a couple catches against the Ravens.
Earnest Graham vs. CAR
Teddy Graham’s impressive 5.9 YPC has not translated into more
playing time as backfield mate Warrick Dunn continues to steal
carries (he actually had 1 more than Graham against the Broncos
last week). The Panthers physical D has only given up 1 TD on
the ground and limited the Chiefs to 35 yards on 17 carries in
Week 5. This week calls for an alternate plan for Earnest Graham.
Justin Fargas @ NO
The unheralded Fargas quietly returns to the Raiders lineup but
should not be returning to yours. The Saints proved that they
can bottle up their opponent’s rushing attack, limiting Adrian
Peterson to 32 yards on 21 carries. Factor in that roughly half
of the Raiders 620 rushing yards came in 1 game (@KC) and there
are much better RB options to be had.
Jamal Lewis vs. NYG
Injuries to the offensive line, uninspiring play from Derek Anderson
lack of second quality WR has certainly played a part in the rough
start for Jamal Lewis. It won’t get any easier this week against
the Giants, who have only given up 1 TD on the ground and 12.2
PPG. If you think the presence of WR Donte Stallworth and his
wimpy quadriceps will open up running lanes against the G-Men,
think again.
Wide Receivers
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