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Start 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Outperform Relative
To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Ryan Grant vs. IND
I can’t say I blame you if Grant’s 2.7 YPC last week
(and 0 TDs on the season) left a bad taste in your mouth, but
there is a silver lining - 33 carries!!!! If he gets 30 carries
against the Colts – who are giving up 161 rushing yards
per game - he will have a big day. Either way, you can chalk it
up: Ryan Grant gets crosses the stripe this week, folks.
Thomas Jones @ OAK
Jones first 20 games with the Jets: two rushing TDs. Last week:
two rushing TDs and a receiving TD. He’s come to life and
you’ve got to ride the hot hand. It doesn’t hurt that
the listless Raiders have already given up eight TDs on the ground.
Look for Jones to find the zone again.
Chris Johnson
@ KC
The speedy Johnson is licking his chops over his match up against
the NFL’s worst rushing defense in Kansas City. Sure, it
would be nice if his chubby backfield mate didn’t steal
some carries, but Johnson has emerged as the favorite with a 35
– 14 advantage in the past two games (including goal line
work in week 4). The Chiefs have given up eight TDs on the ground.
Coming off his bye, Johnson needs to be in your starting lineup
this week.
Rudi Johnson @ HOU
Longshot? Could be, but with the younger Kevin Smith dinged up
with a shoulder injury, Berudi Ali Johnson has a chance to party
like it is 2006 against a Texans squad that has given up an NFL
worst 10 TD’s. Take a look at the Lions remaining schedule; this
really is the one and only game they have a chance to win. Roll
with Rudi this week - and this week only.
Brandon Jacobs vs. SF
Jacobs is now a running back as opposed to someone who solely
tries to run his opponents over. Eli and the passing game will
open lanes, and the big RB is a lock for 15 touches goal line
duty against a 49ers team that will likely serve up 130 yards
and a TD. Jacobs should get the score and a majority of the yards.
Bench 'Em:
Running Backs Who Will Under Perform
Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype
Willis McGahee @ MIA
“Whatchootalkinbout” Willis has gotten nicked up seemingly in
every game he’s played. The ‘Fins have only surrendered 89 YPG
and three rushing scores on the season and last week they kept
Steve Slaton in check. While La’Ron McClain’s struggles should
help McGahee’s cause, there is still nothing to get excited about
here.
Jamal Lewis @ WAS
Jamal Lafitte Lewis played admirably on Monday Night, but his
YPC is still not very good and he cannot be counted on against
the ‘Skins. They have consistently contained quality running
backs in every game this season. Despite his hard running style,
I just don’t see Jamal making that much of a difference
here.
Ronnie Brown vs. BAL
It sounds like a 70’s cartoon, but ‘Ronnie Brown and the Wildcat’
have scored at least one TD in four straight games. The Ravens
#1 defense will stop that streak. Baltimore has kept every running
back it has faced in check, allowing only 66 YPG and 1 rushing
TD (Dominic Rhodes - last week) on the season. It would be wise
to start him every game the rest of the way, but this week, you
should put Brown down.
Julius Jones @ TB
JJ and has been good against the NFL’s weaker defenses and mediocre
(at best) against the better ones. Maybe he wants to ‘be like
Mike (Turner).’ Or maybe “he is what we thought he was!” Either
way, the Buccaneers have not allowed an opposing RB into the end
zone this year. The Seahawks offense is struggling and they will
be behind all game. For the record, Michael Turner’s week 2 line
against Tampa: 14 carries, 42 yards, 0 TD.
Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams vs. NO
Stewart has been struggling of late. He couldn’t punch it in from
a yard out last week against Tampa; backfield mate Williams followed
up his career day in week 5 with 25 yards and a 2.5 YPC. Factor
in that the Saints have been surprisingly stingy versus opposing
RBs this year; the last three weeks they have contained the 3-headed
monster of the Raiders, Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore. Not too
shabby. I’m taking my own advice: The Panther RBs can’t be trusted
until they show something again.
Wide Receivers
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