Running Back By Committees: Things to Think About (NFC Edition)

More and more fantasy football is seeing the emergence of the running back tandems and committees. Drafting an elite running back, who takes the bulk of his team’s carries, has gotten about 10 times more difficult than it used to be. You’re going to have to select running backs who share carries whether you like it or not, but RBBCs may have more than one valuable fantasy contributor. In the second part of this two part series, Bruno Boys Jimbo will take a look at those tandems that will prosper and those that will flounder with analysis of five RBBCs from the NFC.

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Dallas Cowboys – Marion Barber and Felix Jones

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to run the ball more in 2009 than they did last season, and to do so, they’ve put Marion Barber back in his traditional role in a RBBC where he was a fantasy star despite sharing the carries. Not only should Barber lead the team in carries, but he’ll also get the goal-line looks, making him a top-10 RB.

Jones showed last year that he’s capable of making big plays, and now that he’s healthy, he should take a larger role in this offense. Jones has become so highly regarded as a 2009 sleeper that he may as well have sleeper written on the back of his jersey instead of his last name.

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New Orleans Saints – Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush

If Reggie Bush can stay healthy, this could be a very formidable duo on a high-octane offense. Pierre Thomas will be the guy getting the bulk of the handoffs and will see most of the goal-line carries, but Reggie Bush still has good fantasy value, if he’s healthy. When he was in the lineup last season, he was one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets. In fact, in just 10 games played a year ago, Bush was second on the team in receptions (52). Slot receiver was where he excelled at USC and it’s where he’s going to excel on the New Orleans Saints—if he can remain healthy. Do you notice a pattern with this paragraph? Reggie Bush needs to stay healthy or it’s a one-man show in this backfield. Either way, it’s a nice win-win situation for Pierre Thomas owners.

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New York Giants – Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Andre Brown

The wind is gone from the Earth, Wind and Fire trio, but there’s still two pieces of that puzzle in place. Brandon Jacobs remains the top back of a group that will lead the New York Giants to any success they may have in 2009. With no strong receiver for Eli Manning to throw to, you can expect these three RBs to get numerous carries. Jacobs will likely still have a case of the injury bug this season, which gives Bradshaw and rookie Andre Brown the potential for some legitimate fantasy value. Keep a close eye on who emerges as the man to spell Jacobs, although that job looks as though it will be Bradshaw’s as of right now. If Brown is strong out of the gate, it’s possible that he could replace Derrick Ward as the wind in this backfield.

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Carolina Panther – DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart

Everybody seems to love this tandem. When I examine these two backs, as much as I think they will produce in 2009, I can also see a couple red flags that need to be brought to people’s attention, specifically regarding DeAngelo Williams’ value as a first-round pick. Let’s start with the most glaring point – the schedule. The Carolina Panthers have a pretty difficult schedule lined up for 2009, including two trips to the Meadowlands and a December trip to Foxboro. Also, Jonathan Stewart isn’t going anywhere, despite Williams’ tremendous 2008 season. Stewart, as a rookie, carried the ball 184 times and had 10 TDs of his own. This could easily become a 50-50 timeshare between the two. Stewart is perfectly capable of punching in the goal-line TDs, as well.

Everybody is still in awe of what Williams did last year, but that was then, this is now. When you factor in how much Stewart will get the ball, do not draft Williams expecting a duplicate of 2008. For how much these two backs will be effective this year, waiting to try to snag Stewart later and using your first pick for a different elite RB doesn’t sound ignorant.

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Arizona Cardinals – Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells

The addition of Beanie Wells makes this a tandem that will probably split the carries almost evenly, and I wouldn’t be shocked in the least if Wells surpasses Tim Hightower as the team’s top back. The Arizona Cardinals are armed with arguably the league’s best aerial attack, so taking either of these running backs probably isn’t the greatest of choices. If you’re one of those guys who thinks this will be the year when Warner finally gets a wicked hit and finds himself watching Matt Leinart from the training table, then watch these two backs closely as they may see a more prominent role then. Until that happens, don’t expect much to change from this offense.

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Top 10 NFL Running Backs For 2009

Running Back By Committees: Things to Think About (AFC Edition)

More and more, fantasy football is seeing an emergence of the running back tandems. Drafting an elite running back who takes the bulk of his team’s carries has gotten about 10 times more difficult than it used to be.

You’re going to have to select running backs who share carries whether you like it or not, but RBBCs may have more than one valuable fantasy contributor. In this two part series, Bruno Boys’ Jimbo will take a look at those tandems that will prosper and those that will flounder. He starts with five RBBCs from the AFC.

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San Diego Chargers – LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles

LT may have been dethroned as the king of fantasy football, but he still has great fantasy value. He is still the featured running back on the San Diego Chargers and will take the bulk of the carries, but Darren Sproles will definitely get a good piece of the action in 2009.

The Chargers will need to take care of LT in order to keep him healthy for the full season. Look for San Diego to pass more than run this season. Still, this backfield should still get plenty of opportunities. LT will remain the goal line back, which keeps him as a borderline top-10 RB.

Sproles, however, should rack up the yards with his blazing speed. He may end up becoming Philip Rivers’ favorite target out of the backfield. Last year, when Rivers and Sproles played catch, he averaged 11.8 yards per reception and had five touchdowns.

 

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Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Justin Fargas

Darren McFadden has the ability to be an elite running back in the NFL, and he’s got the supporting cast to help him if the Oakland Raiders use this committee correctly. Justin Fargas has been the team’s leading rusher, but that may not have been the case last year if McFadden was able to stay healthy.

With the Raiders’ passing game not looking too dangerous for 2009, a lot of running plays could be on the menu and all three of these guys should get the ball a fair share of times.

Obviously, McFadden is No. 1 on the depth chart and should be regarded as an RB2. But Fargas and Michael Bush also have fantasy value with Fargas as the steady and consistent option and Bush as the risk-reward option. I like Bush to have an increased role in catching swing passes and dump-offs out of the backfield.

If McFadden gets injured again, both the values of Fargas and Bush will rise significantly. There’s no denying this backfield had a bad 2008 campaign, but the addition of Lorenzo Neal and a healthy McFadden brings an encouraging outlook to 2009.

 

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Tennessee Titans – Chris Johnson, Lendale White, and Javon Ringer

I’m not a big fan of this RBBC simply because I doubt it’s going to be one this season.

Jeff Fisher recently admitted that Chris Johnson could have had a more prominent role last year, but they decided to keep the leash on him a little bit since he was a rookie. Now in his second year, look for Johnson to be even more involved in this offense.

The drafting of Javon Ringer means there’s a good chance that Lendale White will be wearing a different jersey in 2010. Does that mean he will still vulture TDs from Johnson? Of course. That was their bread and butter last year.

But, will he vulture as many as he did in 2008? Doubtful. You can expect Johnson to be the featured back more this year, while Javon Ringer will learn the ropes and likely take White’s spot next year.

 

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Pittsburgh Steelers – Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Mewelde Moore

You’re kidding yourself if you think you can ride your fantasy hopes on the back of Willie Parker. He had a great fantasy performance in Week 1 last year, scoring 31 points in standard scoring leagues. But then his next best performance was 17 points in Week 17. He scored over 10 points in only five of the 11 games he played in last year.

Don’t get fooled by the fact that the best team in football is a run-first offense. With three capable—but no dominant—running backs in the system, all three should get a piece of the action, which limits all three fantasy values.

Obviously, Parker is the best choice since he’s still No. 1 on the depth chart, but the Pittsburgh Steelers know they need to keep him healthy for the postseason if they want to repeat in ’09, meaning they won’t be afraid to spell him often.

 

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Baltimore Ravens – Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, and Leron McClain

Ray Rice has potential to be a sleeper in ’09, but even if he does, this looks like it’s going to be the poor man’s version of the Tennessee Titans’ offense.

Rice will get yards, and then Leron McClain will steal most of the touchdowns. McClain will be featured in the fullback role first and foremost, so don’t think he’ll be exactly like the 2008 version of Lendale White.

Willis McGahee is going downhill fast and will only get drafted by somebody in your league who is just going by names and hasn’t done their homework. If nobody drafts Rice, keep an eye on him because he may become a valuable waiver wire pick-up. But he is an RB3 at best.

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Tom Brady: Fantasy Football Crystal Ball

Tom Brady’s rehabilitation from the knee injury he suffered in week one of the 2008 season against the Kansas City Chiefs has been a big time story for many of the main sports networks. And, considering that during his last full season, Brady recorded 4,806 passing yards, 50 passing TDs, and just eight INTs, the coverage makes sense. 

With that in mind, Bruno Boys Greg tackles all things Tom Brady. After all, this is a guy who will likely be chosen in the first two rounds of your fantasy draft coming up this fall.

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Brady has been working hard to come back from the knee injury that knocked him out for the entire 2008 NFL season in order to be ready for 2009. And, according to multiple sources, it appears he will be 100 percent by training camp.

The biggest concern people have with players coming off of an injury is whether they will be able to stay healthy during their return to the field; as fantasy owners know that once a player has a crack in their armor, it makes their durability much more susceptible.

Thus, it is only natural for fantasy owners to have this concern in regards to Brady and his knee. However, if reports are accurate that Brady is back to being 100 percent, then the concern can be alleviated. 

Before last season, Brady never missed a game, and he is playing behind an extremely solid offensive line, which should limit the amount of times he’s hit.

So, does it really make sense to pass on a guy who can possibly put up unbelievable numbers because you are worried he may get hurt? 

Remember, on any given Sunday, any player can go down with an injury.

In this writer’s opinion, fantasy owners can expect Brady to post similar numbers in 2009 to those in 2007. While this may go against Brady’s career averages, remember Brady not only has the same receivers to throw to this season as he had in 2007, but the team has also added Joey Galloway to the mix, giving Brady another wide out to rely on. 

Add to that the fact that Wes Welker and Randy Moss have now been a part of this offense for three seasons, getting ever more comfortable in the system, and there’s no reason to doubt that Brady will be great yet again in 2009. 

I mean, if Matt Cassel put up nearly 3,700 yards last year in the same offense after not starting since high school, why shouldn’t Brady succeed. 

Fantasy owners selected Brady in the first round last season due to his tremendous 2007 season; however, he may drop a bit this year because of the concern regarding the knee.

While I don’t condone drafting a quarterback early, if Brady or Drew Brees is available in the bottom half of the first round or beginning of the second round, then you have to take him. The numbers both of these guys will put up will dominate what anyone else can do for you at the QB slot.

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Everything I Need to Know, I Learned Playing Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Roundtable: NFC East Edition

Now, just a day away from June, it is time to really start gearing up for the up and coming 2009 fantasy football season. Over here at Bruno Boys headquarters that means discussions of events happening around the NFL are in full-force. Today, Bruno Boys Whooley and Bruno Boys Ziza are discussing the NFC East as the Bruno Boys continue to break down the NFL division by division.

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NFC East Burning Questions!

 

1. How will the departure of wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer affect the rest of the New York Giants fantasy value wise?

 

Bruno Boys Whooley: In cutting ties with wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, the New York Giants were already looking thin at the wide receiver position. Add to that, the team’s decision to not bring back Amani Toomer, who had spent all of his 10-year career with the team, and things look even bleaker. With both Burress and Toomer gone, the Giants will hope that their young batch of receivers, consisting of Domenik Hixon (24), Steve Smith (24), Mario Manningham (23), Sinorice Moss (25), and David Tyree (29), can mature rapidly and pick up the receiving load.

 

However, that is a gamble as the young wide outs are sure to suffer from some growing pains during the year.

 

Those growing pains will not only effect quarterback, Eli Manning, and his fantasy value, but they will also hurt both Brandon Jacobs’ and Ahmad Bradshaw’s fantasy value as opposing defenses will be able to focus more on stopping the run than they were in previous years.

 

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: I think the departure of these two receivers will have a prominent affect on the New York Giants as a whole. Let’s start with what many people won’t think of, and that is their DST. If the offense can’t stay on the field as long as in prior years, the defense will have to be out there more.

 

If they have to be out there more, they will wear down more as games goes on, most likely resulting in points scored upon that would not have been there in the past. That will weigh heavily on their fantasy value, dropping them from being one of the top DST to one that now becomes a lower DST1 and possibly even worse.

 

As far as the QB position goes, Eli Manning will be Eli Manning. He will fight for everything that he gets, which is a good trait to have as he will need it as all of his wide receivers are pretty young and unexperienced, with 3rd year man, Steve Smith, becoming the possible WR1 on the Giants, which may or may not translate well for the team.

 

I am going to guess that the Giants become more of a running team, and that will allow opposing defenses to stack the box, which will hurt Brandon Jacobs’ value as well.

 

Granted, it is only May and there is plenty of time before the season starts, but from this Bruno Boys’ point of view, I think the departures will hurt the Giants at least fantasy football wise more than one may think.

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2. How do you see the departure of Terrell Owens affecting the passing game in Dallas?

 

Bruno Boys Whooley: Measuring the affect T.O.’s departure will have on Dallas is bit complicated. On the one hand, the wide out possesses incredible skill while on the field, evident by his three straight seasons with Dallas of 1,000+ yards and 10+ TDs. On the other hand, though, he is a clubhouse cancer that causes teammates more headaches than needed. So, what is the ultimate impact of his departure?

 

Truth be told, while the Cowboys will miss T.O. on the field, especially in the red zone, I believe they have the talent to weather his departure. Roy E. Williams and Patrick Crayton are more than viable options on the outside, while Jason Witten is one of the premier tight ends in the league.

 

Throw in Marion Barber and Felix Jones catching balls out of the back field, and Tony Romo has plenty of options to turn to in this post-T.O. era. Enough so that the Cowboys could very well remain one of the top 10 passing teams in the league – a distinction they held every year T.O. donned the Dallas star.

 

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: The thing that sticks out at me for the most part is that Terrell Owens was by far the biggest red-zone target that Tony Romo possessed on the team. But, that does not mean that Romo’s value will suffer as much as one may initially think. Even without T.O., Dallas still has a great crop of talent; talent that is more interested in winning rather than putting themselves before the team.

 

Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton along with Jason Witten will do more than enough on the field to lessen the loss of Owens.

 

Add in the fact that Felix Jones and Marion Barber can both be efficient as receivers out of the backfield, and it starts to look like the fantasy values of pretty much everyone on the field will go up; however, note that Romo may take a hit somewhat in his touchdown totals.

 

Even with less TDs though, Romo is sure to enjoy the season a lot more as he will be without the constant headache that is T.O., barking in his ear.

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Fantasy Football Preference – NFC East (Based on 12 team, standard scoring leagues)

 

1. Clinton Portis vs. Brian Westbrook vs. Marion Barber vs. Brandon Jacobs

Bruno Boys Whooley: WESTBROOK. In turning 30 prior to the season’s opening, coming off a knee injury, and running behind a revamped line, many experts will warn fantasy owners to stay away from Brian Westbrook; however, I’m not declaring the man a has been just yet.

 

After all, the Eagles’ back has totaled at least 1,233 total yards and 7 TDs in each of his last 5 seasons. With his knee expected to be fully recovered by training camp, Westbrook will be healthy to start 2009, and with the Eagles drafting Jeremy Maclin to play alongside DeSean Jackson, Westbrook should find a few more holes than in years past as the Eagles will boist one of the strongest passing games they have had in recent years.

 

Throw in the addition of LeSean McCoy to keep Westbrook a tad fresher, and 2009 should yield big numbers for Westbrook.

 

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: WESTBROOK. All four of these running backs suffered through injuries the past few seasons, and all four are no doubt gamers as they will be questionable come game day, yet most times they are there starting and excelling week-to-week.

 

The man with the best all around talent though is Westbrook, who will be able to help the Philadelphia Eagles in both the running game and receiving game, making him an object that gives nightmares to most opposing defensive coordinators all season long.

 

I see Westbrook having some of his workload taken from him from rookie LeSean McCoy, a running back that has the same attributes that Westbrook possesses.

 

This will hopefully enable Westbrook to be able to stay a tad bit healthier this year, which could result in Westbrook becoming a top-notch fantasy football running back once again.

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2. Most Improved from 2008 – Tony Romo vs. Donovan McNabb

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: MCNABB. While Tony Romo is undoubtedly the better fantasy football option at quarterback at this point of the year, I think with the addition of solid offensive talent in wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and in left tackle Jason Peters, McNabb has a possibility of becoming a top-notch fantasy football quarterback once again in 2009.

 

He has always had the talent to be a top-play every week when he is in the lineup, but that is his problem, he is usually banged up pretty good. If you remember a few years ago though, McNabb was having as good of a fantasy season as anyone in the game.

 

Now, I am not predicting that, but I am predicting that McNabb finally could have everything at his helm to shoot up the charts and rival others in finishing in the top-5 this year, possibly trumping Romo when all is said and done.

 

Bruno Boys Whooley: ROMO. Had Romo played a full season in 2008, then, without a doubt, I’d be going with Donovan McNabb here. After all, while Romo lost big time target, T.O. this off-season, McNabb received a new toy to play with in dynamic rookie wide out, Jeremy Maclin.

 

However, Romo is the one with the most room to improve on his 2008 numbers as the 3,448 passing yards and 26 TDs he notched came in just 13 games as he missed three games with a broken pinkie. As long as Romo stays healthy for the whole season, he should see an increase in his overall numbers, even with T.O. not in the picture.

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3. New York Giants Defense vs. Philadelphia Eagles Defense

 

Bruno Boys Whooley: PHILADELPHIA. Fantasy owners would be happy to own either of these defenses as both landed in the top 10 among fantasy defenses in 2008; however, in having to choose one over the other, I’m going with the Eagles. Sure, they loss safeties, Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine, and cornerback, Lito Sheppard,  but they did well to fill those holes by bringing in cornerback, Ellis Hobbs, from New England, and safety, Sean Jones, from Cleveland.

 

Meanwhile, the Giants also endured a loss on the defensive side of the ball, and their’s is a bit more detrimental as the team loss defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolu, who took over the head coaching job for the St. Louis Rams.

 

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: PHILADELPHIA. No, I am not smoking anything funny. Both are very talented defensive groups, but when it comes down to it I really believe that the New York Giants offense will take a pretty solid hit in 2009, while the Philadelphia Eagles offense has improved significantly.

 

That being said, the Giants defense will be on the field longer than in years past, while the Eagles defense will most likely stay off the field more often than in the past. That swing for these two solid NFC East defenses gives the nodge to the Eagles. 

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Bruno Boys’ Quick Hits (Opinions Delivered Harder than Ray Lewis Tackles!)

1. Best addition by a team in the NFC East?

Bruno Boys Ziza:  Have you ever heard of addition by subtraction? I am sure everyone has. With that being said, I think the biggest addition was the subtraction of Terrell Owens  from the Dallas Cowboys.

His departure will most likely add fantasy football value to Jason Witten, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Marion Barber and Felix Jones. With that type of possible improvement from all of these players, I really believe the loss of Owens is a huge addition to the Cowboys.

Bruno Boys Whooley: In 2008, the Washington Redskins finished fourth in the league in total defense, allowing just 288.8 yards and 18.5 points per game. Still, team owner, Daniel Snyder, felt there was some room for improvement; thus, he opened up his wallet in order to bring defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, to town.

 

Haynesworth, who had 9 sacks in 2008, should help a Redskins’ team that tallied just 24 sacks in 2008 get even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, making them a true contender for that top defensive spot in 2009.
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2. Biggest sleeper from the NFC East?

Bruno Boys Whooley: Typically, in the world of fantasy football, we focus on the third year as being the breakout year for wide receivers, but I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that year two will be DeSean Jackson’s.

The addition of rookie wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin, should take some of the pressure off Jackson, who was the team’s primary receiving threat in 2008, racking up 912 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. Look for those numbers to rise in 2009.

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: I wasn’t talking jibberish earlier about Donovan McNabb. I really believe that he has the opportunity to shine big time in 2009. With all the additions on offense bringing improvement to an already solid offensive group and the continued effort from a solid defense, McNabb should be on the field longer this year than in years past.

And, now that he has Jeremy Maclin to be a down the field target to go along with DeSean Jackson, I can see a lot of high yardage games coming from that time on the field this year.

I wouldn’t hesitate at all in making him my quarterback this year, but for all of those that do end up with him, do yourself a huge favor and grab a very solid QB2 as McNabb has had issues with staying on the field.
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3. Biggest possible bust for the NFC East?

Bruno Boys Whooley: Eli Manning has been solid during his time as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, tallying at least 3,200 passing yards and 21 passing TDs in each season since 2005. But, those totals appear to be in jeopardy for 2009.

 

As discussed earlier in this roundtable, the Giants will be without both Plaxico Burress  and Amani Toomer in 2008, leaving Manning with a group of young and inexperienced wide receivers to throw to. As such, Manning could very well regress, making him no more than a low-end QB1 / high-end QB2.

Bruno Boys Ziza: I hate to say it, because I am rooting for the guy, but Brandon Jacobs is going to be targeted heavily this year, unless the New York Giants can establish a solid passing game, which is still up in the air.

Jacobs took a huge step last season becoming a touchdown machine, but if he is focused on heavily, that machine could break down. At this moment, I wouldn’t spend a high pick on Jacobs, rather looking to grab a sure-fire top-notch wide receiver instead, unless someone like Frank Gore slips further down than I expect.
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NFL Key Questions: AFC South

The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, and despite the holes many teams were able to fill with their selections, there are still questions surrounding all 32 squads. The Bruno Boys though are here for you, attempting to shed light on the key issues surrounding all 32 NFL teams. This time we take a look at the AFC South.

Houston Texans

What can fantasy owners expect from Matt Schaub in 2009?

When on the football field, Matt Schaub has shown that he can be the franchise quarterback the Texans expected to get when they traded for him prior to the 2007 season.

The problem, though, is that in Schaub’s two seasons with Houston, the quarterback has missed nearly a third of the team’s games, playing in just 22 of 32 contests. Thus, arises the dilemna.

In posting a 92.7 quarterback rating, with 3,043 passing yards, 15 TDs, and just 10 interceptions in 11 games last season, Schaub has whet fantasy owners’ appetites.

After all, who wouldn’t want a guy capable of putting up 20+ fantasy points on a consistent basis (Schaub did it in five of 11 games last season) on their squad, especially when you consider the talent Schaub has to work with.

Not only does he have one of the best wide receivers in the league to throw to in Andre Johnson, he, also, has more than capable targets in wide out, Kevin Walter, and tight end, Owen Daniels.

Add to those fine receivers a sound running game, provided by Steve Slaton, and Schaub is in an offense that appears guaranteed to put up fantasy points, making Schaub a sure-fire QB1 if on the field for all 16 games in 2009.

Still, the injuries are a concern, and something to consider when selecting Schaub in your 2009 fantasy draft. By no means, though, should they make you steer clear of the QB, but if you do take Schaub, be sure you have another arm on your roster that you can rely on if Schaub goes down, and we’re not talking about the Texans’ backup plan of Dan Orlovsky.

Indianapolis Colts

Does the Indianapolis Colts’ first round selection of running back Donald Brown mean Joseph Addai’s days are numbered as the team’s featured back?

With the Indianapolis Colts failing to match the Buffalo Bills‘ offer to running back, Dominic Rhodes, who helped keep the Colts’ running game afloat last season while Joseph Addai struggled, it appeared the team had some faith that Addai would return to the 1,000-yard rusher he had been in his first two seasons in the league.

Then, draft day came, and the Colts used their first round selection on University of Connecticut back, Donald Brown, who led the Huskies with 2,083 rushing yards and 18 TDs.

The Colts did not waste a first round selection on Brown to have him simply ride the pine. Rather, the team hopes to utilize Addai and Brown in a time share, helping to keep both runners fresh throughout the year.

While that plan of action may benefit the Colts greatly, it will frustrate fantasy owners as it means yet another running back by committee has surfaced, preventing either back from rising to RB1 status as they both seem to be RB2 candidates at the moment.

As of now, Addai is being considered the team’s number one back by new head coach, Jim Caldwell, but really, the label means nothing as the time share is expected to yield a 50/50 split.

The split in action, more than likely means, Addai won’t see a major bounce back in his numbers in 2009, but look on the bright side, at least this time around, you won’t use a first round selection on him.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

With Fred Taylor finally out of the picture, how will Maurice Jones-Drew fare as the Jaguars’ workhorse?

Praise be to the fantasy football gods!

In a time when more and more teams are turning to the dreaded running back by committee (see: Indianapolis Colts above), the Jacksonville Jaguars have done fantasy owners a favor by putting another workhorse back out on the fantasy market as Maurice Jones-Drew will now be the team’s featured back thanks to the release of Fred Taylor this offseason.

Granted, unless you’re lucky enough to have one of the first three picks in your 2009 fantasy draft this news really won’t matter because that’s where MJD is likely to go off the board, and for good reason.

In his first three seasons in the NFL, Jones-Drew has averaged 844.33 rushing yards, 469.33 receiving yards and 12.67 TDs per season. Solid numbers to say the least, but even more solid if you consider that Jones-Drew received less than 200 carries in each of those three years and hit the 50 reception mark just once.

With Taylor now out of the picture, Jones-Drew will not only reach those plateaus, but he’ll go beyond them, leading to a dramatic increase to his already stellar numbers.

Throw in the fact that Jacksonville did all it could this offseason to shore up their offensive line (drafting offensive tackle, Eugene Monroe of Virginia, with their first round selection and offensive tackle, Eben Britton of Arizona, with their second round choice and signing veteran, Tra Thomas, as a free agent), and it appears that Jones-Drew will find plenty of openings to do something with the extra touches he gets.

There is always the concern that a back carrying his team’s full load could break down during the season, but the potential reward MJD can provide greatly outweighs that risk. If you’re lucky enough to grab him, revel in what should be a fantastic 2009. 

 

Tennessee Titans

In re-signing veteran quarterback, Kerry Collins, the Titans have essentially stated that they will once again try to win games with their defense and running game. Will that be enough to allow the team to repeat the success they had in 2008?

No one is going to mistake Kerry Collins for the likes of Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, or Tom Brady.

But, the beauty of Collins’ role in Tennessee is that he doesn’t have to put up the numbers those three do. Rather, Collins simply has to be a game manager who avoids costly mistakes, a role he filled quite nicely last season as he threw just 7 interceptions and was sacked just 8 times in 16 games in 2008.

If Collins can be as frugal in 2009 with his interceptions as he was in 2008, the Titans should continue to be one of the top teams in the AFC.

Playing a style of smash mouth football, the Titans’ rely on a combination of their ground game, which ranked seventh in the league in 2008, and their defense, which allowed the second fewest points per game, to beat their opponents into submission.

While it will be a bit tougher to do that this year with Albert Haynesworth heading to the Redskins, the Titans’ should still get the job done.

Not only do they still have the two-headed monster of Chris Johnson and LenDale White running at opponents, but except for Haynesworth’s departure (a blow that was softened by the Titans signing defensive tackle Jovan Haye from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) their defense remains largely intact.

 

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Top 10 NFL Rookies to Target for Your Keeper League

There are a number of ways to play and enjoy fantasy football, and one way that continues to grow is the keeper league format. The main difference between keeper leagues and standard leagues is that after your initial draft, you get to hold onto 2-3 players from season to season.

From there, your drafts exist simply to fill the rest of your roster. Now, that you understand the keeper league format, it’s time for the Bruno Boys to help you build a dynasty. As such, Bruno Boys Greg ranks the top 10 rookies to look at in your keeper league.

1. WR Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers)

This one is a no brainer. Crabtree, out of Texas Tech, was one of the best players in the draft and could turn into one of the best receivers in the game in just a few short years. Crabtree gives the 49ers their first legitimate No. 1 wideout since T.O. departed and is a great guy to build your fantasy receiving corps around.

 

2. RB Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos)

Despite having a plethora of running backs on their roster already, the Broncos still used their first round selection on Moreno, which just goes to show how highly they think of the back.

While Moreno is the Broncos tailback of the future, he could very well have an immediate impact in the league as he can not only run well, but also catches the ball out of the back field well.

 

3. QB Mark Sanchez (New York Jets)

Losing Brett Favre, the Jets decided that Sanchez had all the make-up to be their QB for years to come, trading up to the number three spot in the draft to secure his services. In 2009, Sanchez will only be asked to not make mistakes as he adjusts to NFL play.

In the next couple of years, though, he could be putting up big numbers as the Jets build their offense around his arm.

4. WR Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants)

With the Plaxico Burress saga resulting in the Giants parting ways with the big name receiver, the team used their first round selection on Nicks, an excellent wide receiver out of UNC, who had 1,222 receiving yards and 12 TDs in 2008. The Giants will need Hicks to step up right away to help out Eli Manning in the post-Burress era.

 

5. RB Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts)

While head coach, Jim Caldwell, has stated that Joseph Addai is still the team’s number one back, don’t read too much into it. The team did not draft Brown to simply have him sit on the sidelines.

Brown should get the touches he needs to put up solid numbers, especially since he will play with a solid quarterback in Peyton Manning, who’ll take pressure off of the running game.

 

6. RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Arizona Cardinals)

Wells is a bruising running back with a ton of talent. The Cardinals were thrilled to see him on the board when their selection came in this year’s draft, and you should be to if you can get him in your keeper league.

Before long, Wells will be the feature back and will play a big part in the offense for years to come.

7. WR Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles)

Coming out of Missouri, Maclin is a solid player with great character. His 1,260 receiving yards and 15 total TDs in 2008 show what promise he has. Don’t be surprised to see him become the Eagles’ No. 1 guy in the next couple years, leaping past DeSean Jackson.

8. RB LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles)

Don’t get us wrong, it’s still the Brian Westbrook show in Philly, but keeper leagues are all about looking to the future. While McCoy will play a complimentary role in the next couple seasons, he will get an opportunity to flourish upon Westbrook’s departure.

 

9. TE Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions)

It is Pettigrew, not Stafford, who makes the top 10 list as he will be an important safety valve for Detroit and is a safer bet to be productive in the NFL despite all the guaranteed money the Lions threw Stafford’s way.

With the tight end position taking a dramatic step back in 2008, it’s not a stretch to think that Pettigrew could be at the top of the list in the next couple years.

 

10. QB Nate Davis (San Francisco 49ers)

This is the shocker to round out the top 10 as 5th rounder Davis makes the list over Stafford and Freeman. While Davis will not see the field this year, that may not be such a bad thing.

The QB will spend 2008 learning behind Shaun Hill and Damon Huard. With a year of learning and not playing, as well as having another great rookie on his team in Michael Crabtree, he could be a solid fantasy player in the future.

Just missed the cut:

1. QB Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions)

2. WR Kenny Britt (Tennessee Titans)

3. WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns)

4. QB Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

5. RB Shonn Greene (New York Jets)

For more fantasy football insight and advice, click the link below…

Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Roundtable: A Look at the NFC South

Now that we are a week into May, it is time to really start gearing up for the up-and-coming 2009 fantasy football season. Over here at Bruno Boys headquarters that means discussions of events happening around the NFL are in full force.

Today, Bruno Boys Cavigs and Bruno Boys Ziza are discussing the NFC West as the Bruno Boys will be breaking down the NFL division-by-division during the next eight weeks, so remember to check back next week.

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NFC South Burning Questions!

1. The NFC South had plenty of fantasy football firepower in 2008 led by the likes of Drew Brees, DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner, and Roddy White. Do you see that continuing into 2009 and who will be the best of the bunch from this division?   

 

Bruno Boys Ziza: Do I see that continuing into next season?…yes and no.

 

I think all four are going to be very solid players next year but the only ones that I see performing as possible top fives at their relative positions are Drew Brees, who has so many weapons and now has a healthy Marques Colston, as well as Roddy White, who’s addition of Tony Gonzalez can only help keep defenses more honest.

 

Why don’t I think that will help his teammate Michael Turner? I do! But let’s be honest, the Atlanta Falcons passing game should attempt to go to the next level this year and with them already wanting to keep Turner a little healthier, there is a very good chance that Jerious Norwood will see increased repetitions at the running back position.

 

DeAngelo Williams has a pretty tough schedule and because he has to mix it up with Jonathan Stewart, his carries and production are most likely to go down. So if I were to tab who would be the best from this division, I would lean more towards Brees, White, and Gonzalez.

Bruno Boys Cavigs:  As you can see, the division is full of playmakers and I truly feel this will be the case in 2009. Both Michael Turner and DeAngelo Williams will be first round fantasy football picks, Drew Brees is the top overall quarterback, and Roddy White, Steve Smith, and Marques Colston will be among the first 10 wide receivers drafted.

 

And how you can forget about the newest acquired member of the division in Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez? For over a decade, Gonzalez has been an All-Pro performer as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, but now he joins an Atlanta offense that was one of the most efficient in the NFL last season. 

 

Overall, there is enough talent in the division to create a fantasy squad that could compete for a championship in any league.

2. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston finished the season with a bang, averaging just over 100 yards per game during his last three games last year while catching four touchdowns. Is Colston finally healthy and ready to ascend to a tier one wide receiver?

 

Bruno Boys Cavigs: I wish I could sit here and tell you that Marques Colston is finally healthy and ready to play 16 games in 2009, but I can’t because I’m no fortune teller.

 

What I can tell you is that when healthy, Colston is a top 10 fantasy football wide receiver and has the talent and supporting cast to produce as a No. 1 WR.

 

After a sluggish start after returning from injury last season, he turned it on down the stretch and showed the NFL that his 2007 season was no fluke. It’s evident that QB Drew Brees likes throwing to his physical wideout and if Colston can avoid injury, you can expect anywhere between 1,200 to 1,300 receiving yards and 10+ TDs. Now that’s what we call top tier!

Bruno Boys Ziza: Let’s put it this way; I don’t really believe in the strategy of double-dipping, but Drew Brees and Marques Colston may remind some of the great combinations of years past such as Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison or Tony Romo and Terrell Owens.

 

Colston ended last season with a bang and I really feel like that will continue into 2009. If Colston can be anywhere close to his 2007 season and the end of 2008, we will definitely have a special receiver on our hands in the fantasy football world and would easily deem him a tier one wide receiver.  He is someone that I would be more than proud to have on my squad.

Fantasy Football Preference—NFC South (Based on 12-team, Standard Scoring Leagues)

1. Michael Turner vs. DeAngelo Williams

Bruno Boys Cavigs: BURNER TURNER.

 

You really can’t go wrong with either option, but you have to give the edge to Turner. He not only has the better supporting cast but his style of play is better-suited to repeat his success than that of DeAngelo Williams. Turner is a big body who uses his size to break tackles and get the extra yardage, while Williams’ counts on the big play and tries to beat opponents with a speed-and-slash running style.

 

Plus, Turner is the better goal line back and don’t expect Jerious Norwood’s increase in touches to be around the end zone. That is “Burner Turner” territory.

Bruno Boys Ziza:  TURNER. Both of these running backs had stellar 2008 numbers but neither have a very promising schedule this season and both are expected to lose some playing time to their backfield partners this year.

 

That being said, although Michael Turner should touch the ball less this year, the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez should help spread the field just enough to where defenses won’t be able to stack the box every play. That should allow Turner to have many more reps in which he will have an easier time getting through the line.

 

Look for a dip in numbers for Turner, but he should still be productive enough to eclipse DeAngelo Williams as the running back to have in this division.

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Fantasy Football Roundtable: A Look at The NFC South

Bruno Boys Mailbag: Fantasy Football Q & A

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