“The Gospel” Week 1 Runningbacks

September 6th, 2007 | by aaron |

In the first week of “The Gospel” I have taken on average the top ten backs chosen in three different fantasy drafts this season. Of those ten players I have broken down each player’s opponent and situation while offering a brief analysis of how they will fare in week one.

It is safe to assume that most first round runningbacks will dominate the majority of the fantasy landscape each week, however, there are a few first rounders who will thoroughly disappoint us by playing well below our expectations. 

It is true that great players are not great some of the time, they’re great all of the time and will surely meet our expectations and validate our reasons for choosing them. 

Here’s what we can expect in week one from these top-ten runningbacks.

LaDainian Tomlinson: It’s a given, big names have big games against big defenses. Chicago will not be ready for what Tomlinson brings to the table and the Chargers will roll.

Steven Jackson: Plays a tough Carolina defense and a defense that wants to prove why they should be on top. Always a fantasy starter, but don’t expect too much from Jackson this week.

Larry Johnson: Props to all of the fantasy owners who remained loyal to L.J. by drafting him an average of third overall. Even though L.J. arrived late, the Chiefs play on the road, and they have a questionable QB, look for L.J. to rack up big fantasy numbers against these Texans.

Frank Gore: No defense in Arizona and Gore will be a huge part of this shootout. Fantasy owners that drafted Gore could not ask for a better beginning to a season.

Shaun Alexander: Long day in Tampa Bay! Alexander may have been drafted a little too high this season. This game will not offer much in terms of fantasy points.

Brian Westbrook: Big part of the Eagles success, but G.B. at home on opening day with high expectations offers a difficult opener for Westbrook and the Eagles. 

Joseph Addai: Expect a big game from Addai in an action packed high scoring season opener.

Willie Parker: Big rivalry game and Parker will show fantasy owners why he should not have slipped to an average of 8th overall. Over 100 yards and at least one touchdown in Cleveland.

Rudi Johnson: What has made Rudi so great is he has excelled in a division where defense is priority. Even with Baltimore on Monday night look for Rudi to continue his quiet yet consistent play in another fun game to watch. Above average fantasy production.

Willis McGahee: Watch out, Cincinnati cannot stop the run. Oh wait! They can’t stop the pass either. Willis is in for a big year beginning with the first game on Monday Night Football.

Five ‘Backs’ who will be Shut down, Shut Out, and Shut Up!

Cadillac Williams

Thomas Jones

Cedric Benson

Travis Henry

Maurice Jones-Drew

  1. One Response to ““The Gospel” Week 1 Runningbacks”

  2. By jdub on Sep 6, 2007 | Reply

    Nice list, I like your bold calls on Cadillac, Travis Henry, Jones-Drew, Benson & Jones.

    I agree that Benson will be a disappointment, this week and likely most of the season. But I disagree with Henry who I think has a great shot at being a top 5 fantasy back in Denver’s run friendly system.

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