Fantasy Football 2010: A Short Look At The Not So Elite 8

Posted by Ray Tannock on Mar 25, 2010 in Fantasy Football

One of the biggest cancers to both PPR Leagues and Standard Leagues, are running backs who have to share their time.

These ancillary players hold very little value overall but entice owners in the same vein with flashes of brilliance,  over-hype, or even one or two good games.

While the 2010 Fantasy Football season is still far away most owners are beginning to look at what their options are before the draft hits in April, and with the RB position, things were looking to be a bit fruitful with the collapse of collective bargaining.

But so far, it has been nothing short of moot.

As of today, there are six players, two per team, that could’ve been a serious draft consideration since their new digs were suppose to be an avenue of regeneration; their opportunities were suppose to be something that could possibly add value. But as it stands right now, that may not be the case.

Matt Forte / Chester Taylor:

It’s now being reported that both players will have the chance to compete for the starting role, but why? In terms of Fantasy there really isn’t going to be much value that is going to “wow” owners into drafting either player early.

Forte showed last year that perhaps he isn’t the guy that is going to be the next great running back, while Chester Taylor showed that although he is still a good runner his ability to be a role player hurts his overall Fantasy value even as a bench player.

Prognosis: Both players will have significant roles in Chicago’s new system, but being significant fantasy producers may not be the case even if the load is split 50/50, simply due to such a split. PPR leagues may not want to even touch this situation period.

LeSean McCoy / Mike Bell:

While as of this article it is not yet official that Bell will sign with the Eagles, what is noteworthy is that the Saints are willing to let him go.

Bell isn’t exactly the model for consistency or health, and the probability of him coming on strong in 2010 as a quality back is pretty slim at best.

McCoy showed to be more of a bust in 2010 despite having flashes of “what could be”. The deal is, owners don’t want to know “what could be” as much as they want to know “what have you done for me lately”, which wasn’t much in 2010.

Prognosis: McCoy still has the chance of coming through, but he is definitely not the guy you want to target early regardless of what happens between now and September.

Shonn Greene / LaDainian Tomlinson:

Coach Rex Ryan has been reported as saying that L.T.’s role will be of some significance, saying that he can see him carrying 15 or more times a game, which will amount to squat fantasy wise.

The thing is, signing him to the two year 5+ million dollar deal could suggest Ryan is playing a little game of smoke and mirrors.

Shonn Greene is basically a tragedy now that L.T. is in town. Greene has all the makings of a great back, but splitting time with anyone will simply cut into his value dropping him in overall worth and rankings.

Prognosis: While it is pretty safe to say that L.T.’s fantasy value is gone, Green is a wild card that could wind up being a high risk/ high reward should Ryan change his tune. I would keep an eye on Greene only, and adjust accordingly as the year wears on.

Jamaal Charles / Thomas Jones:

Jamaal Charles has all the right things to make him a featured back in just about any system so long as he shows that he can be consistent for 16 games, but the fact of the matter is, we still have yet to see it. The other problem is, with the signing of Jones, what does that tell Charles?

Thomas Jones is the epitome of a workhorse, but a workhorse can only provide when he’s actually working; an environment that is likely to be defined by limitation rather than opportunity.

Prognosis: Out of every player situation mentioned this one has the most promise since there should be more focus on the ground game in K.C. than ever before. But remember that this is a team that doesn’t always opt to attack the red zone with their backs.

Still, that could change drastically this year if K.C. is smart and ages for the one-two punch they actually have. Both players here are worthy of a bench spot no doubt, but anything higher would be a waste of an early pick.

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