“The Gospel” Week 5 Running Backs
October 5th, 2007 | by aaron |It’s a good thing that I decided to have this out on Friday and not Thursday this week. I finally figured it out; all the top running backs have been hanging out with Travis Henry this season. As a matter of fact, Henry is the only RB listed as questionable on the Bruno Boys rankings. Did they know something we didn’t?
Who knows, with Tomlinson and Larry Johnson picking up the pace in week 4 things may have changed for this underachieving position.
Remember this is not a start em’ sit em’ list, but a list that will help you determine the best value from the Running Back position if deciding to play in weekly cash competitions.
Using Bruno Boys ranking system let’s take a look at what and what not to expect in week 5 of the NFL season.
Value Bets!
LaDainian Tomlinson: Denver cannot stop the run, but San Diego is having a hard time scoring points. Who wins this battle of inefficiency? Count on Tomlinson so expect his 24 predicted points.
Ronnie Brown: In my opinion, Brown is easily the third best back this week. He faces the Texans and he’s coming off of two monstrous games. Look for this consistent prediction of 21 points to come true.
Larry Johnson: Considering he’s at home against the 26th ranked defense his predicted value of 22 points seems reasonable. However, look for a game in the range of 18-20 this week from Johnson.
Clinton Portis: Portis should have his way with the Lions run defense this week. Look for a game in the low twenties this week.
After these top four this week expect multiple runners with similar type numbers.
Middle of the road!
Joseph Addai: As much as I hate to say this, Addai just won’t see 20+ this week. He’s banged up, the Colts are at home, and Dungy will not risk a player of Addai’s caliber just to get a simple win. If Addai scores a touchdown it will have to be from outside of the redzone. Otherwise look for a season low game in the 12-14 points range.
Edgerrin James: I don’t know if “Edge” has the proper situation or the burst that he once had to reach the 20+ point mark. However, James remains an excellent RB2, therefore, expect a game around 15 points.
Willie Parker: Parker falls in the same category as Addai. I really don’t see any redzone carries this week. Steelers go on bye week 6 and with a big powerful Najeh Davenport look for a game in the 10-12 point range for Parker.
Willis McGahee: The Ravens’ redzone play calling is horrendous. If McGahee does score it will have to be from outside the 30 and without bonus yard touchdowns expect another game in the mid-teens.
Deshaun Foster: With Foster’s fumble issues don’t expect an overwhelming amount of carries. Foster has had one game this season with double-digit points so do not expect a game above 9 points this week.
Marion Barber: I do envision Barber running through and over tackles, however, his predicted 17 points is high with T.O. stealing the spotlight on MNF this week. Look for a game in the 12-14 point out of Barber.
Frank Gore: Long day for Gore this week! Sixteen is too high against a Ravens defense that has allowed only one rushing touchdown in eleven games.
Don’t count on it!
Reggie Bush: Bush has already proven my preseason rankings wrong by demonstating a 2007 disappearing act. Here’s another opportunity for him because he is not an every down back and will have a long day pretending to be one. Look for a game in the high single-digits or low double-digits.
Shaun Alexander: I think I’m 4 for 4 with Alexander so far this season. Expected to score 14 this week in Pittsburgh but look for his second game of the season in single digits.
Don’t Count Out!
Brandon Jacobs: Expect Jacobs to make up for lost time. His predicted twelve points looks more like16-18 this week against the Jets.
Lendale White: Lendale has finally fallen into good graces with Fisher and as a result his carries will increase. Lendale finds the endzone and tops his predicted 11 with 14 points this week.
Marshawn Lynch: Lynch is the only offensive threat in Buffalo and as a result Lynch will find his predicted 17 points.
