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Running Backs
Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Thomas Jones vs. ATL
Jones remains the primary RB option on one of the NFLs most prolific
running squads. The NYJ Jets average 36.5 rushing attempts per
game and 169.1 rushing YPG, both the most in the league. Jones
has received 21 or more touches in 8 straight games with 6 TDs
and five 100+ yard games in that stretch. The Falcons have not
been terrible, but they have allowed 117.8 rushing YPG and 10
TDs on the ground this season. Furthermore, they are in the midst
of a skid that has seen them drop 4 of 5 games and 6 of their
last 8. Jones is in line for another good day.
Laurence
Maroney @ BUF
Over the years it has proved difficult to endorse a Patriots RB
with Head Coach Bill Belichick’s penchant for spreading the carries
around to his various RBs. With Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and
possibly even Fred Taylor in the mix this week, Maroney is certainly
not a lock to receive double-digit carries, however he has received
13 or more touches in 8 straight games, including 22 carries for
94 yards last week against Carolina. Maroney has 8 TDs in his
last 8 games and figures to play a predominant role as the lead
back this week in Buffalo. The Bills cannot stop the run – opponents
have averaged 170.5 YPG against them and have scored 17 TDs on
the ground versus Buffalo this year.
Jamaal Charles vs. CLE
Charles had career-highs of 20 carries and 143 rushing yards last
week against Buffalo. He has now scored at least 1 TD in 5 straight
games and has a great shot to put up good totals and even hit
the end zone this week against the Browns. Charles has emerged
as a viable fantasy contributor for the Chiefs, putting up quality
numbers against some of the better defensive units since taking
over for Larry Johnson after his demise in Kansas City. Cleveland
has allowed 148.1 rushing YPG this season and 14 TDs on the ground
and you should expect Charles to continue his strong play.
Beanie
Wells @ DET
Wells lost a fumble in the 4th quarter against San Francisco after
running hard 15 times for 79 yards and a TD, but still appears
to have usurped Arizona’s RB1 duties from Tim Hightower after
Hightower fumbled in the first quarter for the second consecutive
game. Hightower received only 2 carries (0 after his fumble) last
week. Wells has the chance to start and receive the bulk of the
work against a Lions team that has given up an average of 128.4
rushing YPG and 14 TDs on the ground this season. With QB Daunte
Culpepper in line to start for Detroit again, the Cardinals have
a chance to dominate time of possession, which further cements
Wells’ shot for big fantasy totals.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Four-straight games without at TD for DeAngelo.
DeAngelo Williams vs. MIN
Williams has now played 4 games without a TD and could be hard-pressed
to score – or produce 100+ yards this week against the Vikings.
Minnesota has allowed just 86.9 rushing YPG and 3 TDs on the ground
this season and they are not likely to surrender the big plays
that we have all come to expect from DeAngelo. It is not easy
benching this guy, but hopefully the decision is easier if you
have a quality back up to consider. Williams certainly has the
talent to put up big numbers, but the lack of passing attack really
hurts his chances, especially against a talented defense like
that of the Vikings.
Ahmad Bradshaw @ WAS
Bradshaw has had some good moments this year, but overall he has
not contributed what was expected of him considering how Derrick
Ward flourished in the same role last year. His TD last week was
his first in 4 games and even though he has received 10+ carries
in 9 of his 12 games this year, he has gone over 48 yards rushing
just once in his last 8 games. The Redskins have allowed 117.5
rushing YPG and just 7 TDs on the ground this year.
Quinton Ganther vs. NYG
In his first NFL start, Ganther rushed for a career-high 50 yards
and scored 2 TDs last week in Oakland. No Redskin had run for
2 TDs during any of the previous 17 games. While the story and
numbers are impressive, we must remind ourselves that this happened
against the Raiders, who, despite playing better overall football,
have still allowed a league-high 20 rushing TDs this season. The
Giants have not fared much better (17 ground TDs allowed), but
they are still in the NFC playoff mix and Head Coach Tom Coughlin
is expected to have his run defense up for the challenge. I’d
give the green light to start Ganther in a flex spot, but to hope
for RB2 numbers from a player who was out of a job twice this
season is asking too much.
LaDainian Tomlinson vs. CIN
Tomlinson has at least 1 TD in 5 straight games but has yet to
break the century mark this season. If 57 yards and a TD look
good to you, then by all means start him. If you have a RB with
more upside and a better matchup, LT could be better served riding
the pine. While the Chargers offense consistently presents Tomlinson
with goal line opportunities, his yardage totals leave a lot to
be desired. The Bengals currently have the NFLs #3 ranked run
defense; they have allowed 86.4 YPG and 8 TDs.
Wide Receivers 
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