FanProphet

“The Gospel” Week 9 Running Backs

Now that we are approaching fall football and the whether is beginning to change owners will finally reap the rewards for picking running backs throughout the first two rounds of their fantasy drafts. LaDainian Tomlinson will pick up the pace, Larry Johnson will prove why he held out, and veterans Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James will show why they still remain in this league. We’ve seen a couple of rookies in Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson display why they were first rounders and a couple of no-name career backups fill in nicely. The time has now come and passed for worrying about whether or not your running backs will produce.

Remember, “The Gospel” series is not a start’em sit’em list because all of these players are full-time starters in all fantasy formats. However, if playing in weekly cash competitions this list will surely make things easier and guarantee you a several cash finishes.

LaDainian Tomlinson: I looked for every excuse not to put L.T. at the #1 spot this week because the Chargers are playing a tough run defense in Minnesota. Last week Tomlinson posted a single digit week and the Chargers blew out the Texans. This week Tomlinson will reap havoc on Minnesota’s defense with his run and catch opportunities.
Projected Points: 24

Brian Westbrook: Dallas will struggle on the road and they will definitely struggle with the versatility of Westbrook. In two meetings last season Westbrook combined for 208 total yards and 1 touchdown. Look for bigger numbers this week in Philly.
Projected Points: 20

Larry Johnson: L.J. is running on fresh legs and if none of you remember when he got the starting nod in Priest Holmes’ injury season, let me remind you; 1750 yards and 20 touchdowns in only nine starts. There are eight games remaining for Kansas City.
Projected Points: 22

Shaun Alexander: The Seattle/Cleveland game could very easily be the Fantasy Game of the Week in any week other than this week. Alexander has struggled this season but the Browns will not stop him. Alexander will finish with two short touchdowns and over 100 yards.
Projected Points: 20

Joseph Addai: I don’t care that the Colts are playing the Pats this weekend. This game has a Vegas line of 57.5 points and Addai will contribute heavily. New England will not stop this running game.
Projected Points: 19

Adrian Peterson: AP has had some excellent games against what is supposed to be pretty good defenses. You can measure AP’s toughness on those games alone, therefore, do not expect much to change against the Chargers.
Projected Points: 19

Lendale White: The Panthers are giving up 113 rushing yards per game and have allowed a total of 7 rushing touchdowns. White is coming off consecutive 100 yard games and has four rushing touchdowns on the season. He’s hot right now so ride him til’ the wheels fall off.
Projected Points: 18

Marshawn Lynch: I say this every week; Cincinnati cannot stop anybody and expecting them to stop Lynch in Buffalo is completely unrealistic.
Projected Points: 18

Frank Gore: We can dissect Atlanta’s defense all we want, but I think we saw the best season of Gore’s career last year. Gore’s best game came in week 2 when he rushed for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns giving him 20 fantasy points. You would think that he should post better numbers against an Atlanta defense that allows 126 rushing yards per game.
Projected Points: 17

Reggie Bush: Jacksonville’s speed, intensity, and toughness on defense may be somewhat overrated. Through seven games they’ve allowed 4.2 yards per carry and 6 rushing touchdowns. Bush will find open space to work his magic.
Projected Points: 17

Clinton Portis: This just doesn’t seem like the same Clinton Portis. I would personally expect Portis to rebound and recover after the Redskins were completely shut down last week in New England. The Jets do allow 140 yards rushing per game and at least one touchdown.
Projected Points: 16

Maurice Jones-Drew: Teams haven’t run much on the Saints, but I think it’s because they’ve thrown all over them. Jacksonville can’t do that and even if Jones-Drew doesn’t get many touches he will make use of the ones he does receive.
Projected Points: 16

Edgerrin James: Considering the Bucs are allowing 126 rushing yards per game and have given up 8 rushing touchdowns, James will continue to be productive this week.
Projected Points: 15

Marion Barber: It will be a long day for Dallas in Philadelphia this week. However, Barber continues to run hard and will find a goal line opportunity.
Projected Points: 14

Don’t Count on it!

Willie Parker: The Ravens allow 72 rushing yards per game and have given up only 2 rushing touchdowns all season.
Projected Points: single digits

Willis McGahee: If either team does much scoring it will be from their kickers, defense, and their backup running backs.
Projected Points: 9