Taking Over as the Top Runner in Baltimore
Rice showed flashes of being a good runner in the NFL last year. But Ray was held back most of the year, being the third runner in a three man committee.
This off-season Willis McGahee had another surgery on his knee and some doubt he will come back and play much or at all this year.
At the start of June camps, McGahee has already been demoted to the second string behind Rice. When Willis was asked about his feelings on the demotion, he told reporters, "work is work."
Now for the record McGahee has never been shy of letting people know when he's not happy. So to see him satisfied with any work at all, should tell you he's not right physically.
LeRon McClain will still get the goal line work
While Rice is the most talented runner overall in the Ravens offense. It will be
LeRon McClain that receives most of the work inside the red zone, as the Ravens will use him to pound out the tough yards.
Ray Rice's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
If in fact McGahee can not play effectively this year, Rice will be a 1,000 yard runner this season. Beyond a good rushing total, Rice also supports solid hands for the receiving game, as he had 33 receptions a year ago. Ray will also benefit from a run friendly coordinator in Cam Camren and a strong offensive line.
Even with all those positives the man won't be a No.2 runner for your fantasy team until he can take some of the touchdowns (Rice had zero TD's in 2008) away from McClain.
Until that time Rice will be a boom or bust runner in 2009. Mainly because when he does score a touchdown it will come from a distance. If you select Rice as a fill in player for your fantasy team, just remember he will at least make a great start four weeks (against Bengals and Browns) out of the year.
Fantasy Assets:
- Good Overall Skills
- Great Offensive Line
- Run Heavy Offense
- Good Hands
Fantasy Liability's:
- Touchdowns
- Watch McGahee's progress
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Showing posts with label Running Backs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Running Backs. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Fantasy Player Rankings: Arizona Cardinals' Chris "Beanie" Wells
A Perfect Fit for Both Sides
Chris had a great college season in 2007 upon receiving the starting job from Ohio State. In 2008 how ever he struggled at times in the Buckeye offense, when the team looked to him to carry the entire team.
In the NFL Draft , Chris was expected to be a top twenty pick, but dropped to the 31st pick with the Arizona Cardinals.
This was a perfect fit for Arizona whom desperately needed a runner. Beanie will help them at the very least as a player that can grind out the clock in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals are a great fit for Wells also. Chris needed a team that had a solid passing game, so that he would not have to take on all the pressure to make the offense go.
In this top flight passing offense, defenses will not be able to load up in the box to stuff the run. Because of this respect, No.26 will consistently be able to break though the line of scrimmage and punish defenders with a full head of steam.
Chris Wells Fantasy Football Ranking for 2009
I think Knowshon Moreno is a better running back and was worth the 12 pick overall this years NFL draft. But it may be Wells that has the more productive season in 2009.
With a great team around him in a weak division, Chris will get every opportunity to succeed this year. I liken his game to Brandon Jacobs, big and fast for his size.
Beyond those talents, what makes Beanie special for a big man is his ability to change direction on a dime.
In a standout offense and on a team that needs his services right away, Chris is in line for at least 10 touchdowns in his rookie season. Look for Wells as a solid No.2 running back in your fantasy draft this season.
Fantasy Assets:
- Touchdown maker
- 20 plus carries a game
- Great offense around him
Fantasy Liability's:
- Pass catching
- Durability?
Chris had a great college season in 2007 upon receiving the starting job from Ohio State. In 2008 how ever he struggled at times in the Buckeye offense, when the team looked to him to carry the entire team.
In the NFL Draft , Chris was expected to be a top twenty pick, but dropped to the 31st pick with the Arizona Cardinals.
This was a perfect fit for Arizona whom desperately needed a runner. Beanie will help them at the very least as a player that can grind out the clock in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals are a great fit for Wells also. Chris needed a team that had a solid passing game, so that he would not have to take on all the pressure to make the offense go.
In this top flight passing offense, defenses will not be able to load up in the box to stuff the run. Because of this respect, No.26 will consistently be able to break though the line of scrimmage and punish defenders with a full head of steam.
Chris Wells Fantasy Football Ranking for 2009
I think Knowshon Moreno is a better running back and was worth the 12 pick overall this years NFL draft. But it may be Wells that has the more productive season in 2009.
With a great team around him in a weak division, Chris will get every opportunity to succeed this year. I liken his game to Brandon Jacobs, big and fast for his size.
Beyond those talents, what makes Beanie special for a big man is his ability to change direction on a dime.
In a standout offense and on a team that needs his services right away, Chris is in line for at least 10 touchdowns in his rookie season. Look for Wells as a solid No.2 running back in your fantasy draft this season.
Fantasy Assets:
- Touchdown maker
- 20 plus carries a game
- Great offense around him
Fantasy Liability's:
- Pass catching
- Durability?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fantasy Rankings: Denver Broncos' Knowshon Moreno
You don't have to watch Knowshon on film long to see he has the entire package for a runner.
With good speed, great vision and top end ability to catch the football. This is a kid that makes you want to stretch maybe a round or two higher to draft him.
However one must temper those thoughts of fantasy success, when you look at the team he is on right now.
Broncos Franchise is in turmoil
It almost ticks me off, that now the Broncos select the guy we've waited to see Denver draft since they lost Clinton Portis. I can't help but feel that if Shannahan, would have not tried to be so cheep and just drafted a 1st round running back, he would still be with the Broncos.
Reality is that Mike was fired and then Jay Cutler complained his way into a trade.
The decision to move these to men away from the organization did not sit well with Bronco fans.
If the Denver starts out slow, mile high fans will be screaming at the new coach and management for creating the current situation.
With this situation in mind it may be wise as a fantasy owner, to step back and let someone else bid a bit too high on this stud runner. By next year we will all know more about where the direction the organization is headed.
Knowshon Moreno's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
If you do decide to take No.27, you could be getting a player that gives you the extra explosion you need to win those close weeks.
Or new head coach Josh McDaniels (Patriots offensive coordinator) might use a running back by committee with Lamont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter.
My personal hunch is that if coach McDaniels wanted a true committee, he would not have drafted Moreno as the 12th overall pick. Knowshon was not projected to be drafted that high and the Broncos could have waited and drafted him with the 18th pick in the first round.
Expect Knowshon to have inconsistent play this season, as the Broncos offense edjusts to their new version of the west coast offense. If you select Moreno with your 5th or 6th round pick I believe you will get fair value in his rookie season.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Great Receiver
- Good Offensive Line
Fantasy Liability's:
- His team is in turmoil
- Will Knowshon be used like Maroney?
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
With good speed, great vision and top end ability to catch the football. This is a kid that makes you want to stretch maybe a round or two higher to draft him.
However one must temper those thoughts of fantasy success, when you look at the team he is on right now.
Broncos Franchise is in turmoil
It almost ticks me off, that now the Broncos select the guy we've waited to see Denver draft since they lost Clinton Portis. I can't help but feel that if Shannahan, would have not tried to be so cheep and just drafted a 1st round running back, he would still be with the Broncos.
Reality is that Mike was fired and then Jay Cutler complained his way into a trade.
The decision to move these to men away from the organization did not sit well with Bronco fans.
If the Denver starts out slow, mile high fans will be screaming at the new coach and management for creating the current situation.
With this situation in mind it may be wise as a fantasy owner, to step back and let someone else bid a bit too high on this stud runner. By next year we will all know more about where the direction the organization is headed.
Knowshon Moreno's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
If you do decide to take No.27, you could be getting a player that gives you the extra explosion you need to win those close weeks.
Or new head coach Josh McDaniels (Patriots offensive coordinator) might use a running back by committee with Lamont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter.
My personal hunch is that if coach McDaniels wanted a true committee, he would not have drafted Moreno as the 12th overall pick. Knowshon was not projected to be drafted that high and the Broncos could have waited and drafted him with the 18th pick in the first round.
Expect Knowshon to have inconsistent play this season, as the Broncos offense edjusts to their new version of the west coast offense. If you select Moreno with your 5th or 6th round pick I believe you will get fair value in his rookie season.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Great Receiver
- Good Offensive Line
Fantasy Liability's:
- His team is in turmoil
- Will Knowshon be used like Maroney?
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Fantasy Rankings: Indianapolis Colts' Joseph Addai
Biggest Disappointment in 2008 Goes To.....
In 2007 Joseph claimed the starting running back role in the Colts offense. That season Addai amassed over 1,400 total yards and 15 touchdowns.
With Joseph in the prime of his career and on the high powered Colts offense, one could only envision more success for this young runner in 2008.
Coming into his 3rd season in the NFL No. 29 was drafted in the first round in most fantasy football leagues around the world.
Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Addai flopped and produced only 600 total yard 7 touchdown effort in 08. Granted he did miss 4 games with an injury, but he just didn't seem to be the same explosive player he was a season ago.
Colts Draft a 1st Round Running Back/ Coach Staff Turnover
In the 2009 NFL draft, Joseph saw his fantasy value drop when the Indianapolis drafted 1st round runner Donald Brown. Addai will be the No.1 runner in a heavy two back system.
What may hurt Joseph's ranking the most is his coaching staff, is in massive turnover this season.The Colts coaching staff is in disarray as his Head coach, O-line coach and offensive coordinator are all gone. Not to menchine the Colts quarterback coach and deffensive coordinator as well.
On some teams offense coordinators change (49ers) every year. The Colts how ever had their OC and offensive line coach, throughout Peyton Manning's career. In the end you just don't lose that chemistry and not go through some bumps in the road for awhile.
Joseph Addai's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
Addai is still a young talented runner. Even though the addition of first round pick Donald Brown hurt his value, it may keep him healthy for the entire year. Joseph has struggled with health issues since his days at LSU.
If you acquire Joe as a 3rd back /flex play in fantasy leagues this season, I believe you will have him at fair value. Look for Joesph to receive the lions share of the touchdown opportunity's this season.
Fantasy Assets:
-Good Offense Around Him
- Touchdown Maker
- Good Receiving Skills
- Game Breaker
Fantasy Liability's
- In a Split Back Situation
- Health is an Issue
- Lots of Change in the Coaching Staff
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
In 2007 Joseph claimed the starting running back role in the Colts offense. That season Addai amassed over 1,400 total yards and 15 touchdowns.
With Joseph in the prime of his career and on the high powered Colts offense, one could only envision more success for this young runner in 2008.
Coming into his 3rd season in the NFL No. 29 was drafted in the first round in most fantasy football leagues around the world.
Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Addai flopped and produced only 600 total yard 7 touchdown effort in 08. Granted he did miss 4 games with an injury, but he just didn't seem to be the same explosive player he was a season ago.
Colts Draft a 1st Round Running Back/ Coach Staff Turnover
In the 2009 NFL draft, Joseph saw his fantasy value drop when the Indianapolis drafted 1st round runner Donald Brown. Addai will be the No.1 runner in a heavy two back system.
What may hurt Joseph's ranking the most is his coaching staff, is in massive turnover this season.The Colts coaching staff is in disarray as his Head coach, O-line coach and offensive coordinator are all gone. Not to menchine the Colts quarterback coach and deffensive coordinator as well.
On some teams offense coordinators change (49ers) every year. The Colts how ever had their OC and offensive line coach, throughout Peyton Manning's career. In the end you just don't lose that chemistry and not go through some bumps in the road for awhile.
Joseph Addai's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
Addai is still a young talented runner. Even though the addition of first round pick Donald Brown hurt his value, it may keep him healthy for the entire year. Joseph has struggled with health issues since his days at LSU.
If you acquire Joe as a 3rd back /flex play in fantasy leagues this season, I believe you will have him at fair value. Look for Joesph to receive the lions share of the touchdown opportunity's this season.
Fantasy Assets:
-Good Offense Around Him
- Touchdown Maker
- Good Receiving Skills
- Game Breaker
Fantasy Liability's
- In a Split Back Situation
- Health is an Issue
- Lots of Change in the Coaching Staff
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
Friday, June 5, 2009
Fantasy Rankings: Dallas Cowboys' Felix Jones
Player Info:
If only Felix Jones would have stayed healthy
After the first six games of the season, Felix Jones looked like he was about to take more carries away from Marion Barber.
With explosive running in the opportunity's he received, Jones put on a show. In 30 rushing attempts, he posted an outstanding 8.3 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Felix injured himself and was done for the season. To me the Cowboys had many flaws last season, but if this guy stays healthy they would have made the playoffs and probably done well when they got there.
Rushing roles change in Dallas
It looks like is planning to use Felix Jones in the same way they used Julius Jones this season. This means Felix will be the starter and Barber will come in and close the games out.
While Felix will start, this does not mean Marion Barber isn't a talented runner; he's great for what he does. And what he excels at is coming into a game and punishing a defense while he's fresh and they are a little tired.
Felix Jones Fantasy Football Value in 2009
Felix is a more explosive version of Julius Jones in the Cowboys offense. He won't be a double digit touchdown maker this year, but he will have some long touchdown runs when he breaks away in the open field. With the Cowboys losing Terrell Owens and a strong need to keep Tony Romo upright this year, the boys will use their runners to dominate the game. I believe this formula of offense is when is at their best.
Once people notice that Dallas has two star running backs it will be to late, as defenses will have to game plan on how to stop their run first approach. Using the run game first will in turn open up the passing lanes, for Tony Romo and his receivers, especially Roy Williams down the field. Look for Felix Jones in the middle rounds of your fantasy football draft, as a rock solid flex play.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Great Team Around Him
- In a Run First Offense (This Year)
Fantasy Liability's:
- Will lose TD's to Marion Barber
- Need to show his Durability
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
If only Felix Jones would have stayed healthy
After the first six games of the season, Felix Jones looked like he was about to take more carries away from Marion Barber.
With explosive running in the opportunity's he received, Jones put on a show. In 30 rushing attempts, he posted an outstanding 8.3 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Felix injured himself and was done for the season. To me the Cowboys had many flaws last season, but if this guy stays healthy they would have made the playoffs and probably done well when they got there.
Rushing roles change in Dallas
It looks like is planning to use Felix Jones in the same way they used Julius Jones this season. This means Felix will be the starter and Barber will come in and close the games out.
While Felix will start, this does not mean Marion Barber isn't a talented runner; he's great for what he does. And what he excels at is coming into a game and punishing a defense while he's fresh and they are a little tired.
Felix Jones Fantasy Football Value in 2009
Felix is a more explosive version of Julius Jones in the Cowboys offense. He won't be a double digit touchdown maker this year, but he will have some long touchdown runs when he breaks away in the open field. With the Cowboys losing Terrell Owens and a strong need to keep Tony Romo upright this year, the boys will use their runners to dominate the game. I believe this formula of offense is when is at their best.
Once people notice that Dallas has two star running backs it will be to late, as defenses will have to game plan on how to stop their run first approach. Using the run game first will in turn open up the passing lanes, for Tony Romo and his receivers, especially Roy Williams down the field. Look for Felix Jones in the middle rounds of your fantasy football draft, as a rock solid flex play.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Great Team Around Him
- In a Run First Offense (This Year)
Fantasy Liability's:
- Will lose TD's to Marion Barber
- Need to show his Durability
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Fantasy Rankings: Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden
Player Info:
Darren McFadden's Disappointing 2008 Rookie Season
Darren was supposed to be the 2008 version of Adrian Peterson. Yet instead McFadden, disappointed with only 113 carries for 499 yards and 4 touchdowns.
For all intents and purposes McFadden's rookie campaign was a bust.True he came down with turf toe early and the Raiders decided to rest him for a few games. I believe this was a good move, as it will insure his toe stays healthy.
Deon Sanders played on turf toe and was never the dominant corner he used to be. I hope LT does not suffer the same as Deon because he played on his turf toe last year without resting it.
Another problem Darren had is that the Raiders, choose to give the starting job to veteran runner Justin Fargas. This slowed No.20's opportunity for consistency from week to week. How ever he did show us what he is capable of, in week 2 at the Chiefs, when on 21 carries, he posted 164 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The stat of 21 carries was key, as McFadden would have only 1 other game, with more than 12 carries (14 carries week 3) the rest of the year!
McFadden's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
This off-season Darren is having a solid spring and showing his explosion once again. If he isn't the starting tailback for the Raiders, to start the season I will be shocked.
Bottom line is the Raiders spent a 4th overall pick on this kid and it's time to see a return, on that lucrative investment. His fantasy value will also be helped with the signing of full back Larenzo Neal from the Ravens.
While Darren has all the tools to be a fantasy star I don't see that happening this season, with Fargas and Michael Bush still on the team. But I do believe the man from Arkansas will take a big step forward in this season.
Look for Darren as a solid No.3 running back, for your fantasy squad and I believe he will make you smile all season long.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Good Hands
- Good Offensive Line for Running
- Has Jeff Garcia, if Jamarcus Russell does not work out.
Fantasy Liability's:
- Doesn't get 20 touches a game
- Needs more Touchdowns
- Could use a better No.1 wide receiver
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com
Darren McFadden's Disappointing 2008 Rookie Season
Darren was supposed to be the 2008 version of Adrian Peterson. Yet instead McFadden, disappointed with only 113 carries for 499 yards and 4 touchdowns.
For all intents and purposes McFadden's rookie campaign was a bust.True he came down with turf toe early and the Raiders decided to rest him for a few games. I believe this was a good move, as it will insure his toe stays healthy.
Deon Sanders played on turf toe and was never the dominant corner he used to be. I hope LT does not suffer the same as Deon because he played on his turf toe last year without resting it.
Another problem Darren had is that the Raiders, choose to give the starting job to veteran runner Justin Fargas. This slowed No.20's opportunity for consistency from week to week. How ever he did show us what he is capable of, in week 2 at the Chiefs, when on 21 carries, he posted 164 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The stat of 21 carries was key, as McFadden would have only 1 other game, with more than 12 carries (14 carries week 3) the rest of the year!
McFadden's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
This off-season Darren is having a solid spring and showing his explosion once again. If he isn't the starting tailback for the Raiders, to start the season I will be shocked.
Bottom line is the Raiders spent a 4th overall pick on this kid and it's time to see a return, on that lucrative investment. His fantasy value will also be helped with the signing of full back Larenzo Neal from the Ravens.
While Darren has all the tools to be a fantasy star I don't see that happening this season, with Fargas and Michael Bush still on the team. But I do believe the man from Arkansas will take a big step forward in this season.
Look for Darren as a solid No.3 running back, for your fantasy squad and I believe he will make you smile all season long.
Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Good Hands
- Good Offensive Line for Running
- Has Jeff Garcia, if Jamarcus Russell does not work out.
Fantasy Liability's:
- Doesn't get 20 touches a game
- Needs more Touchdowns
- Could use a better No.1 wide receiver
Brought to you by- fantasy-rankings.blogspot.com