Every fantasy season running backs who didn't even register on the fantasy radar emerge and have a huge impact for fantasy owners and are often the difference between a championship caliber squad and a last place finisher. Running backs in the past who have risen up their teams depth charts mid-season and ascended to fantasy greatness include Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, Maurice Jones-Drew, with last years breakout's including Kenny Watson, Earnest Graham, and Ryan Grant. Due to the increasing amount of injuries and growing use of running-back-by-committee by more teams over the past few years, more running backs further down on teams depth charts are having a fantasy impact. You may not know every running back on all 32 NFL Depth charts, but we have you covered, giving you a look at every relevant fantasy running back for 2008.
Now, if your Fantasy leagues are like most, RB's are key. We all know the handcuff picks to our top RB picks but you need 3-5 RB's on your teams (to cover bye weeks, injuries, for trades to fill in your gaps and match ups) who do you pick. Here is an article I hope helps you to narrow down those choices to only a few and keep them under your hat till draft day when you pick them and everyone wonders where did you hear about that guy?
So here are More Runningback outlooks... Good luck this season.
As per George Bissell, Every fantasy season running backs who didn't even register on the fantasy radar emerge and have a huge impact for fantasy owners and are often the difference between a championship caliber squad and a last place finisher. Running backs in the past who have risen up their teams depth charts mid-season and ascended to fantasy greatness
RB Lorenzo Booker, PHI (RB - #61) - Deep-league Only
Miami's 3rd round pick in 2007, Booker, signed with the Eagles where he will compete with Correll Buckhalter and Tony Hunt for the backup job behind Brian Westbrook. Buckhalter is the favorite to win the job after he successfully fended off Hunt last season. Booker has some value as a handcuff to Westbrook because in Buckhalter's seven year career, he's missed three full seasons due to injury. Let's face it, despite all of the concerns about Brian Westbrook's health every year, he's one of the league's most durable starters and he's going to be on the field no matter what in 2008. Unless Westbrook suffers a serious injury, Booker doesn't have a lot of value to fantasy owners.
RB Michael Bush, OAK (RB - #79) - Deep-league Only
A talented rookie out of Louisville, Bush has become buried on the Raiders' depth chart behind Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. Bush will be an intriguing runningback to watch in the pre-season because there is a good chance he will be traded. I seem to recall another runningback that was traded in the pre-season then went on to fantasy stardom; I think his name was Grant right? Bush could stick in Oakland if LaMont Jordan is cut (which appears highly likely at this point). If Bush can find a way to get on the field either in Oakland or elsewhere, he has the talent to have significant fantasy value. Watch Michael Bush closely in training camp.
RB Brian Calhoun, DET (RB - #92) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Calhoun missed a majority of his first two seasons due to knee injuries to his ACL, but figures to have an impact in Detroit's backfield where he will compete with rookie Kevin Smith and Tatum Bell for carries in 2008. Calhoun is a burner with breakaway speed, who ran with power and had hands to complement his ability as a runner before his injuries. If Calhoun is back to the form he showed before suffering injuries, he will get plenty of carries for Detroit. Kevin Smith figures to be the starter opening day, but he set an NCAA record for carries his senior year, so his durability will already be an issue right off the bat as a rookie. If Smith hits the "rookie wall" early in 2008 look for Calhoun to take over the starting role. Calhoun has sleeper written all over him; then again I said the same thing at this time last year.
RB Jesse Chatman, NYJ (RB - #65) - Deep-league Only
Chatman showed flashed in Miami last season, starting six games for the Dolphins after Ronnie Brown tore his ACL while making a tackle after an interception against the Patriots. The New York Jets signed Chatman to compete with Leon Washington for the backup job behind starter Thomas Jones. Washington and Jones combined for just 4 rushing TD's last season and at 223 pounds, Chatman could get a look as the Jets' goal-line option behind their rebuilt offensive line. There's a lot to like about Jesse Chatman, but he doesn't have enough value to consider drafting unless you are in the deepest of leagues.
RB T.J. Duckett, SEA (RB - #51) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
After two lost seasons in Washington and Detroit, Duckett will finally get a chance to shine in Seattle after signing a five year $14 million dollar contract this past offseason. Seattle released former fantasy MVP Shaun Alexander this offseason and will replace him with a committee that includes former backup Maurice Morris, Duckett, and former Cowboy Julis Jones. Duckett scored 31 TD's during his first four seasons in Atlanta and after just 567 yards and 5 TD's the past two season's combined, Duckett has become a fantasy afterthought. Due to the significant fall in Duckett's value, he has become an excellent sleeper candidate in 2008 worth drafting in the later rounds because he has the potential to score at least 8-10 TD's as the Seahawks' default goal-line option.
RB Kevin Faulk, NE (RB - #54) - Bye Week Fill-in
Kevin Faulk recorded over 40 receptions for the second straight year, making him worth a late round pick as a backup in a points per reception league. Faulk is a team captain and a guy who football fans have to appreciate. Faulk doesn't make many highlight reels, but whenever Tom Brady needed a play on third down in the playoffs he looked to Kevin Faulk and he delivered every time, running hard after the catch and more often than not falling forward for the first down. Faulk is an excellent bye week fill-in because he will give you consistent production every week and is worth more than that if you are in a points per reception league. Faulk played a key role in the Patriots' offense late last season and as opposing teams focus on bringing pressure to stop QB Tom Brady, look for him to dump the ball off to Faulk on screens often next season. Faulk may not be as valuable in fantasy leagues as he is to the Patriots, but you could do worse with your late round picks than Kevin Faulk.
RB Matt Forte, CHI (RB - #21) - Solid/Safe Pick
Chicago released troubled running back Cedric Benson (who never lived up to his potential when he was selected #4 overall by the Bears in 2005 NFL Draft) following his second arrest of the offseason. Matt Forte, the Bears' second round selection (#44 overall) out of Tulane, is already being ranked in the top 25 fantasy running backs before even taking a snap in an NFL uniform. Forte isn't ranked this high just because he's being handed a starting gig; Forte will be receiving plenty of carries because the Bears' offensive game-plan revolves around the running game, as it should when Rex Grossman is your starting QB. The Bears were once again near the top of the league in carries with 423 attempts in 2007. Forte (the MVP of the Senior Bowl) is a talented, complete power back with size, good hands, excellent cutback vision, and after hitting the hole, has a higher gear which most power backs lack -- meaning he will be on the field for all three downs, plus short yardage situations. Forte's talent, combined with the enormous amount of carries he should receive in 2008, will nullify the fact that the Bears' offense isn't very good. Forte is a solid selection as a #3 running back in 2008 drafts, but don't expect him to put up incredible numbers in Chicago.
RB Brandon Jackson, GB (RB - #67) - Bust (overvalued)
Jackson was the popular choice to take over the starting role in Green Bay last season, but never lived up to the hype and was a disappointment as he lost the starting job and faded into obscurity behind Ryan Grant and DeShawn Wynn. Jackson just doesn't have the upside to warrant a selection in 2008 fantasy drafts with Wynn and Morency still being on the roster. If Jackson has a strong camp, he could win the primary backup job to Grant; only then would he have some fantasy value.
RB Chris Johnson, TEN (RB - #47) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
LenDale White remains the starter in Tennessee, which limits Johnson's value. As the Titans' first round pick, Johnson should have an impact in 2008. Johnson is expected to take on a Reggie Bush type role in the Titans backfield -- as a receiver out of the backfield -- with White handling the carries between the tackles. Johnson is an intriguing sleeper candidate in points per reception leagues because of his playmaking ability as a receiver. The ceiling is limited on Johnson's value, because LenDale White is the definite #1 option in Tennessee, but he should break enough big plays to give him considerable fantasy value. White's owners should look to handcuff him with Johnson, while other owners should look to draft Johnson in the middle rounds as a low end #4 fantasy running back.
RB Kenton Keith, IND (RB - #50) - Fantasy Handcuff
A product of the CFL, Keith established himself as a solid handcuff for Joseph Addai, rushing for 533 yards and 3 TD's while also adding 13 receptions for 77 yards and 1 TD last season. Keith was arrested in the offseason prompting Indianapolis to draft Michigan star Mike Hart and sign former Colt Dominic Rhodes the week following his arrest. Keith may be the most talented rusher of the backups, but his poor hands may be the cause of his downfall. If Keith makes it through camp without being cut, he is worth selecting as a handcuff if you took Joseph Addai with your first pick. Keith is one of the most talented handcuffs available, making him worth drafting in the later rounds. If Addai suffers a serious injury, Keith would be effective in the starting role for the Colts, giving him considerable fantasy value as well.
RB Antonio Pittman, STL (RB - #95) - Fantasy Handcuff
Pittman was cut by the Saints in the pre-season after being beat out by Pierre Thomas in camp and signed with the Rams. Pittman rose through the Rams depth chart and eventually took over the #2 spot ahead of Brian Leonard. If Steven Jackson were to go down with an injury as he did last season, I would expect Pittman and Leonard to split carries in the Rams' backfield. Pittman is worth a flier in the late rounds if you are looking for a running back who has the potential to step into a starting role.
RB Dominic Rhodes, IND (RB - #72) - Fantasy Handcuff
Rhodes was an integral part of the Indianapolis offense during their run to a Super Bowl Championship in 2006, but left Indy in favor of Oakland as a free agent signing a two year $7.5 million deal (believing he would inherit the starting job with the Raiders). Rhodes fell off of the fantasy radar in the black hole that was the Oakland Raiders' anemic offense last season; Rhodes was suspended for the season's first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and managed just 302 yards and 1 TD on 75 carries. Rhodes was released by the Raiders on April 28th, two days after Oakland drafted running back Darren McFadden fourth overall in the NFL Draft. Rhodes signed a one year $605,000 contract to return to Indianapolis on May 7th. Rhodes will compete with Kenton Keith and rookie Mike Hart for the primary backup role to Joseph Addai. Rhodes has a slight edge on Keith and Hart, because not only does he know the system, but he has better hands that make him a better third down option. If Rhodes makes the roster, he will have value as a handcuff to Joseph Addai.
RB Steve Slaton, HOU - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Slaton (a Heisman Candidate at West Virginia) joins a crowded Houston backfield as a rookie and the reason I include him in this article is that he appears to be the only one who will be around for the long haul in Houston. Slaton has some value in a points-per-reception league, but his value will be limited because he will only get about ten touches a game. If Slaton is a part of the long term solution in Houston, he should get plenty off opportunities to carry the ball late in the season if Houston is out of contention. Slaton could pile up some big numbers right around fantasy playoff time. Keep an eye on Steve Slaton in 2008, but don't draft him unless it's as a flier in the final round.
RB Darren Sproles, SD (RB - #82) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The speedy shrimp returned from a broken leg that cost him the entire 2006 season to his usual role as an ace in the return game. Sproles also showed he could be a playmaker out of the backfield in relief of LaDainian Tomlinson, taking 25 carries for 122 yards and 2 TD's in Week 15 versus Detroit. The drafting of Jacob Hester and Marcus Thomas will prevent Sproles from starting if Tomlinson ever goes down for an extended period of time, but Sproles will still be a playmaker on screens and draw plays in 2008. Sproles has unlimited potential, but his size truly limits his fantasy value. Darren Sproles has carved out a role for himself with the Chargers and as long as he continues to succeed in it, he has sleeper potential as a home run hitter who can score from anywhere on the field.
RB Aaron Stecker, NO (RB - #45) - Bye Week Fill-in
Stecker had a nice 2007 season in which he rushed for 448 yards and 5 TD's on 115 carries, also catching 36 passes for 211 yards. Stecker's experience will keep him in the picture in New Orleans' backfield rotation, but his running style is very similar to that of Reggie Bush -- which will most likely lead to even more carries for sophomore standout Pierre Thomas in 2008. I wouldn't call Stecker's 2007 numbers a fluke, but Stecker is nothing more than a bye week fill-in if Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister struggle with injuries as they did this past season; unless that happens, Stecker shouldn't come off the wavier wire.
RB Pierre Thomas, NO (RB - #55) - Sleeper (undervalued)
As an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, Thomas beat out 4th round pick Antonio Pittman for a roster spot and earned the start in New Orleans' season finale against Chicago after injuries knocked out Aaron Stecker, Reggie Bush, and Deuce McAllister. Pierre Thomas recorded 226 total yards (20 carries 105 yards, 12 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD), becoming the first Saints player to record over 100 yards receiving and rushing in a game. New Orleans has shown fantasy owners that they aren't confident in Reggie Bush as an every-down option and Aaron Stecker is a very similar runner to Bush, which eliminates him from contention; Deuce McAllister is coming off a torn ACL, as well as micro fracture surgery on his right knee (which means he will most likely either get cut in camp or end up on injured reserve again in 2008, leaving Thomas as the Saints' primary rushing option in 2008 to complement Reggie Bush). Thomas runs hard with a power edge and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Pierre has major sleeper potential with McAllister unlikely to play and the Saints needing to fill his role as the complement to Reggie Bush. Pierre Thomas could end up carrying the load for the Saints in 2008 and will also inherit the goal-line duties in New Orleans, making him an extremely valuable sleeper in 2008 fantasy drafts. If you're looking for the next breakout sleeper candidate, look no further than Pierre Thomas.
RB Labrandon Toefield, CAR (RB - #75) - Deep-league Only
Toefield was buried on the Jaguars' depth chart behind Jones-Drew and Taylor; all he needs is an opportunity to carry the ball. Toefield will get an opportunity in camp to show he can be an effective rusher in Carolina's zone blocking scheme and if he has a strong pre-season, don't rule out a three headed committee in Carolina. I fully expect Jonathan Stewart to win the starting role and breakout as a rookie in 2008, but DeAngelo Williams has struggled and could get replaced by Toefield. If that happens, LaBrandon is worth a selection in the late rounds. If Toefield struggles, then he will be right back to where he was in Jacksonville: a fantasy non-factor behind two superior running backs. Its all about opportunity and Toefield needs to make the most of this one in order to have any fantasy value.
RB Derrick Ward, NYG (RB - #89) - Deep-league Only
According to the New York Post, Ward took handoffs with the first team in mini-camp and appears to be fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in Week 13 of last season. Ward showed fantasy owners that he could fill in for Brandon Jacobs when he went down early in the season. Ahmad Bradshaw's breakout in the playoffs will drive down Ward's value, providing a great buy-low option for fantasy owners. Jacobs (despite being an absolute beast that was impossible to tackle at times when healthy) has always struggled to stay healthy, giving Ward fantasy value as a backup capable of starting if Jacobs misses time in 2008.
RB Ricky Williams, MIA (RB - #35) - Bust (overvalued)
Williams returned to the NFL just in time for the most miserable Monday Night Football game in recent memory versus Pittsburgh on the mud covered surface that was Heinz Field (the game in which a punt plugged in the turf). Williams carried the ball 6 times for a meager 15 yards before tearing his pectoral muscle, thus ending his brief season. On one hand, Williams is appealing to fantasy owners because Ronnie Brown's health heading into training camp is still an issue -- meaning that Williams would most likely start opening day. The reality of the situation is that aside from his five carries last season, Williams has just four other carries in the NFL over the past 5 years, the most recent being in 2005. Fantasy owners shouldn't rule out 5th round selection Jalen Parmele overtaking Williams in training camp for the backup job. There are just too many question marks surrounding Williams and the Miami backfield to invest a high pick on Williams. I'll take a pass on Ricky in 2008 fantasy drafts until he proves he can at least get on the field.
RB DeShawn Wynn, GB (RB - #71) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The knock on Wynn coming out of Florida was his durability and questions about his work ethic. Wynn did little to dispel the notion that he can't stay healthy as a rookie with Green Bay. Scouts never questioned his abilit, and as fantasy owners found out last season, Wynn can be an effective rusher in the NFL after rushing for 203 yards and 4 TD's on 50 carries; then he got hurt, suffering minor neck and shoulder injuries that put him on season ending injured reserve. Wynn will fight for the backup job behind Ryan Grant in training camp with Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency. According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Wynn has earned the respect of the Packers' coaching staff for his offseason work ethic, which bodes well for his chances of winning the backup job. Ryan Grant has never played a full season before and if he goes down, Wynn would be the leading candidate to replace him. Wynn is worth a pick in the later rounds as a handcuff or a nice sleeper if he can get on the field.
Now, if your Fantasy leagues are like most, RB's are key. We all know the handcuff picks to our top RB picks but you need 3-5 RB's on your teams (to cover bye weeks, injuries, for trades to fill in your gaps and match ups) who do you pick. Here is an article I hope helps you to narrow down those choices to only a few and keep them under your hat till draft day when you pick them and everyone wonders where did you hear about that guy?
So here are More Runningback outlooks... Good luck this season.
As per George Bissell, Every fantasy season running backs who didn't even register on the fantasy radar emerge and have a huge impact for fantasy owners and are often the difference between a championship caliber squad and a last place finisher. Running backs in the past who have risen up their teams depth charts mid-season and ascended to fantasy greatness
RB Lorenzo Booker, PHI (RB - #61) - Deep-league Only
Miami's 3rd round pick in 2007, Booker, signed with the Eagles where he will compete with Correll Buckhalter and Tony Hunt for the backup job behind Brian Westbrook. Buckhalter is the favorite to win the job after he successfully fended off Hunt last season. Booker has some value as a handcuff to Westbrook because in Buckhalter's seven year career, he's missed three full seasons due to injury. Let's face it, despite all of the concerns about Brian Westbrook's health every year, he's one of the league's most durable starters and he's going to be on the field no matter what in 2008. Unless Westbrook suffers a serious injury, Booker doesn't have a lot of value to fantasy owners.
RB Michael Bush, OAK (RB - #79) - Deep-league Only
A talented rookie out of Louisville, Bush has become buried on the Raiders' depth chart behind Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. Bush will be an intriguing runningback to watch in the pre-season because there is a good chance he will be traded. I seem to recall another runningback that was traded in the pre-season then went on to fantasy stardom; I think his name was Grant right? Bush could stick in Oakland if LaMont Jordan is cut (which appears highly likely at this point). If Bush can find a way to get on the field either in Oakland or elsewhere, he has the talent to have significant fantasy value. Watch Michael Bush closely in training camp.
RB Brian Calhoun, DET (RB - #92) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Calhoun missed a majority of his first two seasons due to knee injuries to his ACL, but figures to have an impact in Detroit's backfield where he will compete with rookie Kevin Smith and Tatum Bell for carries in 2008. Calhoun is a burner with breakaway speed, who ran with power and had hands to complement his ability as a runner before his injuries. If Calhoun is back to the form he showed before suffering injuries, he will get plenty of carries for Detroit. Kevin Smith figures to be the starter opening day, but he set an NCAA record for carries his senior year, so his durability will already be an issue right off the bat as a rookie. If Smith hits the "rookie wall" early in 2008 look for Calhoun to take over the starting role. Calhoun has sleeper written all over him; then again I said the same thing at this time last year.
RB Jesse Chatman, NYJ (RB - #65) - Deep-league Only
Chatman showed flashed in Miami last season, starting six games for the Dolphins after Ronnie Brown tore his ACL while making a tackle after an interception against the Patriots. The New York Jets signed Chatman to compete with Leon Washington for the backup job behind starter Thomas Jones. Washington and Jones combined for just 4 rushing TD's last season and at 223 pounds, Chatman could get a look as the Jets' goal-line option behind their rebuilt offensive line. There's a lot to like about Jesse Chatman, but he doesn't have enough value to consider drafting unless you are in the deepest of leagues.
RB T.J. Duckett, SEA (RB - #51) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
After two lost seasons in Washington and Detroit, Duckett will finally get a chance to shine in Seattle after signing a five year $14 million dollar contract this past offseason. Seattle released former fantasy MVP Shaun Alexander this offseason and will replace him with a committee that includes former backup Maurice Morris, Duckett, and former Cowboy Julis Jones. Duckett scored 31 TD's during his first four seasons in Atlanta and after just 567 yards and 5 TD's the past two season's combined, Duckett has become a fantasy afterthought. Due to the significant fall in Duckett's value, he has become an excellent sleeper candidate in 2008 worth drafting in the later rounds because he has the potential to score at least 8-10 TD's as the Seahawks' default goal-line option.
RB Kevin Faulk, NE (RB - #54) - Bye Week Fill-in
Kevin Faulk recorded over 40 receptions for the second straight year, making him worth a late round pick as a backup in a points per reception league. Faulk is a team captain and a guy who football fans have to appreciate. Faulk doesn't make many highlight reels, but whenever Tom Brady needed a play on third down in the playoffs he looked to Kevin Faulk and he delivered every time, running hard after the catch and more often than not falling forward for the first down. Faulk is an excellent bye week fill-in because he will give you consistent production every week and is worth more than that if you are in a points per reception league. Faulk played a key role in the Patriots' offense late last season and as opposing teams focus on bringing pressure to stop QB Tom Brady, look for him to dump the ball off to Faulk on screens often next season. Faulk may not be as valuable in fantasy leagues as he is to the Patriots, but you could do worse with your late round picks than Kevin Faulk.
RB Matt Forte, CHI (RB - #21) - Solid/Safe Pick
Chicago released troubled running back Cedric Benson (who never lived up to his potential when he was selected #4 overall by the Bears in 2005 NFL Draft) following his second arrest of the offseason. Matt Forte, the Bears' second round selection (#44 overall) out of Tulane, is already being ranked in the top 25 fantasy running backs before even taking a snap in an NFL uniform. Forte isn't ranked this high just because he's being handed a starting gig; Forte will be receiving plenty of carries because the Bears' offensive game-plan revolves around the running game, as it should when Rex Grossman is your starting QB. The Bears were once again near the top of the league in carries with 423 attempts in 2007. Forte (the MVP of the Senior Bowl) is a talented, complete power back with size, good hands, excellent cutback vision, and after hitting the hole, has a higher gear which most power backs lack -- meaning he will be on the field for all three downs, plus short yardage situations. Forte's talent, combined with the enormous amount of carries he should receive in 2008, will nullify the fact that the Bears' offense isn't very good. Forte is a solid selection as a #3 running back in 2008 drafts, but don't expect him to put up incredible numbers in Chicago.
RB Brandon Jackson, GB (RB - #67) - Bust (overvalued)
Jackson was the popular choice to take over the starting role in Green Bay last season, but never lived up to the hype and was a disappointment as he lost the starting job and faded into obscurity behind Ryan Grant and DeShawn Wynn. Jackson just doesn't have the upside to warrant a selection in 2008 fantasy drafts with Wynn and Morency still being on the roster. If Jackson has a strong camp, he could win the primary backup job to Grant; only then would he have some fantasy value.
RB Chris Johnson, TEN (RB - #47) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
LenDale White remains the starter in Tennessee, which limits Johnson's value. As the Titans' first round pick, Johnson should have an impact in 2008. Johnson is expected to take on a Reggie Bush type role in the Titans backfield -- as a receiver out of the backfield -- with White handling the carries between the tackles. Johnson is an intriguing sleeper candidate in points per reception leagues because of his playmaking ability as a receiver. The ceiling is limited on Johnson's value, because LenDale White is the definite #1 option in Tennessee, but he should break enough big plays to give him considerable fantasy value. White's owners should look to handcuff him with Johnson, while other owners should look to draft Johnson in the middle rounds as a low end #4 fantasy running back.
RB Kenton Keith, IND (RB - #50) - Fantasy Handcuff
A product of the CFL, Keith established himself as a solid handcuff for Joseph Addai, rushing for 533 yards and 3 TD's while also adding 13 receptions for 77 yards and 1 TD last season. Keith was arrested in the offseason prompting Indianapolis to draft Michigan star Mike Hart and sign former Colt Dominic Rhodes the week following his arrest. Keith may be the most talented rusher of the backups, but his poor hands may be the cause of his downfall. If Keith makes it through camp without being cut, he is worth selecting as a handcuff if you took Joseph Addai with your first pick. Keith is one of the most talented handcuffs available, making him worth drafting in the later rounds. If Addai suffers a serious injury, Keith would be effective in the starting role for the Colts, giving him considerable fantasy value as well.
RB Antonio Pittman, STL (RB - #95) - Fantasy Handcuff
Pittman was cut by the Saints in the pre-season after being beat out by Pierre Thomas in camp and signed with the Rams. Pittman rose through the Rams depth chart and eventually took over the #2 spot ahead of Brian Leonard. If Steven Jackson were to go down with an injury as he did last season, I would expect Pittman and Leonard to split carries in the Rams' backfield. Pittman is worth a flier in the late rounds if you are looking for a running back who has the potential to step into a starting role.
RB Dominic Rhodes, IND (RB - #72) - Fantasy Handcuff
Rhodes was an integral part of the Indianapolis offense during their run to a Super Bowl Championship in 2006, but left Indy in favor of Oakland as a free agent signing a two year $7.5 million deal (believing he would inherit the starting job with the Raiders). Rhodes fell off of the fantasy radar in the black hole that was the Oakland Raiders' anemic offense last season; Rhodes was suspended for the season's first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and managed just 302 yards and 1 TD on 75 carries. Rhodes was released by the Raiders on April 28th, two days after Oakland drafted running back Darren McFadden fourth overall in the NFL Draft. Rhodes signed a one year $605,000 contract to return to Indianapolis on May 7th. Rhodes will compete with Kenton Keith and rookie Mike Hart for the primary backup role to Joseph Addai. Rhodes has a slight edge on Keith and Hart, because not only does he know the system, but he has better hands that make him a better third down option. If Rhodes makes the roster, he will have value as a handcuff to Joseph Addai.
RB Steve Slaton, HOU - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Slaton (a Heisman Candidate at West Virginia) joins a crowded Houston backfield as a rookie and the reason I include him in this article is that he appears to be the only one who will be around for the long haul in Houston. Slaton has some value in a points-per-reception league, but his value will be limited because he will only get about ten touches a game. If Slaton is a part of the long term solution in Houston, he should get plenty off opportunities to carry the ball late in the season if Houston is out of contention. Slaton could pile up some big numbers right around fantasy playoff time. Keep an eye on Steve Slaton in 2008, but don't draft him unless it's as a flier in the final round.
RB Darren Sproles, SD (RB - #82) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The speedy shrimp returned from a broken leg that cost him the entire 2006 season to his usual role as an ace in the return game. Sproles also showed he could be a playmaker out of the backfield in relief of LaDainian Tomlinson, taking 25 carries for 122 yards and 2 TD's in Week 15 versus Detroit. The drafting of Jacob Hester and Marcus Thomas will prevent Sproles from starting if Tomlinson ever goes down for an extended period of time, but Sproles will still be a playmaker on screens and draw plays in 2008. Sproles has unlimited potential, but his size truly limits his fantasy value. Darren Sproles has carved out a role for himself with the Chargers and as long as he continues to succeed in it, he has sleeper potential as a home run hitter who can score from anywhere on the field.
RB Aaron Stecker, NO (RB - #45) - Bye Week Fill-in
Stecker had a nice 2007 season in which he rushed for 448 yards and 5 TD's on 115 carries, also catching 36 passes for 211 yards. Stecker's experience will keep him in the picture in New Orleans' backfield rotation, but his running style is very similar to that of Reggie Bush -- which will most likely lead to even more carries for sophomore standout Pierre Thomas in 2008. I wouldn't call Stecker's 2007 numbers a fluke, but Stecker is nothing more than a bye week fill-in if Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister struggle with injuries as they did this past season; unless that happens, Stecker shouldn't come off the wavier wire.
RB Pierre Thomas, NO (RB - #55) - Sleeper (undervalued)
As an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, Thomas beat out 4th round pick Antonio Pittman for a roster spot and earned the start in New Orleans' season finale against Chicago after injuries knocked out Aaron Stecker, Reggie Bush, and Deuce McAllister. Pierre Thomas recorded 226 total yards (20 carries 105 yards, 12 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD), becoming the first Saints player to record over 100 yards receiving and rushing in a game. New Orleans has shown fantasy owners that they aren't confident in Reggie Bush as an every-down option and Aaron Stecker is a very similar runner to Bush, which eliminates him from contention; Deuce McAllister is coming off a torn ACL, as well as micro fracture surgery on his right knee (which means he will most likely either get cut in camp or end up on injured reserve again in 2008, leaving Thomas as the Saints' primary rushing option in 2008 to complement Reggie Bush). Thomas runs hard with a power edge and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Pierre has major sleeper potential with McAllister unlikely to play and the Saints needing to fill his role as the complement to Reggie Bush. Pierre Thomas could end up carrying the load for the Saints in 2008 and will also inherit the goal-line duties in New Orleans, making him an extremely valuable sleeper in 2008 fantasy drafts. If you're looking for the next breakout sleeper candidate, look no further than Pierre Thomas.
RB Labrandon Toefield, CAR (RB - #75) - Deep-league Only
Toefield was buried on the Jaguars' depth chart behind Jones-Drew and Taylor; all he needs is an opportunity to carry the ball. Toefield will get an opportunity in camp to show he can be an effective rusher in Carolina's zone blocking scheme and if he has a strong pre-season, don't rule out a three headed committee in Carolina. I fully expect Jonathan Stewart to win the starting role and breakout as a rookie in 2008, but DeAngelo Williams has struggled and could get replaced by Toefield. If that happens, LaBrandon is worth a selection in the late rounds. If Toefield struggles, then he will be right back to where he was in Jacksonville: a fantasy non-factor behind two superior running backs. Its all about opportunity and Toefield needs to make the most of this one in order to have any fantasy value.
RB Derrick Ward, NYG (RB - #89) - Deep-league Only
According to the New York Post, Ward took handoffs with the first team in mini-camp and appears to be fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in Week 13 of last season. Ward showed fantasy owners that he could fill in for Brandon Jacobs when he went down early in the season. Ahmad Bradshaw's breakout in the playoffs will drive down Ward's value, providing a great buy-low option for fantasy owners. Jacobs (despite being an absolute beast that was impossible to tackle at times when healthy) has always struggled to stay healthy, giving Ward fantasy value as a backup capable of starting if Jacobs misses time in 2008.
RB Ricky Williams, MIA (RB - #35) - Bust (overvalued)
Williams returned to the NFL just in time for the most miserable Monday Night Football game in recent memory versus Pittsburgh on the mud covered surface that was Heinz Field (the game in which a punt plugged in the turf). Williams carried the ball 6 times for a meager 15 yards before tearing his pectoral muscle, thus ending his brief season. On one hand, Williams is appealing to fantasy owners because Ronnie Brown's health heading into training camp is still an issue -- meaning that Williams would most likely start opening day. The reality of the situation is that aside from his five carries last season, Williams has just four other carries in the NFL over the past 5 years, the most recent being in 2005. Fantasy owners shouldn't rule out 5th round selection Jalen Parmele overtaking Williams in training camp for the backup job. There are just too many question marks surrounding Williams and the Miami backfield to invest a high pick on Williams. I'll take a pass on Ricky in 2008 fantasy drafts until he proves he can at least get on the field.
RB DeShawn Wynn, GB (RB - #71) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The knock on Wynn coming out of Florida was his durability and questions about his work ethic. Wynn did little to dispel the notion that he can't stay healthy as a rookie with Green Bay. Scouts never questioned his abilit, and as fantasy owners found out last season, Wynn can be an effective rusher in the NFL after rushing for 203 yards and 4 TD's on 50 carries; then he got hurt, suffering minor neck and shoulder injuries that put him on season ending injured reserve. Wynn will fight for the backup job behind Ryan Grant in training camp with Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency. According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Wynn has earned the respect of the Packers' coaching staff for his offseason work ethic, which bodes well for his chances of winning the backup job. Ryan Grant has never played a full season before and if he goes down, Wynn would be the leading candidate to replace him. Wynn is worth a pick in the later rounds as a handcuff or a nice sleeper if he can get on the field.
