FanProphet

“The Gospel” Week 4 Running Backs

Yeah, what has happened to the “premier” fantasy position this season? 

By no stretch of the imagination is this a start em’/sit em’ list, but it is a list that will show you the most value from the Running Back position if deciding to play in weekly cash competitions or when making a tough decision on whom to start.

Look for things to change with this weeks Running Backs as FanProphet takes a look at what to expect from fantasy owners’ favorite position.

Value Bets!

LaDainian Tomlinson: Well I think it’s about time to begin fearing L.T. again. For fantasy owners that were lucky enough to beat a team with L.T. congratulations, because week 4 will prove what made him the first overall selection in most fantasy drafts. A Bruno Boys prediction of 26 sounds good to me.

Joseph Addai: Denver is incapable of stopping the run and Addai’s predicted 23 is once again dead on by the Bruno Boys.

Willie Parker: There is never an easy day at the office in the NFL, but Parker has surely seen some favorable matchups. He’ll find the endzone this week and reach his expected 23 points.

Willis McGahee: If it doesn’t come this week against a weak Cleveland run defense expect much of what we’ve seen from McGahee for the rest of the season. A predicted 21 points means 2 touchdowns and 90 yards from scrimmage. That’s a tall order for a runner who hasn’t found the endzone this season. However, expect such a game as McGahee runs wild on the Brownies.

Cedric Benson: I have no clue as to why I’m sticking with this dude. Benson’s predicted 18 sounds good and against a weak Detroit defense look for Benson to better that number.

Laurence Maroney: Here’s another surprise this season. While Brady is throwing multiple touchdowns this season Maroney seems to be sitting back and watching. Against a less than average Cincy defense Maroney should hit low 20’s this week.

Ronnie Brown: Things looked great in the running game last week and Brown’s performance was no fluke. Eighteen points is quite an order for a player who’s managed only one game in double-digits this season. However, against the Raiders and at home Brown will once again prove his fantasy value.

Don’t Count on it!

Larry Johnson: The Chargers couldn’t ask for a better game to get things on track. Not too many teams will run against the Chargers and a struggling Johnson won’t be any different. At this point with Larry Johnson 14 points would be nice, but it won’t happen this week.  

Brian Westbrook: I’m definitely not saying to sit Westbrook, but I am saying…don’t expect 22 points this week in a divisional match-up against the G-Men. Look in the neighborhood of 16 or 17 in a Philly loss.

Lamont Jordan: Maybe it’s personal with Jordan. I simply don’t like him and this week we see why he’s not an every week RB2. 8-10 points max!

Shaun Alexander:  Another divisional matchup and another point total (21) that may be a little high considering Alexander is playing with a cast this week. At most Alexander finds a touchdown and goes for 85 yards (16 points) this week.

Adrian Peterson (Min): This is a low scoring affair and as much as I hate to put Peterson on here I have to against a Green Bay team that shut down Tomlinson. I know the Vikes are at home on turf, but 14 is high and expect more like 10 this week from Peterson.

Travis Henry: The Colts defense is not as bad as most of us think. Henry started out 17 in week one, 12 points week two, and only 9 last week. Henry may find paydirt, but don’t expect 19 in week 4 because 12-14 is all you’re going to get.

Marshawn Lynch: Without a viable passing game Lynch will struggle. The Jets had a heck of a time against Ronnie Brown last week so don’t expect history to repeat itself two weeks in a row. Seventeen is high so expect a fantasy total of 10-12 this week.

Carnell Williams: By default I could add Williams on this list every week and post a 90% accuracy. Sixteen points is another week of 100 plus an endzone appearance. Cadillac doesn’t have what it takes to post that type of game against the Panthers.

Don’t count out!

Marion Barber: I think Julius Jones’ days are limited in Dallas. A game of 15 points isn’t unreasonable, but Barber is showing RB1 type numbers. Look for another excellent game and a fantasy point production that finds 19-21 points.

Edgerrin James: Yes, the Steelers play shut down defense but they haven’t played any decent offenses. If Leinart has his head back together and/or Warner plays, James finds a game well above his 11 predicted points.

Warrick Dunn: I guess my prediction of Norwood being a fantasy sleeper is null and void. Dunn is expected to produce 8 points this week, but the Falcons offense showed that they can and will find the endzone. Look for a week of 50 & 50 and a touchdown against the Texans. Sixteen points and a season best for Dunn.