| Last week we took a look at the AFC backup RB
situations in light of the recent rash of injuries that are hampering some of the
league’s top running backs. This week, let’s take a peek at the RB situations
in the NFC.
ARIZONA: To be honest, if you are relying on the Cardinals’ offensive threats
(aside from David Boston) to carry you far in fantasy football, you need more help
than I can give.
The Cardinals can’t seem to decide whom they want in the game — Thomas
Jones or Michael Pittman. I personally feel Pittman is better, but even behind
a high-priced and supposedly better offensive line, he hasn’t really got it going. If
Jones gets a chance, he’ll probably squander it like he has other chances, but I
don’t think either running back can really help you in a pinch.
DALLAS: I don’t buy Troy Hambrick, and you shouldn’t either. He did
have a very nice game backing up Emmitt Smith earlier this season, but Hambrick
doesn’t have top-shelf potential. At worst, if you know he’s going to play, he
could serve as an acceptable stopgap substitution but not as a long-term answer.
NEW YORK GIANTS: With little notice, Ron Dayne has become a productive No. 2
running back. Dayne, now separated from the rookie hype that surrounded him last year, can
do a decent job if not asked to carry the brunt of the load.
PHILADELPHIA: I like Correll Buckhalter. Even with Duce Staley in the
lineup, if you are desperate, Buckhalter isn’t a horrible play. The Eagles seem to be
finding a nice little niche for Buckhalter — catching passes and cleaning up if the
Eagles get far ahead. If this week’s suspension doesn’t deter him too badly,
Buckhalter’s worth keeping around.
WASHINGTON: If Stephen Davis goes down, the Redskins might as well just fold up
the tent and go home. That’s really all I have to say about the fortunes of the
Redskins’ offense.
CHICAGO: James Allen is best-served right where he is now — backing up Anthony
Thomas and serving as a third-down back. If asked to start, expect less-than-pleasing
numbers from Allen, who was average at best in his attempts to start.
DETROIT: Lamont Warren has done a solid job filling in for James Stewart.
Oddly though, I think a better emergency play in the Detroit backfield might be Cory
Schlesinger. The Lions like to throw to him in the red zone and seem to use him in
short-yardage situations as well.
GREEN BAY: I still think Dorsey Levens has a few miles left on his tires. Levens
could be a productive player if not asked to do too much and if Ahman Green should
run into trouble.
MINNESOTA: This is a blatant hunch on my part, but keep an eye on rookie Michael
Bennett. The first half of the season was a complete wash for him, but hopefully,
he’s learned a little in his time off. If he has, Bennett has a world of talent and
could finally make things click.
TAMPA BAY: Mike Alstott is now running like he used to. He might not be scoring
as much or gaining as much yardage, but the faith seems to be restored again in the
bruising fullback, who could see a few more opportunities to score, especially if Warrick
Dunn is slowed by lingering injuries.
ATLANTA: The Falcons would have to scrape up something should Maurice Smith go
down. If that were to happen, avoid playing Atlanta running backs. They are thin at the
position with Jamal Anderson out for the season.
CAROLINA: Richard Huntley, Nick Goings, Brad Hoover … the
list goes on, and on and on. The only time a Panthers running back should see your lineup
is if you have no other viable option, or are unconscious.
NEW ORLEANS: I don’t know if Deuce McAllister is good enough to be a
productive every-down back. I thought I’d get a chance to find out, especially
considering the brittleness of Ricky Williams in the past. If McAllister does get a
chance, odds are he’ll do well. But I’m only basing that on the limited times
I’ve seen him on the field.
SAN FRANCISCO: I still believe Kevan Barlow can be a productive NFL back. And if
I know anything at all about the odds of a player getting hurt, I’ve got to believe Garrison
Hearst has to be on the top of that list.
ST. LOUIS: I’ve never in my life advocated playing two players from the same team
in the same backfield on a fantasy team, but I’m doing it now. If you have Marshall
Faulk and Trung Canidate, play them both. Faulk will get his numbers every
week, and the odds are that the Rams will often be way ahead and look to protect Faulk
from serious injury. In will come Canidate, and he’ll probably get plenty of yards
too. Mike Martz has never been known for calling off the dogs when ahead. |
