Denver Broncos
Quentin Griffin (ADP 4.02) versus Garrison Hearst (ADP 12.03) versus Tatum Bell (ADP 9.07) versus Mike Anderson (ADP 15.03)

The most debated camp battle among all running backs is this one in Denver. That's as it should be. Denver has been churning out stud running backs since Terrell Davis was a rookie in 1995. With the departure of Clinton Portis, one of the league's premier talents, fantasy owners have made this camp battle priority one.

Mike Anderson made a strong push for playing time and went down for the season with an injury. Check him off the list.

For awhile the prevailing opinion was that veteran Garrison Hearst had been brought in to continue the legacy of star running backs. In retrospect, that didn't make much sense. Hearst was brought in for depth and insurance. He's been nursing another knee problem and has barely seen the field in three pre-season games. Check him off the list. His 12th round ADP is a wasted pick that could solidify your wide receiver depth or back up your starting qb.

The Broncos used a 2nd round draft pick on Tatum Bell, who has created the typical rookie hype amongst less experienced fantasy owners. They site Denver's history of success with rookie running backs and convince themselves that history is repeating itself. Terrell Davis ran for over 1100 yards his rookie season. He then dominated for three years before suffering a torn ACL. He was replaced by rookie Olandis Gary who ran for over 1100 yards and also went down with a torn knee ligament in week one of the following year. Another rookie, Mike Anderson, took charge and galloped for 1500 yards and 15 tds. The following year coach Shanahan used RBBC with Davis, Gary, and Anderson and to the dismay of fantasy fans. A year later in pre-season a 2nd round rookie named Clinton Portis ran wild with every chance he was given. Still he was forced to more RBBC through the first five weeks of his rookie season, when Shanahan saw the light, and turned him loose. That resulted in over 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns for another Denver rookie sensation. It's easy to understand how a more novice fantasy evaluation might conclude from this history that Tatum Bell is the man in Denver for this season.

So, let's put that history into better perspective. In each case, the upstart rookie was called on after the regular starter fell to injury. Even Portis's promotion was created by injuries to some of the others. His superior play took five weeks to earn him the job. Some believe Bell is looking at a similar delay before taking charge. Bell hasn't dominated the pre-season, and the current starter is by no means struggling or injured as was the case for Portis. That current starter is Quentin Griffin, and few Bell supporters care to consider that Griffin himself is also a Shanahan draft choice. Bell reported to camp late after a short contract dispute and broke a finger his first day of practice. Missing roughly half of camp has made his job more difficult than Portis' situation a couple years ago. Portis experienced no struggles. He had the look of a star from day one and never disappointed. Prior to the broken finger Bell had a series of struggles. Pass protection evaded him. Catching on the run proved not be a natural skill, and he even disappointed in footwork drills. Tatum Bell may get his shot in this prolific system, but inking him in now is not the rational choice. His situation does not mirror Portis in any way except for the 2nd round draft pick. He finally got his chance to make his case in the last preseason game, and while the numbers were decent, they didn't stack up to the performances by Griffin and Anderson. Check him off the list.

Quentin Griffin gets the keys to the sleekest running machine in the NFL, and his availability in the 4th round is a pure fantasy value. That belief remains under severe scrutiny for a handful of reasons mostly surrounding Griffin's diminutive size and darting running style-- a style not considered fit for Denver's downhill zone blocking scheme. The bad news is his critics could be right, and his supporters are moving him as high as the late second round. Depending on which side of the debate you fall on, after removing his competition from the equation because the job is his, will tell you if this talented runner is for you. He's been compared to Barry Sanders and that's been received as pure blasphemy. He does run in a very similar style to Barry Sanders. He lacks the power and speed, but there are similarities, and I leave you with the following:

After Griffin's first preseason performance Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

"I really expect more from him. There's a couple of times where he got tackled that I'd be surprised after he settles down a little bit, he breaks those tackles. But we expect that from him. I'm not sure how many carries he had or anything like that, but that's usually the way he plays."

Shanahan believes Griffin has the lower-body strength to be able to churn through arm tackles and get those kinds of tough yards.

Quarterback Jake Plummer is confident in Griffin.

"People talk about it, because he's a smaller guy, that he can't run inside and can't get the power run - I think that's a bunch of (baloney)," Plummer said. "You look at him run in there, he runs hard. He hits it hard."

"He's not necessarily going to go in there and move a 285-pound guy with his own self, but not many backs can do that. As long as he bounces off and moves forward, that's what we're looking for. But we can't not play him because you look what he does when he gets the ball, it's crazy. He's going to make guys miss."

College teammate and Cowboy star safety Roy Williams said, "Quentin reminds me more of Barry Sanders than any back I've ever seen."

Current Broncos safety Nick Ferguson, while eating with Griffin in a cafeteria showing highlights of Barry Sanders said the following:

"Dude," He told Griffin, as they watched Sanders pinball off helpless defenders, "that looks like you. Dude, have you ever watched yourself run? You run just like him."

Champ Bailey chimed in: "'Oh, man, I hate to say this, but, boy, he reminds me of Barry Sanders so much. Q' is just so quick. His balance is great. It's the best balance I've ever seen on a player. Sometimes you think he's down and he sticks his little hand out, and he's still going. He shows some amazing things, just like Barry did."

Blasphemy? Take it up with a couple All-Pro NFL defensive backs.

Oakland RBs
Tyrone Wheatley (ADP 7.10) versus Justin Fargas (ADP 10.06) versus Amos Zereoue

To the surprise of many Norv Turner announced early in camp that Tyrone Wheatley was #1 on the depth charts. He has learned the new offense quickly, which allowed him to run aggressively early in camp while others struggled.

Highly regarded prospect Justin Fargas was expected to take over the job, but Wheatley's fast start has made that unlikely. Amos Zereoue, brought in from Pittsburgh, has mostly disappointed as a runner, but has made a good accounting of himself as a 3rd down option.

The battle was joined late by Fargas, who has made his case in the past week. It was a little too late and Wheatley will be getting his chance early and often. The nagging question surrounds goal line battering ram Zack Crockett. Should Norv use him as he has been used in the past, then Wheatley's value will be diminished. If Tyrone is going to be used on the goal line, he becomes one of the better values at RB this season. An old Wheatley interview has never left my mind. In it he discussed his early days as a Giant, and the lessons he learned from the disappointing playing time and production. In a nutshell, he learned that he was not a pretty running back, and his career would only benefit from him running hard, ugly and with a bad attitude. He even sought an ugly number for his jersey. It has served him well. Now, the style he developed is just the right fit to the new system in Oakland. Norv Turner seems satisfied. "Everything he did told you that he was getting ready to have a great camp,'' Turner said. "And if you have a great camp, you're getting ready to have a great year. What he has done and how he has approached this thing does not surprise me.'' If Wheatley makes it into the 7th round of your draft, you have an excellent bye week option that could emerge as something more. If you've sacrifice RB for other positions early, it's nice to have an option like Wheatley later in the draft, but in that case, don't wait too long.

Miami Dolphins
Travis Minor (ADP 6.12) versus Sammy Morris versus Leonard Henry versus Fred Russell versus Rumors

The retirement of Ricky Williams put the fantasy world and the Miami Dolphins in a state of befuddlement regarding the running back position. Early in camp it was expected that Travis Minor would take over if a better replacement was not added to the roster. No one has been added to the roster. Sammy Morris has moved from fullback to compete with Minor, and all indications are that we have a running back by committee in Miami. Leonard Henry and Fred Russell have both been batted around by fantasy enthusiasts seeking a better option, but neither seem ready to take any handoffs early in the season. Undrafted rookie Fred Russell is worth watching. He is very explosive and should the others struggle, he'll get his chances.

In what little opportunity he was given in Buffalo, Sammy Morris proved to be a hard runner, a steady blocker, a decent receiver and showed a nose for the goal line. Still, he performed at a level of mediocrity compared to the talent around the league. The Dolphins are giving him a long look going into the final preseason game while expressing frustration with Travis Minor. A free agent pick up, after the rest of the league's cut to the 53 man limit, seems a certainty, and this is a situation to avoid for now.

Cleveland Browns
Lee Suggs (ADP 5.04) versus William Green (ADP 8.05)

In another frequently discussed camp battle, Lee Suggs is being taken three rounds ahead of William Green, and that originally appeared to be a mistake. Suggs has had the more press worthy big plays, but Green has matched him down for down. Both fantasy fans and Browns fans have expressed frustration with head coach Butch Davis insistence on using Green in another running back by committee. Maybe Davis finally listened as Green has been been demoted to #2, and Suggs has won the starting job. The situation couldn't be better headed into the last weekend of fantasy drafting. Green and Suggs have developed a strong friendship and the competition was unsettling Suggs going into the last preseason game when he was awarded the starting job. Green gave him some words of encouragement that has impressed the coaches and seems to have benefited the entire Browns team.

"I think it's brought the whole team together, to see us get along like we do," Suggs said. "You see what's happening in Buffalo [where the top two backs are demanding to start, reportedly]. That splits the team, and that's something we don't need. William and I are pushing each other."

The closeness of the two has not been lost on Davis.

"I can't tell you how valuable they both are, how talented they both are, and they give you a chance to literally have a fresh guy in there at all times," he said. "They know they're going to play, and they know they can help carry this football team. It's a good situation."

Suggs has shown terrific natural talent and should be a viable fantasy back with the ability to earn a starting spot in key matchups this season. Green is an expensive handcuff as many still expect him to start or play a significant role. It's hard to justify spending too valuable picks on the Cleveland backfield and a gamble on Suggs alone should suffice in this situation, unless of course the outcome causes Green to fall a couple more rounds. Then take them both.

Buffalo Bills
Travis Henry (ADP 2.06) versus Willis McGahee (ADP 8.03)

Here's a highly debated battle that really wasn't. Travis Henry is a the man in Buffalo, and very worthy of a pick anywhere in the 2nd round. Willis McGahee has not been impressive despite the hype surrounding him. In Thursday's final preseason game, he was given a full load and limped out of the game favoring his repaired leg. Do not hesitate to draft Travis Henry. Understand he may be in a "buy low sell high" situation for fantasy backs. Should the Bills struggle, it is reasonable to assume that McGahee will see more time late in the season. It is likewise reasonable to assume Willis should be even healthier and better schooled in the offense by then. This possible scenario does not encourage promoting Henry with great confidence. He could get you to the fantasy playoffs and leave you watching McGahee in week 16. If another back has emerged in your lineup, and issues at QB and WR have developed for you, Travis Henry could be perfect trade bait if the Bills are falling out of playoff contention and McGahee is expecting more work. Keep an eye on this situation if you own Henry, and enjoy his production early in the season.

Dallas Cowboys
Eddie George (ADP 6.12) versus Julius Jones (ADP 8.02)

Parcells has stopped short of naming rookie Julius Jones his starting running back, but did admit last Thursday veteran Eddie George would not be carrying a heavy load. "Eddie will be in the mix," Parcells said. "He'll get some carries, but it's not what he's used to getting." As for Jones, Parcells said he'd get what he can handle, and that number hasn't been established yet. It's hard to judge what Jones can handle, but it's easy to see that he is the better running back in Dallas. This is a true value selection in the 8th round. The past week since Parcell's comments have Jones moving back into the 6th round with Eddie. Pass on Eddie and back up your starters with Julius should he slip anywhere after the mid-6th round. Bill Parcells will run and run and run. And then he'll run some more. If Jones can handle it, it might not be pretty, but the numbers will add up.

New York Giants
Tiki Barber (ADP 3.08) versus Ron Dayne (ADP 11.01)

Tiki Barber has been falling down draft boards like a rock since Ron Dayne broke some impressive long td runs in early pre-season games. Head Coach Tom Coughlin has remained determined to develop the disappointing Dayne, and surprisingly it seems to have worked. Still, this probably shouldn't downgrade Barber as far as the 5th and 6th rounds where he's been chosen in recent expert drafts. Barber's best season came when Dayne was spelling him. Barber's role in the passing game will once again increase, and his overall production could be on the rise. If he falls like he has been, don't miss the opportunity. Despite his big runs, Dayne has struggled with fumbles and in short yardage. Barber owners should rest at ease knowing the often underrated running back will not be the only Giant getting carries. Starting quarterback Kurt Warner will look to Tiki early and often to ease the pressure created by the Giants less than adequate pass protection.

The bigger question is has Dayne truly earned his 11th round ADP? The answer is yes. Running back is deeper than usual this season but by the 11th round, it will be hard to find a back guaranteed to play and produce even modestly. Dayne fills that need nicely this season. For all the criticism he's been through, we should all applaud his hard work, surprising speed, slimmed down physique, and resurrected career.

Atlanta Falcons
Warrick Dunn (ADP 6.07) versus T.J. Duckett (ADP 5.11)

T.J Duckett continues to woo fantasy owners, and it's easy to understand why. The big bruiser has made some impressive runs, shown skill in the passing game, and is the man Atlanta should look to on the goal line. But, let's all back up a minute. The Falcons have installed a new offense that is tailor made to Warrick Dunn. Dunn was once expected to miss most of preseason and barely be ready for the opener. He has healed quickly, grasped the offense, and been by far the Falcons' most productive back. His 8 carry, 72 yard effort in the 2nd preseason game, was all Atlanta coaches needed to see. He's being treated like the #1 back and rested for the final preseason game. Considering Dunn's health and the new offense, the ADPs should be switched. Warrick Dunn is on the verge of his best NFL season, and if you can write him down early in the 6th round you will not regret it. There won't be a chance to handcuff him to Duckett because in draft after draft owners grab the one not taken in the next few picks. Dunn is the choice. Let someone else brag that they got Duckett. Bragging rights are earned at the end of the season, not during the draft. Good luck if you take him. He's not a sleeper, but he's expected by this writer to outperform his ADP as much as any NFL back. That's projected value.

Chicago Bears
Thomas Jones (ADP 3.06) versus Anthony Thomas (ADP 11.02)

Thomas Jones impressed the new coaches in Chicago last season enough to be signed away from Tampa Bay and inked in as the starter before training camp began. The project has been a success, and Jones provides unusual depth for fantasy owners at running back this season. If you've abandoned stud RB theory to grab a big name wide receiver or quarterback, then Thomas Jones is what you need to make up ground at RB against your competition. He's not cheap, going in the middle of the 3rd round, and many a stud wr drafter is going to miss out on him. The Bears have both shopped Anthony Thomas around the league and voiced support for him as a needed backup. He is a safe handcuff and will produce if needed. Both ADPs are fair enough. The NFL needs more productive featured backs and stories like Wheatley's above and Jones' here are sweet music to fantasy owners who love the Moss's and Harrison's of the NFL world..

St Louis Rams
Marshall Faulk (ADP 2.05) versus Stephen Jackson (ADP 6.08) versus Lamar Gordon (ADP 17.06)

Marshall Faulk is winding down his career as perhaps the highest risk/reward player in memory. The prevailing wisdom seems to be avoiding him and leaving him for another owner. He's fragile. He's lost a step. He wants to be a slot receiver in San Diego according to one report. Still the Rams seem determined to squeeze every stat they can out of him. He will produce touchdowns. He will have nice receiving yards for a back. He will even have nice days on the ground. Will he stay healthy on his plastic knees is the big question, and I don't have an answer to that. If he falls in your draft, scroll up to the Henry "buy low sell high" strategy and use the same watchful eye. Marshall could post some dominant weeks, and you could be spared the possible down time by trading him for big value early in the season. This is not a strategy for the feint of heart, but the depth at RB might make this the prudent way to play one of fantasy football's all-time great performers.

First round rookie Stephen Jackson has lived up to his hype, and the questions surrounding Marshall have made him a very expensive handcuff. This is a very difficult situation that may best play out on someone else's roster. If you love Faulk or Jackson, then be warned, that Lamar Gordon is making his case, and much more advanced in a complex system than Jackson. The prudent advice is to play this cunning as a fox or avoid it all costs. I'm not that cunning and staying away. Which could mean Marshall will stay healthy and push his way into the top 10 RBs once again.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Duce Staley (ADP 4.07) versus Jerome Bettis (ADP 13.01)

Here's another example of unexpected depth at RB for 2004. Duce Staley was brought in from Philadelphia to shore up a disappointing position and replace the aging and oft injured Jerome Bettis. All signs indicate that he is better than expected. He's run with explosion and power not seen in Philadelphia since 2001. He's learned the new system like a seasoned vet and is a viable option out of the backfield. Bettis is not a safe handcuff because Dante Brown is proving to be a productive runner himself. Again, those of you drafting that big name receiver or quarterback have a nice option in Staley as late as the mid-fourth round.

Minnesota Vikings
Michael Bennett (ADP 3.04) versus Onterrio Smith (ADP 8.01) versus Moe Williams (ADP 10.06) versus Mewelde Moore

What seemed like a very deep and promising position for Minnesota developed into a featured role for Michael Bennett. That was good news for fantasy fans. Bennett dinged his knee and will miss anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. That's bad news. Onterrio Smith was excellent last year and had moved ahead of Moe Williams on the depth chart. That was good news. He faces a four week suspension that is under appeal. That's bad news. Moe Williams has always produced unexpected and excellent fantasy numbers when given his chance. That's good news. Rookie Mewelde Moore moved past Williams on the depth chart before the above bad news, which was more bad news. If the Viking running game wasn't so productive and running backs so valuable, we could just move along and let this play itself out. If you're risk averse, stay away. If you like a little insomnia, Michael Bennett is dropping into the 4th regularly, and in some cases as late as the sixth. The injury doesn't seem to be serious, and he could join the Vikes starting team and yours and immediately be posting top 10 numbers early in the season. The other three backs are in very difficult to judge situations and the best we can do is watch it play itself out. Someone may have a steal in Williams, Smith or Moore, but most crystal balls are unreliable, and I tossed mine out the office window while trying to figure this out. Handcuffing is as difficult as any spot in the league. But keep a close eye on the use of the rookie. He should be the only one in free agency.

Other Notes:

In Tampa Charlie Garner will be starting the season, but Jon Gruden has never demoted Michael Pittman from his starting job. Pittman will be missing 4 games due to suspension, and Garner will be yet another risky full-time starter in a few weeks. His ADP (4.12) seems high considering Alstott is back at full strength, expected to be used on the goal line, and Pittman is coming back soon. Here's an idea, you've heard before. Don't hesitate to move Charlie to someone else's roster for high value if he has a couple big weeks early. He's not likely to maintain the production, and could be as good as gold to a prudent trader.

In Carolina there was too much hype surrounding an early report that Stephen Davis (ADP 2.10) and DeShaun Foster (ADP 6.04) would be used at a 50/50 split. That report did not come from any official Panther source, but from a perhaps irresponsible and speculating sports writer. Panther officials are in support of Foster having a bigger role in the offense, but only to keep Davis fresh and healthy. Last season Davis was churning out stats at an MVP pace before suffering from the wear and tear of his running style. This season the Panthers are determined to keep him at that pace throughout the season. If it works, he's as valuable at the end of the 2nd round as any player in the draft this season. That's a bold statement, but I said "if it works." Will it work? I need super glue for the crystal ball. I do like the idea of owning Davis with a late 2nd rounder. He could be starting alongside the likes of Portis, Alexander, or Green and that could help you literally run over your competition. Foster has become both an expensive and intriguing handcuff. The important note on DeShaun is that he is not a late steal unseating Davis as the starter.

Similar stories are being run up the flag pole regarding Domanick Davis (ADP 2.03), last year's fantasy free agent rookie sensation, and Tony Hollings, Houston's higher draft pick. While Hollings has recovered from his season ending injury and proven himself a feasible NFL back, the player here is and will be Davis. If anything, he looks better than he did a year ago, and I would approach the Hollings story with much more than a grain of salt. If the rumors cause Davis to fall in your draft, get him and enjoy the young stud in waiting.