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 These split back scenarios will drive any fantasy owner crazy. Turn to Fantasygods.com to get the inside word on who to draft come draft day to dominate your league.
Dallas Cowboys:
Julius Jones: ADP – 2.12
M. Barber III: ADP – 8.09
2005 Analysis: The unquestioned starter in 2005, Jones struggles last year with injuries and lack of toughness forced Parcells to utilize little know Marion Barber III. Despite lacking the physical gifts of Jones, Barber III responded with a 4.5ypc in games he carried the ball 20 plus times. Even when Jones recovered, Parcells continued to involve Barber in the game plan and Jones’ expense.
2006 Outlook: Parcells is loyal to a fault and though Jones has been named the starter in 2006, the Tuna insists that Barber will see his share of carries. With Jones' injury history and Parcells impatience, both RB's will get an opportunity this season.
Pass on Julius Jones and draft Marion Barber III
With a current ADPs of 2.12 and his injury history, Jones is overvalued and should be bypassed. With Parcells behind him, and an ADP of 8.09,Barber III is a value play and should be drafted.
Chicago Bears:
Cedric Benson: ADP – 5.03
Thomas Jones: ADP - 5.11
2005 Analysis: Picked 4th in the 2005 draft, Benson held out and cost himself the starting RB position. Thomas Jones seized this opportunity and responded with a career year rushing for 1335 yards and 9 TD’s.
2006 Outlook: Despite a career year by Thomas Jones, Benson was handed the stating job in Chicago for the 2006 season. Though Benson’s potential looked promising especially with Jones straining his hamstring; Benson suffered a shoulder separation which will keep him sidelined until at least August 25th and cost him valuable practice time to solidify himself as the unquestioned starter.
Avoid both Benson and Jones
Despite his shoulder separation, due to his hefty contract, Benson still has the inside track to be the bears starter. With an ADP of 5.03 and a separated shoulder, avoid Benson. While he will see playing time in Chicago, we are forecasting a split backfield with both Jones and Benson sharing the load all season. If you depend on one of these backs, your team will be disappointed.
Baltimore Ravens:
Jamal Lewis: ADP – 3.08
Mike Anderson: ADP – 10.01
2005 Analysis: Lewis was a bust in 2005 scoring only 4 TD’s while rushing for less than 1000 yards. Anderson, meanwhile, had a very productive season in a split backfield for the Denver Broncos scoring 12 TD’s. Both RB’s age and injury history is a concern.
2006 Outlook: Fantasy owners are high on Lewis this season and see a bounce back season. Forget the preseason buzz. Though Jamal may impress early, the odds are stacked against Lewis as his running style has inflicted serious punishment on his body. We expect Lewis to be named the starter, but to be pulled at the goal line in favor of Mike Anderson.
Draft Mike Anderson; Pass on Lewis
Sharing time in the backfield, Anderson should also see about 30% of the carries this season; that is unless Lewis gets hurt. If he does, Anderson will be a huge steal with an ADP of 10.01.
New Orleans Saints:
Reggie Bush: ADP – 3.07
Deuce McAllister: ADP - 6.03
2005 Analysis: Bush won the Heisman for USCF in 2005m, while McCallister signed the highest paid RB contract in the NFL only to tear his ACL in game 5. Up until that point Deuce was having an average season.
2006 Outlook: Only 10 months removed from his ACL surgery, McAllister is practicing but is still having swelling in his knee and will be no more than a 50 million dollar backup RB in 2006. Though Reggie held out, he has reported to camp and is looking great.
Draft Reggie Bush
Believe the hype, Bush is that good; and with Brees looking solid, Bush will have a breakout season. Do not worry about handcuffing McAllister, he will not be 100% until 2007.
Indianapolis Colts:
Joseph Addai: ADP 5.01
Dominic Rhodes: ADP 6.03
2005 Analysis: It was all Edge for the Colts in 2005 as backup Dominic Rhodes received only 40 caries for 118 yards all season long.
2006 Outlook: Rhodes can still score TD’s but his days as a potential starting NFL RB are numbered. Addai has looked smooth in camp and is full of potential; especially in Indianapolis’ offense. Showing speed and burst that the Colts haven't seen since the pre-injury Edgerrin days, look for Addai to be named the starter by week 1.
Pass on Rhodes and draft Addai
Addai has dedicated himself to learning the offense and has dazzled in preseason action. With QB Peyton Manning singing this rookie's praises, Addai will make the Colts forget about Edgerrin James. At a current ADP of 5.01, draft Addai as he makes a run for rookie of the year in 2006.
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