RB rankings

[49ertime]

I am looking Just at Running backs, atm, and want to put together a comprehensive ranking for what i believe the order should be for best Fantasy Football Running backs. I am playing in a league w/ 1 catch = 1 pt and 10 yards = 1 pt, meaning 10 yards recieveing and 10 yards running are each equal to 1 pt.

I am attempting to rank the players from best to worst fantasy wise and this is the list that i came up with. Let me know what you think and if there are any changes i should make and why. I am looking to build the best possible list i can so constructive criticism is encouraged.


1. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Steven Jackson
3. Larry Johnson
4. Frank Gore
5. Shaun Alexander
6. Joseph Addai
7. Brian Westbrook
8. Willie Parker
9. Rudi Johnson
10. Travis Henry
11. Reggie Bush
12. Willis McGahee
13. Maurice Jones-Drew
14. Laurence Maroney
15. Ronnie Brown
16. Cedric Benson
17. Clinton Portis
18. Thomas Jones
19. Brandon Jacobs
20. Edgerrin James
21. Marshawn Lynch
22. Ladell Betts
23. Warrick Dunn
24. Fred Taylor
25. Chester Taylor
26. Adrian Peterson
27. Marion Barber III
28. Julius Jones
29. Carnell Williams
30. Deuce McAllister
31. DeAngelo Williams
32. DeShaun Foster
33. Tatum Bell
34. Kevin Jones
35. Chris Henry
36. Jerious Norwood
37. Dominic Rhodes

[badass316]

I am looking Just at Running backs, atm, and want to put together a comprehensive ranking for what i believe the order should be for best Fantasy Football Running backs. I am playing in a league w/ 1 catch = 1 pt and 10 yards = 1 pt, meaning 10 yards recieveing and 10 yards running are each equal to 1 pt.

I am attempting to rank the players from best to worst fantasy wise and this is the list that i came up with. Let me know what you think and if there are any changes i should make and why. I am looking to build the best possible list i can so constructive criticism is encouraged.


If your playing in a league that rewards catches then your top 10 should look somewhat like:

1) LT
2) Jackson
3) Gore
4) LJ
5) Westbrook
6) Parker
7) Bush
8) Alexander
9) Addai
10) Henry

[49ertime]

You don't think alexander beats out brian westbrook? I was at least a little concerned about westbrooks durability... seems like he has started strong in previous years only to tail off as they get more pass happy. Considering that the curse is over now? And you really think bush will produce more than henry, addi and alexander? Seems like addai should have a real good shot at some big #'s w/ the offense happy colts.... it is difficult to bet against any denver running back especially when he is clearly the primary back, and i just can't discount alexander that much... even after a medocre season last year.

[PrepDogg]

I would put Gore before S.Jackson and L.Johnson. I would think Gore gets more fantasy points because he acounts for more of his teams offense than the other two.

[Trap_Star]

where's Ahman Green?...

[MasterShake]

My top 4 look like:

S-jax
LT
Gore
LJ (but with his line I dunno if he stays here)

[49erFanFoLife]

thats just not accurate enough of a list 49ertime gore should be higher than LJ

[Brian Jennings]

Gore is too high, he doesn't get enough TDs.

Being a homer = losing at fantasy

[Trap_Star]

Gore is too high, he doesn't get enough TDs.

Being a homer = losing at fantasy

bingo...

[BeefCake]

He'll get plenty of TD's this year though. ^_____^

[Brian Jennings]

bingo...I was hoping you'd disagree with me, just so I could copy and paste the thing in your sig.

:ninercaphell:

I'll never get my chance to be unoriginal.

[Trap_Star]

I was hoping you'd disagree with me, just so I could copy and paste the thing in your sig.

:ninercaphell:

I'll never get my chance to be unoriginal.

go ahead...i'll let you get a free one...

disagree with this: Derek Smith gets his backfield penetrated...:unsure:

[SubZor]

no way addai is ranked so high... only reason he is so high (in fantasy league) is cause hes w/ the colt.

[49ertime]

no way addai is ranked so high... only reason he is so high (in fantasy league) is cause hes w/ the colt.

As far as points go last year he was top 12 in RB's and he didn't even start in most games. They used Rhodes most of the time as the starting back but w/ addai still getting a lot of carries. I don't think they actually started addai until near the end of the season. This year he is going to be the exclusive running back, and should have an opprotunity to put up a lot more points it would seem w/ out having to share time. Although he may wear down a bit as the season progresses, but i don't doubt he will get a lot of touches on a very talented offense. Plus if he is in the game more he should get more catches as well.

[49ertime]

where's Ahman Green?...

I didn't quite know where to place him since he is fairly old, and with a completely new team, which has a terrible O-line. On the flip side he does seem to have been very consistent and fairly talented during his years in green bay.

[49ertime]

I would put Gore before S.Jackson and L.Johnson. I would think Gore gets more fantasy points because he acounts for more of his teams offense than the other two.

Just because he accounts for a larger percentage of a teams offense doesn't mean he gets more fantasy points. Steven jackson was money last year and was second only to LT in fantasy points for RB's. I certainly don't see his value diminishing this year, so i am going to stick w/ Jackson at number 2. LJ I have more questions about mostly due to the restructuring of his O-line. It was a tough call but i came down on LJ's side since he has been at the top for 2 years in a row now, and has come up w/ more fantasy points than gore even last year.

[49ertime]

My top 4 look like:

S-jax
LT
Gore
LJ (but with his line I dunno if he stays here)

Any particular reason why you think S-jax is gonna be better than LT this year? I think you are the only person i have seen who picked anyone other than LT at the top spot.

[49ertime]

Gore is too high, he doesn't get enough TDs.

Being a homer = losing at fantasy

Gore didn't get a lot of TD's you are correct but he still ended up w/ a ton of points b/c he picked up so many yards and caught so many passes. He caught 61 passes = 1 pt per almost 1700 rushing yards and almost 500 receiving yards which makes for a beast of a performance regardless of his low TD count of 9.

He was the RB w/ the 5th most points scored last year, and with better recieving options on the 49ers i have to think he will be as good if not better since they can't stack as many in the box against him on every play. Of course his catch totals may drop some as well but i don't think it is enough to dro phim out of the top 5.

[Ace Matherton]

If its PPR I think Rudi, Henry, Benson and Jacobs are too high. Maroney, T jones, K Jones (even with the injury risk) and Dunn are too low.

[Brian Jennings]

Gore didn't get a lot of TD's you are correct but he still ended up w/ a ton of points b/c he picked up so many yards and caught so many passes. He caught 61 passes = 1 pt per almost 1700 rushing yards and almost 500 receiving yards which makes for a beast of a performance regardless of his low TD count of 9.

He was the RB w/ the 5th most points scored last year, and with better recieving options on the 49ers i have to think he will be as good if not better since they can't stack as many in the box against him on every play. Of course his catch totals may drop some as well but i don't think it is enough to dro phim out of the top 5.
His production will likely dip if anything with the new receiving options around him, just because he really doesn't have a lot of area where he can improve a lot. 1700 yards is a lot, and few RBs even achieve that. The only area I think he won't take a small step back in this year will be TDs, I expect him to add one or two.

[49ertime]

If its PPR I think Rudi, Henry, Benson and Jacobs are too high. Maroney, T jones, K Jones (even with the injury risk) and Dunn are too low.

I believe Rudi's spot is well deserved, kevin jones i am not sold on and have positioned quite low due to his injury, and the fact that he is now sharing the backfield w/ 2 other backs and he likely won't start the season. I don't believe they traded for t. bell not to use him.

My concern w/ maroney is if i move him up whom do i bump down? I can possibly see him above maurice-jones drew.... only b/c of the uncertainty w/ mo-drew and splitting carries w/ fragile freddy but doesn't seem like much space to move him up. He didn't pick up that many yards last year. Although things could be a bit different this year w/ all those talented WR on the team.....

I think C. Benson and B. Jacobs are both in for very good years, now that they are the primary starting backs in their respective systems. Benson is in a run first run second offense and pray that grossman doesn't have to throw. Jacobs has the NYG spot and tiki had a tremendous year, so i don't think Jacobs is gonna suffer behind that NYG line (even though his running style is different).

As far as T. Jones goes i find him a little bit difficult to peg, mostly since he isn't the only back or even the primary back w/ the jets. I am not certain that there won't be some sort of time split amongst all 3 of the RB's in that system like they had last year... i did however think him talented enough to merit a fairly high draft pick regardless. If the Jets RB situtation firms up a bit more then i would probably feel better about raising his stock a bit.

[Ace Matherton]

I believe Rudi's spot is well deserved, kevin jones i am not sold on and have positioned quite low due to his injury, and the fact that he is now sharing the backfield w/ 2 other backs and he likely won't start the season. I don't believe they traded for t. bell not to use him.

My concern w/ maroney is if i move him up whom do i bump down? I can possibly see him above maurice-jones drew.... only b/c of the uncertainty w/ mo-drew and splitting carries w/ fragile freddy but doesn't seem like much space to move him up. He didn't pick up that many yards last year. Although things could be a bit different this year w/ all those talented WR on the team.....

I think C. Benson and B. Jacobs are both in for very good years, now that they are the primary starting backs in their respective systems. Benson is in a run first run second offense and pray that grossman doesn't have to throw. Jacobs has the NYG spot and tiki had a tremendous year, so i don't think Jacobs is gonna suffer behind that NYG line (even though his running style is different).

As far as T. Jones goes i find him a little bit difficult to peg, mostly since he isn't the only back or even the primary back w/ the jets. I am not certain that there won't be some sort of time split amongst all 3 of the RB's in that system like they had last year... i did however think him talented enough to merit a fairly high draft pick regardless. If the Jets RB situtation firms up a bit more then i would probably feel better about raising his stock a bit.

Well if your talking about 1 point per reception, most of your list is ranked more along the lines of a non PPR league. I'm no Bush supporter but 11 on a PPR list with Henry and Johnson ahead of him (who collectively in 10+ NFL seasons have never had a single season with half the catches bush had) seem a bit off.
MJD I see as a huge bust this year VS where he is being picked and I wouldnt touch him, in PPR I'd have to give Maroney the go over MJD, Henry and Johnson. Also be aware T Bell is a horrible recieving back and was traded by Denver primarilly becuse he was useless on thir downs, something any Martz back must excell at.

[Ace Matherton]

Based on 2006 numbers same score system as you described here is your overall points list.

2006 PPR Top 80 Point getters
Tomlinson, Ladainian 461
Jackson, Steven 362
Manning, Peyton 334
Johnson, Larry 320
Westbrook, Brian 313
Brees, Drew 302
Gore, Frank 288
Vick, Michael 279
Bulger, Marc 278
Harrison, Marvin 276
Palmer, Carson 262
Driver, Donald 254
Wayne, Reggie 254
Parker, Willie 252
Owens, Terrell 251
Johnson, Chad 250
Holt, Torry 247
Barber, Tiki 242
Jones-Drew, Maurice 242
Brady, Tom 241
Bush, Reggie 237
Houshmandzadeh,TJ 237
Johnson, Andre 237
CHI Bears 234
BAL Ravens 231
Walker, Javon 230
Coles, Laveranues 226
Evans, Lee 225
Rivers, Philip 224
Smith, Steve 223
Grossman, Rex 218
Manning, Eli 216
Colston, Marques 215
Williams, Roy 215
Johnson, Rudi 214
Jackson, Darrell 213
Kitna, Jon 212
Jones, Kevin 210
Burress, Plaxico 209
McAllister, Deuce 207
Boldin, Anquan 206
Furrey, Mike 206
Addai, Joseph 203
Favre, Brett 203
Young, Vince 203
Betts, Ladell 199
Taylor, Chester 199
Cotchery, Jerricho 196
Gates, Antonio 195
Roethlisberger, Ben 195
Green, Ahman 194
McNair, Steve 193
Jones, Thomas 191
Losman, J.P. 191
Glenn, Terry 190
Ward, Hines 188
Bruce, Isaac 186
Romo, Tony 185
Gonzalez, Tony 184
Pennington, Chad 182
James, Edgerrin 181
Fitzgerald, Larry 180
Clayton, Mark 179
Galloway, Joey 178
Smith, Alex 177
Barber, Marion 175
Brown, Reggie 175
Lewis, Jamal 173
Taylor, Fred 172
Edwards, Braylon 169
MIN Vikings 168
Winslow, Kellen 168
Heap, Todd 167
Henry, Travis 167
Johnson, Keyshawn165
Brown, Ronnie 164
MIA Dolphins 164
Muhammad, Muhsin164
Shockey, Jeremy 163
Hasselbeck, Matt 162

[Ace Matherton]

Where as same scoring but NO PPR

Top 80 2006 Non PPR
Tomlinson, Ladainian 407
Manning, Peyton 334
Brees, Drew 302
Johnson, Larry 284
Bulger, Marc 278
Vick, Michael 278
Jackson, Steven 274
Palmer, Carson 262
Brady, Tom 241
Westbrook, Brian 237
CHI Bears 234
BAL Ravens 231
Gore, Frank 229
Rivers, Philip 224
Parker, Willie 223
Grossman, Rex 218
Manning, Eli 216
Kitna, Jon 212
Favre, Brett 203
Young, Vince 203
Jones-Drew, Maurice 200
Roethlisberger, Ben 195
McNair, Steve 193
Johnson, Rudi 192
Losman, J.P. 191
Barber, Tiki 187
Harrison, Marvin 186
Romo, Tony 185
Pennington, Chad 182
McAllister, Deuce 177
Wayne, Reggie 174
Owens, Terrell 172
MIN Vikings 168
Johnson, Chad 167
Addai, Joseph 166
Driver, Donald 165
Walker, Javon 165
MIA Dolphins 164
Holt, Torry 163
Hasselbeck, Matt 162
NE Patriots 162
SD Chargers 162
Delhomme, Jake 158
Taylor, Chester 158
Barber, Marion 157
Jones, Thomas 156
Lewis, Jamal 156
Gould, Robbie 154
Betts, Ladell 152
Green, Ahman 152
Houshmandzadeh,TJ 151
Bush, Reggie 150
Evans, Lee 150
Henry, Travis 150
Jackson, Darrell 150
Leinart, Matt 150
Taylor, Fred 150
BUF Bills 149
PHI Eagles 149
Burress, Plaxico 148
PIT Steelers 148
Smith, Steve 147
Colston, Marques 145
DAL Cowboys 144
James, Edgerrin 143
DEN Broncos 139
Williams, Roy 139
Coles, Laveranues 137
JAX Jaguars 137
McGahee, Willis 137
ATL Falcons 136
Dillon, Corey 136
Dunn, Warrick 136
Johnson, Andre 136
CIN Bengals 135
Kaeding, Nate 135
Jones, Julius 134
Wilkins, Jeff 134
Brown, Ronnie 132
KC Chiefs 132

[MasterShake]

Any particular reason why you think S-jax is gonna be better than LT this year? I think you are the only person i have seen who picked anyone other than LT at the top spot.

Every other year I've picked LT as my top guy. Last year when people were clamoring for LJ and Alexander...I took LT and rocked em.

This year....LT just had a MONSTER year...history says he won't repeat. I still think he'll have a normal LT year, maybe little bit on the weakside of an LT year.

S-jax is just primed to explode. That offense has only become more potent and he still has fresh legs. He is my top RB with LT a close second.

[MasterShake]

His production will likely dip if anything with the new receiving options around him, just because he really doesn't have a lot of area where he can improve a lot. 1700 yards is a lot, and few RBs even achieve that. The only area I think he won't take a small step back in this year will be TDs, I expect him to add one or two.

I expect him to add more than one or two. He had 9 total TDs last season, this season I expect 13-15 total TDs and less fumbles. He is EASILY a top 5 pick in the draft in ANY format.

Let him fall if you like...I hope he falls into my lap.

[badass316]

You don't think alexander beats out brian westbrook? I was at least a little concerned about westbrooks durability... seems like he has started strong in previous years only to tail off as they get more pass happy. Considering that the curse is over now? And you really think bush will produce more than henry, addi and alexander? Seems like addai should have a real good shot at some big #'s w/ the offense happy colts.... it is difficult to bet against any denver running back especially when he is clearly the primary back, and i just can't discount alexander that much... even after a medocre season last year.

Nah, barring any injuries that can sideline him for more than a couple of games I think westy will outperform SA this year. SA seems to be the product of his OL and I expect somewhere near the same ypc (low 4s to high 3s) this comming year. That OL is also the very reason I think SA will not put up a relatively high amount of TDs (10-15). So basically SA should not get as many yards (as he used to get), TDs, and last but not least he gets no catches at all. Philly going pass happy doesnt necessarily mean all bad to westy, he too gets his share of passes thrown to him, especially if mcnabb throws the checkdown pass more frequently.

You can argue that addai, henry, and SA should produce slightly better numbers than bush because unlike those 3, reggie does have to share the rock with deuce. However unlike those 3 bush gets a ton of catches (almost 100 last year), you would think he will get close to those numbers this year on top of more rushing yards and TDs. And since you said your league (along with mine) reward catches, it can become a very important stat.

I ranked addai over henry because I think he might slightly outpoint him. You can really argue that henry should be taken ahead of henry because of the broncos OL. I think Henry will outproduce him on yards (with that Im almost certain), but im not sure he might get more TDs. The colts lost rhodes, so all goal line carries should be going to addai (I dont think the colts would put DeDe Dorsey for any goal line carries :laugh:), and he should have get as much if not more opportunities to punch it in from inside the 5 with that high octane colts O. The last deciding factor to me came down to the catches again. Henry doesn't really have a history of getting a lot of catches while judging from addai's rookie season, he had a lot of check down passes thrown to him by manning.

About SA, like I said earlier I think he's a product of his OL and I'm not completely sold that he will put up very good numbers next year to merit a top 5 or 6 pick. Don't be surprised if his numbers continue a downward trend this comming year. The seahawks without hutchinson lack the ability to open huge gaping holes for him to scamper through. He also loses that automatic TD once the hawks get inside the 5 because they can't just call dive plays to the left side anymore.

[49ertime]

Well if your talking about 1 point per reception, most of your list is ranked more along the lines of a non PPR league. I'm no Bush supporter but 11 on a PPR list with Henry and Johnson ahead of him (who collectively in 10+ NFL seasons have never had a single season with half the catches bush had) seem a bit off.
MJD I see as a huge bust this year VS where he is being picked and I wouldnt touch him, in PPR I'd have to give Maroney the go over MJD, Henry and Johnson. Also be aware T Bell is a horrible recieving back and was traded by Denver primarilly becuse he was useless on thir downs, something any Martz back must excell at.

I think that perhaps some of your criticism are fair. I re-examined the bush thing and he did make a ton of catches, and was used frequently as a wr... and perhaps i undervalued that a bit, so i will move him up. I also repositioned addai slightly higher than i had him previously based on last years production. I still think that Rudi doesn't move down more than 1 spot due to his outsdanding production last year. I did switch MJD and Maroney and dropped henry 1 or 2 spots based on addai and bush moving up. Even though you have a good point that henry didn't do a lot w/ the titans as far as recieving, i think he is going to have a blockbuster year w/ the broncos. Denver has always been a run heavy team w/ a system in place that permits hem do have great success running the football. I also think that this will be a team that runs alot to alleviate the pressures off their QB who is still very new to the game. So i do see his stats improving next year. Although i may move him down a slot or 2 if i can see some one else to validly move up.... so with those changes my new top 20 looks like this:

1. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Steven Jackson
3. Larry Johnson
4. Frank Gore
5. Shaun Alexander
6. Brian Westbrook
7. Willie Parker
8. Reggie Bush
9. Rudi Johnson
10. Joseph Addai
11. Travis Henry
12. Willis McGahee
13. Laurence Maroney
14. Maurice Jones-Drew
15. Ronnie Brown
16. Cedric Benson
17. Clinton Portis
18. Thomas Jones
19. Brandon Jacobs
20. Edgerrin James

Pretty sure i didn't change the bottom 1/2 of the rankings.

[49ertime]

Every other year I've picked LT as my top guy. Last year when people were clamoring for LJ and Alexander...I took LT and rocked em.

This year....LT just had a MONSTER year...history says he won't repeat. I still think he'll have a normal LT year, maybe little bit on the weakside of an LT year.

S-jax is just primed to explode. That offense has only become more potent and he still has fresh legs. He is my top RB with LT a close second.

In my opinion LT is still at the top, even though s-jack is very good.

[49ertime]

Nah, barring any injuries that can sideline him for more than a couple of games I think westy will outperform SA this year. SA seems to be the product of his OL and I expect somewhere near the same ypc (low 4s to high 3s) this comming year. That OL is also the very reason I think SA will not put up a relatively high amount of TDs (10-15). So basically SA should not get as many yards (as he used to get), TDs, and last but not least he gets no catches at all. Philly going pass happy doesnt necessarily mean all bad to westy, he too gets his share of passes thrown to him, especially if mcnabb throws the checkdown pass more frequently.

You can argue that addai, henry, and SA should produce slightly better numbers than bush because unlike those 3, reggie does have to share the rock with deuce. However unlike those 3 bush gets a ton of catches (almost 100 last year), you would think he will get close to those numbers this year on top of more rushing yards and TDs. And since you said your league (along with mine) reward catches, it can become a very important stat.

I ranked addai over henry because I think he might slightly outpoint him. You can really argue that henry should be taken ahead of henry because of the broncos OL. I think Henry will outproduce him on yards (with that Im almost certain), but im not sure he might get more TDs. The colts lost rhodes, so all goal line carries should be going to addai (I dont think the colts would put DeDe Dorsey for any goal line carries :laugh:), and he should have get as much if not more opportunities to punch it in from inside the 5 with that high octane colts O. The last deciding factor to me came down to the catches again. Henry doesn't really have a history of getting a lot of catches while judging from addai's rookie season, he had a lot of check down passes thrown to him by manning.

About SA, like I said earlier I think he's a product of his OL and I'm not completely sold that he will put up very good numbers next year to merit a top 5 or 6 pick. Don't be surprised if his numbers continue a downward trend this comming year. The seahawks without hutchinson lack the ability to open huge gaping holes for him to scamper through. He also loses that automatic TD once the hawks get inside the 5 because they can't just call dive plays to the left side anymore.


I understand your position on Shaun Alexandar, but his O-line was horribly mangled last year, as it was not helathy at almost any point, plus he had the curse to deal w/ as well. On top of it he was out for several games w/ his own injury, plus the starting QB being out put even more pressure on the running game. I don't know if I am quite ready to write him off for the comming season though. I think he rebounds some what from his showing last year.

As far as reggie bush you made some good points, and i have decided to take your advice and move bush up, due to all the receptions he had, particularly since he was used a lot as a WR last year.

Your comments about Addai also caused me to re-examine my rankings and so i gave him a slight bump so that he is now just above henry in the rankings.

See 2 posts above for the updated list.

Based on your arguments i am also considering a 1 position drop for SA to place him behind westbrook.

[MasterShake]

In my opinion LT is still at the top, even though s-jack is very good.

I'm sure most people would agree with you and to be honest if I do end up with the #1 pick....it won't be easy to pass up LT, but I think I would.

[majesstik1]

I'm sure most people would agree with you and to be honesty if I do end up with the #1 pick....it won't be easy to pass up LT, but I think I would.

O RLY?!

[Ace Matherton]

I'm sure most people would agree with you and to be honest if I do end up with the #1 pick....it won't be easy to pass up LT, but I think I would.

Why waste the pick? I'm one of the few as well that think LT's year wont be statistically better than the other top 3-4 backs. It make no sense NOT to select him witht he first pick even if you dont want him. Target the back you want (SJ) in this case and package LT + a player for an upgrade. His value will never be higher and not selecting him would be throwing the MOST valuable commodity in the game away. People feel he'll repeat or have the same dominant type year thats exactly why they will overpay for him.

In fantasy even more than the real NFL draft BPA needs to be addressed first ALWAYS. The low barriers to trading, volitility of the product (players) and vast discrepancy in the competance of participants (owners) make it almost a must to come away from the draft with the most valuable players possible at your draft spot (assuming you can someway put together a full lineup by the start date), then you worry about assembling your team. In reality drafting any kicker and to some extent defenses is a waste of a pick given what you can always pick up the first couple of weeks on the waiver wire. Picking any of them before you've exausted all the skill positions is risking too much on such a volitle positon.

Taking LT and selling him even at a discount (IE not getting full value but still a worthy trade) would be far better than taking SJ. At the very least you could trade him straight up for SJ and maybe finding yourself getting a top rated player at a weakness on your roster as well as the back you feel will have a better year.

[49ertime]

Why waste the pick? I'm one of the few as well that think LT's year wont be statistically better than the other top 3-4 backs. It make no sense NOT to select him witht he first pick even if you dont want him. Target the back you want (SJ) in this case and package LT + a player for an upgrade. His value will never be higher and not selecting him would be throwing the MOST valuable commodity in the game away. People feel he'll repeat or have the same dominant type year thats exactly why they will overpay for him.

In fantasy even more than the real NFL draft BPA needs to be addressed first ALWAYS. The low barriers to trading, volitility of the product (players) and vast discrepancy in the competance of participants (owners) make it almost a must to come away from the draft with the most valuable players possible at your draft spot (assuming you can someway put together a full lineup by the start date), then you worry about assembling your team. In reality drafting any kicker and to some extent defenses is a waste of a pick given what you can always pick up the first couple of weeks on the waiver wire. Picking any of them before you've exausted all the skill positions is risking too much on such a volitle positon.

Taking LT and selling him even at a discount (IE not getting full value but still a worthy trade) would be far better than taking SJ. At the very least you could trade him straight up for SJ and maybe finding yourself getting a top rated player at a weakness on your roster as well as the back you feel will have a better year.

He does have a good point about the potential for trading. The only way you screw yourself is if the person who picks up S-Jackson also believes he is rated higher than LT in which case you will have a hard time getting him to part with your desired player. However as was previously mentioned the majority of players seem to believe LT is the top and so a trade would likely get done, but still you would be taking a chance, albeit a pretty good chance by passing up your intended target. Regardless he will make nice trade bait for some one even if you aren't able to pick up S-jackson.

Something else to consider is the quality of player in your league. Some leagues don't do a lot of trading, others do tons... so there may be some reluctance to do a trade of any kind, which could hamper your efforts to offload a player.

[Ace Matherton]

J. Addai, F. Gore, and L.T. will be the 3 best RB in the league this year.


S. Alexander, L.J. and R. Johnson will be the top scoring RB this year.


S. Jackson will be a stud but might lose some carries around the endzone to Leonard.

I see Rudi losing a lot of productivity without Steinbauch, I think his average and TD's will dip below his career numbers and Palmer will be the main beneficiary of a lackluster running game. Rudi loved to run right through the hole Steinbauch created and his replacement is still unproven as a top level gaurd.

[Ace Matherton]

He does have a good point about the potential for trading. The only way you screw yourself is if the person who picks up S-Jackson also believes he is rated higher than LT in which case you will have a hard time getting him to part with your desired player. However as was previously mentioned the majority of players seem to believe LT is the top and so a trade would likely get done, but still you would be taking a chance, albeit a pretty good chance by passing up your intended target. Regardless he will make nice trade bait for some one even if you aren't able to pick up S-jackson.


The point though is you dont have to trade LT for a better RB, drafting him is only done so to upgrade the entire roster not just a position. Its likely the SJ owner who picked second or third will want more than your willing to give up, but the guy who drafted say Addai/Alexander/Gore and Holt/Harrison/Wayne/Fitz/Johnson would be much more likely to take say LT and Galloway. Assuming you drafted well your comming out on top by a regression in RB1 but a huge improvement in getting a #1 WR for a #3. If you had a solid #2 back your overall team score would then be much higher than it was with LT on the team (assuming you subscribe to the theory that LT will not be statistically better than those other top backs).

[49ertime]

The point though is you dont have to trade LT for a better RB, drafting him is only done so to upgrade the entire roster not just a position. Its likely the SJ owner who picked second or third will want more than your willing to give up, but the guy who drafted say Addai/Alexander/Gore and Holt/Harrison/Wayne/Fitz/Johnson would be much more likely to take say LT and Galloway. Assuming you drafted well your comming out on top by a regression in RB1 but a huge improvement in getting a #1 WR for a #3. If you had a solid #2 back your overall team score would then be much higher than it was with LT on the team (assuming you subscribe to the theory that LT will not be statistically better than those other top backs).

I understand that theoretically you should come out ahead but you also need to take the league into account, b/c it is a riskier propositoin not taking the person you think will be the best. I have been in leagues where no trades were done the entire year, so it is possible that he may be stuck w/ whom ever he picks. In my exprience people tend to over value the players that they already have and consequently not a lot of deals get done.