Well it appears that “Refgate” is going to be resolved but is your running back situation? With so much up in the air due to injuries, and general suckitude you may want to consider these running back stock tips. The key to building a money-winning fantasy football squad is making sure you have your bread-and-butter guys and then acquire more talent while the “price” is still low. It’s a lot of guess work and anticipation but man, is it fun when it works out. I can recall a Chris Johnson (back when he was good) for Jahvid Best deal back in 2010. Owners tend to overreach in trades, so looking to the waiver wire is generally preferable for greedy owners like myself. It also takes faith, I remember last year in a league I drafted DeMarco Murray late, only to become impatient and have the awesome pleasure of having him play well for an opposing team. But I digress. Let’s get you up to date on potential breakout running backs, the DeMarco Murrays of 2012, that may still be out there.
Finally, A Grown Simba
- I Need A LeShoure Thing
Besides Mikel LeShoure, there aren’t many must-grab-and-starts out there, but since managing injury replacements gives fantasy owners headaches due to the amount of daily change, you should stop reading NOW and pick up LeShoure. Ok, you back? Mikel LeShoure of the Detroit Lions has an ideal fantasy situation. He’s coming off a 100-yard effort against Tennessee (on 26 carries), the Lions starting quarterback is hurt and Kevin Smith, Joique Bell and Jahvid Best are his competitors for touches. Easy! The Lions have the Vikings up next, who typically are stingy against the run (12th) but allowed Gore to go for 60 yards on 13 carries—which indicates they are a little more generous in 2012. Although they racked up 583 yards against the Titans in Week The Lions are little out-of-sync on offense right now, although Shaun Hill is more than a capable backup, they will look to run and when they do set up to pass LeShoure caught all four passes thrown to him. When Stafford comes back, you will have a running back tied to great passing offense that will be looking to run more, keeping Stafford upright.
- This Ryan Equals Change As Well
Ryan Williams: Splash in The Desert?
Now here is where we look a little further out for some long-term potential. Ryan Williams, my man from Virginia Tech, has shown signs he’s ready to be the man on a 3-0 Cardinals team that hasn’t scratched the surface of their potential on offense yet. I like him immensely this week even with Miami on the schedule. He’s unowned in a lot of leagues so if you are looking for even RB2/3 help, add Williams to your roster. He’s got quicks catches the ball well out of the backfield, and can block well enough to stay on the field. Beanie Wells is still there but looking more and more like he will continue to be nicked up. Williams has his own history with injury but hey, so did /does Jamaal Charles (currently leading the NFL in rushing). I’m serious—I’ve got a thing for smallish backs that can outrun you (before they sign that second contract). NFL teams are finding out that plodding running backs do serve a purpose down in the red zone, but to keep pace with passing teams running backs need to be able to make plays in space, by putting space between themselves and the defenders. Ryan Williams has a DeAngelo Williams-type skill set. He probably will never be a 20-25 carries guy, but other than a handful of franchise backs who is? 16 carries for 134 gets you the same amount of points as 30 carries for the same yardage--speed and efficiency, folks. Ryan Williams will require you to be patient. He has an injury history that required you to be patient all of 2011, and he was doing the whole CJ2K thing (1 yard per carry) the first two weeks. But it is my belief that Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt actually will start Ryan Williams and not look back as soon as he puts two or three good games together, just like Kevin Kolb. The Cardinals hadn’t had any success on the ground until Williams put up 12 for 83 against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. Beanie Wells is still a concern for carries, but has turf toe which means Williams is definitely plausible as a flex start even against the tough run D of the Miami Dolphins.
- Tell Uncle Luke Lamar is in Miami, Too
Miller Time in Miami?
Speaking of the Miami Dolphins, the Reggie Bush situation bears monitoring. He thinks he is going to play on Sunday against these Arizona Cardinals. He was having a fine day against the Jets and then the knee acts up. The Jets players may have tried to injure him, or not (pass the hot sauce). His backup, Daniel Thomas, fumbled on a key possession that helped the Jets get back into, and eventually win last Sunday, 23-20. Third-string Lamar Miller, the homegrown talent and fourth round pick from the University of Miami showed nice burst on a couple carries totaling 48 yards on 9 carries. He’s got top-end speed that you can’t coach; and analysts were talking second round in the draft and he fell for some odd reason—DeMarco Murray also was a fourth-rounder. Lamar Miller is probably is a sleeper, less desirable than Ryan Williams, who has a real chance of starting.
Giant Update
The New York Giants are starting Ahmad Bradshaw in Week 4, so Andre Brown owners with visions of grandeur will need to be patient, as well. Bradshaw will get hurt again sooner and later, and this is more about Coughlin standing by his battle-tested veterans. Brown will get plenty of work and is more helpful to your team as a flex in Week 4—although Bradshaw, for a smaller back, is a great goalline guy. Stay tuned. We’re still looking for David Wilson.
Bits and Pieces: Folks, it’s still early enough to grab a back, and shoot up the standings. I would also pay attention to the Pittsburgh (Mendenhall back in Week 6?) Denver (Keep stashing Hillman) and St. Louis (Keep stashing Pead) backfields' for winds of change.
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