Making the Correct Decision
July 31st, 2007 | by aaron |Whom to select when you have the choice of two quality players is probably the toughest aspect of fantasy football and the types of decisions that will help you either win or lose championships. In this column I will present a couple of tough options to consider and which player you should draft if the opportunity presents itself.
I will run this series of choices for the next couple of weeks so make sure to pay close attention to why, if presented with this dilemma, you should draft the better option.
I won’t even bother with the Tomlinson/Steven Jackson matchup because most consider L.T. to be the obvious selection and I have already explained why I would draft Jackson.
First Round Runningbacks
Joseph Addai vs. Frank Gore
Some would consider the third year back Gore the obvious choice after coming off of a 2200 yard 12 TD season. However, many people fail to realize that in his rookie campaign, Addai scored 8 TD’s and managed 1400 total yards while sharing the load with Dominic Rhodes.
Great match up! Two young RB’s coming off of great seasons and both ranked in the top 5 of most fantasy mock drafts. This is a pretty even match up, but here are a few things to consider if presented with this draft day dilemma.
With the improvement of the 49ers as a team Frank Gore’s role will decrease and the Niners will not look for him to shoulder the load for the ‘07‘ season. Gore also lost 5 fumbles last season which does not sit well in the eyes of any head coach, and even though Gore posted 2200 yards and 12 TD’s in only his 2nd season, it‘s very unlikely to happen again. However, Gore plays in a division where a defensive juggernaut doesn’t exist.
Joseph Addai showed that he has the ability to become an elite runner in this league and now that he has the starting role and full responsibility of an every down back, his numbers should increase. However, this is Peyton Manning’s team and opponents have a tendency of playing the defending champs a lot tougher, thus forcing Addai into a sophomore slump this season.
I previously ranked Frank Gore as a better option, however, as we grow closer to the start of the season, I feel Addai is the better choice. Does my change of heart have anything to do with Gore’s recent hand injury? Probably, but more so from his fumbling and proneness to injury.
Signup and Draft Now! Live Fantasy Football Draft coming soon!
Next: Willie Parker or Willis McGahee
