We’ve hit the end of the line with running backs and quite frankly, it doesn’t look like there’s a ton a value here. However, there’s always that one back who never gets drafted and ends up flying off the free agent wire within the first two or three weeks. Do your research and happy hunting!
Running backs 1-5 Running backs 26-30
Running backs 6-10 Running backs 31-35
Running backs 11-15 Running backs 36-40
Running backs 16-20 Running backs 41-45
#46- Rashad Jennings: RB- Jacksonville Jaguars
Jennings could see more playing time if MJD goes down again.
Age: 26
Height: 6’1
Weight: 228
Bye Week: 9
Keeper Status: Poor
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 459 yards 4 TD
Receiving: 26 Rec. 223 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 358 yards 2 TD
Receiving: 18 Rec. 145 yards 0 TD
Jennings did a solid job backing up Maurice Jones-Drew last year, eclipsing 100 yards in weeks 14 and 17. However, Jennings will only be a factor if MJD goes down.
#47- Mike Goodson: RB- Carolina Panthers
The worst news Goodson could receive was that DeAngelo Williams would return to the Panthers in 2011.
Age: 24
Height: 6’0
Weight: 212
Bye Week: 9
Keeper Status: Poor
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 452 yards 3 TD
Receiving: 40 Rec. 310 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 328 yards 2 TD
Receiving: 13 Rec. 111 yards 0 TD
Goodson took advantage of his opportunity last year when the Panthers backfield was decimated by injury. With DeAngelo Williams returning and Jonathan Stewart already in Carolina, Goodson only has an outside chance of getting substantial playing time.
#48- Donald Brown: RB- Indianapolis Colts
This could be Brown's last year to show that he belongs in Indy.
Age: 24
Height: 5’10
Weight: 210
Bye Week: 11
Keeper Status: Fair
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 497 yards 2 TD
Receiving: 20 Rec. 205 yards 0 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 322 yards 1 TD
Receiving: 19 Rec. 175 yards 0 TD
Brown is a unique option at this point on the list. While he is only one Joe Addai injury away from being the main guy in Indy, he doesn’t seem to be assimilating into Peyton Manning’s offense as quickly as everyone around him would like. This could open up room for Delone Carter, Indy’s 4th round draft pick out of Syracuse. However, if something magically clicked in the offseason, Brown could be a dark horse.
#49- Darren Sproles: RB- New Orleans Saints
In his new home, Sproles could be Reggie Bush 2.0.
Age: 28
Height: 5’6
Weight: 190
Bye Week: 11
\2010 Stats:
Rushing: 267 yards 0 TD
Receiving: 59 Rec. 520 yards 2 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 297 yards 0 TD
Receiving: 62 Rec. 575 yards 2 TD
When comparing the effectiveness of Reggie Bush and Sproles in the New Orleans offense, it’s plausible that Sproles should flourish and be a more consistent back for your fantasy team. In the past two seasons, Sproles has averaged 12 more receptions than Bush (52 per year opposed to Bush’s 40.5) and has averaged more rushing yards as well.
#50- Reggie Bush:RB- Miami Dolphins
Bush doesn't have the personnel around him in Miami to flourish.
Age: 26
Height: 6’0
Weight: 203
Bye Week: 5
Keeper Status: Fair
2010 Stats:
Rushing: 150 yards 0 TD
Receiving: 34 Rec. 208 yards 1 TD
2011 Projected Stats:
Rushing: 202 yards 0 TD
Receiving: 30 Rec. 176 yards 1 TD
Bush took his talents to south beach but it isn’t likely that he’ll be of any value. In a system containing a rookie running back and mediocre quarterbacking at best, Bush will miss the dome life of the Big Easy.
