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7/12/01
Email Tim
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Over the next few weeks, we'll be analyzing a good portion of every
position. We've assigned numerous writers to cover every player
we ranked so you'll get multiple opinions of 150 players. We've
also tallied up the average projections and rankings for each position.
One of the best tools is the fantasy values that each player has
assigned so you'll have a great idea of how big the drop-offs are
at each position.
FantasyRef is sponsoring
the whole project.
The Writers involved in the FantasyRef Forecast will be:
- Tim Ludwig - FantasyRef Forecast Editor
- Gary Bellinger - FantasyRef Writer
- Terry Cannon - First
and Web
- Mark Bond - JackPotSports.com
- David Gonos - FantasyRef Forecast Owner
We will rank the players in the following system:
- Every 10 yards rushing or receiving is worth one fantasy point
- Every 20 passing yards is worth one fantasy point
- Every rushing or receiving touchdown is worth six fantasy points
- Every passing touchdown is worth six fantasy points
- Every extra point is worth one fantasy point
- Every field goal is worth three fantasy points
| M A R S H A L L F
A U L K: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1442 |
17 |
747 |
6 |
356 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Marshall Faulk is the prototypical running back on the NFL landscape
right now. He contains an excellent blend of power and speed and
agility, which all put together, makes him the best multipurpose
back in the NFL. With Kurt Warner's gunslinging to his deep all-star
cast of wide receivers keeping defensive backs off the line of scrimmage
and linebackers rarely able to match Faulk's moves, Faulk will have
as every bit as much room to maneuver which will spell trouble for
every team on their 2001schedule. It will be tough for Faulk to
duplicate last year's amazing season, I don't see any reason outside
of recurring knee problems which will stop him short of 2,000 yards
and 20 touchdowns from the line of scrimmage again this year.
Cannon's Scouting Report:
Like you, I enjoy being entertained by MVP Marshall Faulk and look
forward to following him for another season. He has both the opportunity
and ability to continue being the most productive back in the league.
However, to expect anything close to last season's 26-score record
is an error. Faulk is a very important player within our hobby and
can be counted on to have a handsome 12 to 15 scores. He is a top-3
fantasy pick, regardless of your scoring system.
Fantasy Rating: 99.5
| E D G E R R I N J
A M E S |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1692 |
17 |
582 |
4 |
353 |
|
Ludwig's Scouting Report
While Peyton Manning may be the Engine of the Colt's offense, Edgerrin
James is the gasoline. Edgerrin James is a sure fire bet to have
another fantasy stud-type season. With an average of 1631 yards
rushing, 590 yards receiving and 16.5 total touchdowns in his first
two seasons, James has proven he is an elite back. He has the power
to go inside, the speed to break a long run, and a great pair of
hands. You cannot say enough about his fantasy value to a team.
James is the most consistent back in fantasy football. In 2000,
the lowest total yards James had in a game were seventy. This just
speaks volumes to a fantasy owner. James is a football warrior.
He has started all 32 games in his first two years. He has averaged
378 carries a season. It all comes down to one simple truth. If
you put Edgerrin James in your fantasy lineup, he will always produce.
Cummings' Scouting Report
In only two years, Edge has proven to be one of the best fantasy
backs in the league. No one can find fault with you if you make
him the #1 overall pick. He runs the ball well; is capable of breaking
loose for a long run any time he touches the ball. He catches the
ball well, and with Peyton Manning throwing the ball, Edge will
get plenty of chances to take that swing pass all the way. Defenses
cannot load the box against him, as Manning will burn them through
the air. Even when they do put 8 on the line, this guy still gets
yardage. Yeah, he missed the "voluntary" workouts, but don't think
that he will not put up the numbers he has proven he can produce.
The question I would love to ask Mike Ditka is would he trade away
his draft for this guy?
Fantasy Rating: 99.0
| F R E D T A Y L
O R |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1650 |
14 |
350 |
2 |
310 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
When he's on, he's the best pure runner
in the game. Every year it seems there is a Fred Taylor injury watch.
Fantasy players have to be wary when selecting him but when he is
healthy, Taylor is arguably one of the best pure talents at running
back in the NFL. He is such an immense talent, how can you pass
him up? He's not as versatile in the passing game as Faulk or James,
but when opposing defenses can't catch him - who cares? Last year,
Taylor was a rushing machine over the last 10 games once he got
his running legs back after injuring his knee in preseason rushing
for 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns in what would be a career year
for most, but for Taylor was really only 3/4 of a season.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
If one runningback could break into the
big two of Faulk and James, this is the man. Fred Taylor is the
most exciting back in the game today. Taylor has averaged 88 yards
rushing and about one touchdown a game in his three-year career.
He has the ability to take to the house every time he touches the
ball. He is a big play back with power to boot. The downside of
Taylor is he cannot seem to stay healthy. In the last two years,
Fred Taylor has only averaged eleven starts. He tends to have a
knack of getting injured. Last preseason, he suffered a sprained
MCL because a defensive tackle fell on his leg. This injury only
occurred after one carry in his first preseason game. He missed
three regular season games because of this injury. This ended a
whole off-season of fantasy hype for Taylor. This is the risk that
you take when you draft Taylor. It is Injury versus Upside. As with
Robert Smith in 2000, I expect Taylor to finally break his injury
habit in 2001.
Fantasy Rating: 95.0
| E D D I E G E O
R G E |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1515 |
14 |
410 |
2 |
288 |
|
Cannon's Scouting Report
He always plays. He always produces. He
is the Tennessee Titan offense. Few players are as dependable as
workhorse George. He's the hardest running back in football today.
In fact, the only negative towards him is that he is being used
up by a one-dimensional-can't-pass offense. A few years from now,
he will be considered the Emmitt Smith of his generation.
Bond's Scouting Report
It would be simple enough to call George "Steady Eddie" because
that is what he has been to the Titans the last five seasons. George
has never rushed for less than 1,294 yards in a season and though
his touchdown making was sporadic due to Steve McNair stealing goal
line carries, he has been a top-12 fantasy running back every year
in the league. The last two years, George has vaulted into the elite
with consecutive seasons as the third best fantasy back. For fantasy
players the question should never be what has happened in the past
but what will happen in the future. George's future is a little
gray. He comes into the 2001 season after undergoing off-season
toe surgery, which may delay his participation until the end of
the exhibition season. If he can get into the opening game against
Miami, he may not be in prime shape. And that is if. George fanatics
may want to tone down expectations a little as it could take a few
weeks into the season before we see the usual "Steady Eddie". The
other thing that might give Eddie George owners pause, especially
the ones that have George in Keeper or Dynasty leagues, is the amount
of punishment George has absorbed. He is always near or at the top
of the league in touches meaning that George gets used and abused.
While studies on running back longevity are specious, at best, there
is anecdotal evidence that suggests that running backs with high
carry levels wear down quicker. We are not suggesting that for George
in 2001 but he could be a time bomb for those that want him down
the line. Our suggested value is a top-10 pick now with the possibility
of moving into the top-5 later in the pre-season.
Fantasy Rating:
93.0
| S T E P H E N D A
V I S |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1430 |
16 |
255 |
1 |
270 |
|
Cummings' Scouting Report
I love this guy. Even though he doesn't
have the hands as a few other backs, this guy just takes the ball
and runs straight ahead, daring you to bring him down. Once he was
given a chance to start, he seized the opportunity and hit the ground
running, so to speak. As a side note, it is scary what he could
do in Denver, where they love north/south runners and have a line
that blocks as well as they do. Keep in mind that Marty Schottenheimer
loves a ball control game, and he has the stud to do it. With Jeff
George keeping defenses honest, 1400 yards and 12+ TDs is not unreasonable.
Last year, when he was given the ball, the Redskins won. When they
had to throw it, they lost. Marty witnessed all this last year at
ESPN. Now he can make sure Davis get the ball and prove that he
will do what he commented Norv Turner should have done last year.
Bond's Scouting Report
Prior to 1999, Davis was known mostly for
being decked by teammate Michael Westbrook. Since then he has been
a top-12 back gaining over 3,000 total yards and scoring 28 touchdowns.
However, last season was a bit of a disappointment for Davis as
it was for all the Redskins. With a better defense, Davis was expected
to be a classic workhorse ala Emmitt Smith and pull the offense
down the field and past the stripes. In the first two months that
picture was accurate as Davis scored nine-of-11 touchdowns by Halloween.
Math majors will figure out Davis left only two touchdowns for the
colder months. Part of that was due to the broken bone in his arm
and part due to the insanity that was the 2000 Washington Redskins.
Still, we look past the past and into the future seeing a healthy
Davis, with a good defense, and a coaching staff dedicated to the
run. If all goes well a repeat of 1999 would not be shocking. The
suggested value on Davis is top-10 minimum but a risk taker could
push Davis close to the top-5.
Fantasy Rating: 91.0
| J A M A L L E W
I S |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1490 |
11 |
350 |
3 |
268 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
After a slow start, Lewis slowly made
believers of all his doubters as he dispelled any doubts about him
being an injury-risk. Lewis also showed that he likes to play in
the Eddie George workhorse mold taking the rock 20+ times in all
7 of his last starts. Lewis shows an amazing blend of speed and
power and just needs to stay healthy. Fantasy owners had to love
the fact that Brian Billick showed so much confidence in Lewis,
a raw rookie. Lewis responded by proving he can help control the
clock by combining for 1,700 total yards from scrimmage and scoring
five TDs in the crucial last six weeks of the season.
Cannon's Scouting Report
Lewis rushed for 927 yards in his last
eight games and finished strong in the playoffs for the Super Bowl
Ravens. However, I'm not sold on him being a fantasy star, just
yet. The Ravens seem equal to the lesser NFL teams (Bears, Falcons,
Cowboys) in their offense. Within their system, Lewis will have
to be very outstanding to be worthily of a top-20 fantasy selection.
I'd not want him as my RB1.
Fantasy Rating: 90.5
| C O R E Y D I L
L O N |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1470 |
12 |
200 |
1 |
245 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Dillon can either win you games or
lose them. You only have to look at last year when he set the single-game
NFL rushing record at Denver rushing for 278 yards while on seven
other occasions, he rushed for 42 yards or less. Still, after the
top six RBs drop off the draft board, he is hard to ignore and even
playing in Cincinnati, he is an explosive force and has an improved
supporting cast this year. While that may not add up to many wins
for the Bungles, it should solidify Dillon as a fantasy stud. The
problem with Dillon is that he doesn't travel very well. Playing
at home and in Cleveland, Dillon rushed for 1,100 yards and 7 TDs
in nine games but out of state in seven games, he rushed for a miniscule
331 yards and NO TDs. So if you draft him, check the schedule.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
It is amazing that Dillon has done what he has done in his four-year
career. The Bengals have not provided him with much in the way of
a supporting cast. In 2000, Cincinnati had the worst passing offense
in the league (31st). It was so bad that in Dillon's record setting
day against Denver (278 yards rushing), Cincinnati quarterbacks
had a total of 14 net yards passing. That is downright pathetic.
In spite of all of this, Dillon still was 5th leading rusher in
the whole NFL by the end of the 2000 season. It has been claimed
that Dillon is an all or nothing player. This is more circumstance
than Dillon though. In the past, Cincinnati use to easily give up
on the running game. They would fall behind 10-0 and Bruce Coslet
(The old Cincinnati coach) would get pass happy. There is a new
sheriff in town for Cincinnati (The new head coach Dick Lebeau)
and he knows Dillon is the key to everything they do. With an upgrade
in the quarterback position and a run oriented coach, expect bigger
and brighter things for Corey Dillon.
Fantasy Rating: 89.0
| R I C K Y W I L
L I A M S |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1250 |
10 |
400 |
2 |
237 |
|
Ludwig's Scouting Report
Believe or not, only Marshall Faulk and
Edgerrin James had more fantasy points per game than Ricky Williams
among runningbacks in 2000. Ricky Williams will be the starter in
New Orleans. Many among the fantasy football world tend to think
Deuce Mcallister was drafted to replace him. I tend to think Mcallister
was draft for two reasons. First, He was a great value pick at the
point New Orleans drafted him. It is hard to pass up a great value
like Mcallister. Second, Williams has shown a tendency for injuries.
Mcallister will give New Orleans a great insurance policy in case
Williams goes down. I do believe Jim Haslett (New Orlean's coach)
was also trying to send a message to Williams. Since Williams showed
up to minicamps in the best shape of his career, I would say the
message was heard loud and clear. As talented as Mcallister is,
Williams is still the most talented runningback on the team. He
will start and he will be a top ten runningback in fantasy football.
Grab him if you can.
Cummings' Scouting Report
The question isn't, "What numbers will
he produce?" The real question is, "Can this guy stay healthy?"
Last year we began to see the type of player Mike Ditka traded away
his entire draft for; we saw the numbers he was putting up and they
were solid stud RB numbers. However, injuries caught up with him
once again. Put simply, if he stays healthy, he is a sure first
round draft pick, eclipsing 1300 yards and 10-12 TDs. If he doesn't
stay healthy, well, at least the Saints have Deuce McAllister. If
you make him your top back, make sure you follow up with another
top flight back as insurance real quick. He may turn out like Isaac
Bruce, who had the solid year, then teased owners for a few years
until he proved he could stay healthy. Then again, he may turn out
like Fred Taylor, who has yet to finish a season without missing
at least 1 game.
Fantasy Rating: 88.0
| C U R T I S M A
R T I N |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1260 |
8 |
475 |
2 |
233 |
|
Cannon's Scouting Report
Martin is the best football player on
a good team. Yet, at age 28, Martin is a different player than a
few seasons ago. Yes, he's the Jet's workhorse with a 20 att per
game rush history and seems destined to fade from his slot as a
premiere fantasy player. The Jets recently selected rookie Jordan
to spell their star. If the team rotated the larger rookie into
goal line situations, I'd not be surprised.
Bond's Scouting Report
For his first two seasons, Martin scored
a touchdown a game. Since then his pace has been decidedly slower.
How slow? He has cut his Ickey shuffles in half to one every two
games. And that is the problem with owning Curtis Martin. Some of
the scoring problems were due to his sharing time at the red zone
with part-timers, like Leon Johnson, and some of the problem has
been a sporadic Jets offense. What Martin has been is consistent.
In his six seasons, he has finished as a top-12 back all six times,
mostly in the back end. The best that can be said about Martin is
that he has played just about up to his draft selection. And that
is also the worst. Martin is pure WYSIWYG and there doesn't seem
to be a ton of upside. In addition he has taken a lot of hits in
the last six seasons so Keeper and Dynasty players should probably
think twice about how long Martin is going to stay at the top. The
positive is that the Jets seem to be a contender for a playoff spot
with a decent defense and a good offensive line so Martin should
be able to grind out his usual 1,300 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
We like Martin as an early second rounder.
Fantasy Rating: 87.5
| A H M A N G R E
E N |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1222 |
9 |
425 |
2 |
230 |
|
Cummings' Scouting Report
Given the chance to start, Green did
only 1 thing - he PRODUCED. What defines "producing?" Try 1175 yards
rushing with 10 touchdowns, and then add 3 more touchdowns through
the air. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry. Did I mention that he
did this starting in only 11 games? Starting 16 games he would have
rushed for over 1700 yards and had 15 rushing touchdowns. That is
what it means to produce, and a supposedly healthy Levens is not
going to take away too many carries when Green puts up these kinds
of numbers. While it may be unreasonable to expect that kind of
production, he should easily surpass last year's stats.
Bond's Scouting Report
Like a scarlet letter, fumbleitis followed
Green from Nebraska to Seattle to Green Bay. No one doubted his
ability to carry the rock but all doubted whether it would remain
in his hands after the carry was over. Green was dumped from Seattle
to Green Bay with the belief that he would back up Dorsey Levens.
Levens was injured early on and the back-up had his chance to shine.
And shine he did. He finished as the fifth back overall and in the
second half of the season had only one game less than 100 total
yards and two games in which he didn't score. It would be bereft
of us not to mention that Green tied for the fumbles lead among
running backs with six. The problem isn't whether he has the talent
or even if he will fumble a team into submission, the problem Green
has is the specter of Dorsey Levens hanging on his shoulders. If
Green were the only back in Green Bay, he would be a clear top half
of the first round selection. He can run, he can catch - 73 receptions
--, and he can score - 13 across the stripe. However, now the thought
process has to be whether he will play fulltime. He is a decided
risk pick early in the drafting year and shouldn't be taken until
the latter stages of round one but if Levens is a gimp or has been
ferried off to the hinterlands - Jesus, can there be anything more
hinter than Green Bay - then move Green up closer to the top-6.
Fantasy Rating: 87.0
| J A M E S S T E W A R
T: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1205 |
10 |
330 |
1 |
219 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Stewart stands to solidify his status
in two ways. The Lions have beefed up on the offensive line, which
should give Stewart more room to run. And second, new Lions coach
Marty Mornhinweg plans to keep Stewart in a lot more in 3rd down
situations. Stewart is a straight ahead power runner who doesn't
waste any time looking for holes. He is a good candidate to match
last year's 1,100+ yards, double digit TD totals. His upside last
season was his durability playing in all 16 games and is the go
to guy but his downside is his age at 30. Given his hard running
style, his value drops in keeper and dynasty leagues due to injuries
that come along with this style when you pass 30 years of age.
Cannon's Scouting Report
Coming off a career year, it seems naive
to expect the same 1500 yard, 11 score performance from Stewart.
Yet, it is just as naive to think he cannot return as an important
fantasy back. On my draft board, he is ranked ahead of several more
popular backs (Williams, Dillon, Martin). Big things are expected
from the Lion King.
Fantasy Rating: 86.0
| L A M A R S M I T H: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1210 |
12 |
195 |
1 |
217 |
|
Cannon's Scouting Report
While it is important to grab a top-notch
rusher as soon as you can. Last year again proved that some big
producers can come out of nowhere. The 2000 edition of Lamar Smith
is such a player. After years of so-what play with the Saints, he
earned a career year in his first Dolphin season. 1300+ yards and
16 TDs gets every one's attention. Can Lamar successfully in defending
the Most-Valuable-Smith Championship he won? I think so. Viking
Robert is retired. Jag Smith had important off-season surgery. Cowboy
Smith is among the best RBs in the NFL, despite the current Dallas
woes and the former champ seems ready for a re-match. Antowain is
a Patriot. Bronco Rod is a plus, but cannot have 10 scores. Bengal
Akili? Get real. Dolphin Lamer is the best fantasy Smith. The only
question with Smith is whether he can repeat his impressive 2000
showing. I think that is very possible.
Bond's Scouting Report
For Smith, the third time was definitely
the charm. He was given an opportunity in Seattle to take over for
fading Chris Warren - failed. He was moved to New Orleans and handed
the starting job there - failed. It was on to Miami, last season,
where he was a dark horse for the starting job sitting behind J.J.
Johnson. Voila! After a good pre-season Smith took over the job
and pounded out a solid top-12 season. He was good for about 70
rushing yards a game and a touchdown, which for a back that was
taken very late in most drafts or not at all was a nice payback.
Ah, but can we believe that Smith will repeat his feats of 2000
or go slinking off wherever one-year wonders go to die. The competition
will be the same as Johnson and Autry Denson are the main backups
along with rookie Travis Minor. So, we can figure that Smith will
be No. 1 coming into camp and probably going out, as well. They
did lose Richmond Webb but his run blocking skills were overrated
so that shouldn't affect his numbers. He hasn't taken a lot of abuse
so he is a young 30. There is just this nagging feeling that he
won't repeat but that could be all nonsense. Figure Smith as a strong
mid-to-late second round selection but don't take him ahead of the
top wide receivers that are left or even Tony Gonzalez. Don't know
why but just have a feeling.
Fantasy Rating: 85.5
| T E R R E L L D A V I
S: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1305 |
10 |
260 |
0 |
216 |
|
Cummings' Scouting Report
How long ago did he rush for 2000 yards?
How long ago was he the undisputed king of the fantasy football
kingdom? Perhaps the most telling question is how many different
1000+-yard rushers has Denver had since TD was running all over
the league. TD has the juice left in the tank for a strong season.
What makes Davis a gamble isn't his health, it's the two 1000+-yard
rushers sitting on the bench behind him - Olandis Gary and Mike
Anderson. TD may not get the 22-28 carries per game he is used to
getting, but even with 15-20 carries, at 4 yards per carry he will
surpass 1000 yards. He is a solid 2nd back to have on your squad.
Bond's Scouting Report
At the end of the 1998 season, Davis was on top of the world. He
was the best player on the best team and taking in all that came
with it, money, fame, his pick of the ladies at the local strip
clubs, and an advertisement series with mom. It couldn't get any
better. Then bang, boom, crack, ouch, and it all was in a pile of
pain. He started the 1999 season slowly, possibly due to a bad shoulder,
but ended it fast and on crutches. The ACL in his right knee was
torn. Diligent rehab had him ready for the 2000 season but bang,
boom, crack, ouch again and it was back on the crutches. This time
it was a stress fracture in his left leg. He had only one good fantasy
game and even then it was due more to the amount of carries than
to his ability to churn yards. There is no good way to figure out
what type of player Terrell Davis has become. Is he the superstar
fantasy back hawking soup or is the injury-riddled player never
to see a full season? We won't be able to truly tell until the exhibition
season begins and for many that may be too late. The best course,
when it comes to Denver and its running back situation, is to avoid
all the backs until one rises to the top. And even then, Davis is
a health risk who shouldn't be taken as an RB1. Just walk on by
is the best advice.
Fantasy Rating: 85.5
| E M M I T T S M I T H: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1200 |
12 |
150 |
1 |
213 |
|
Ludwig's Scouting Report
It is hard to believe four years ago that
many fantasy football experts were claiming Emmitt Smith was done.
All he has done since than is average 1311 yards rushing and 12
touchdowns. Emmitt Smith is the one constant on the Dallas offense.
Michael Irvin has retired. Troy Aikman has retired. Emmitt, however,
just keeps chugging along. The most amazing part is the year he
had in 2000. Troy Aikman was injured for 5 games. The games he did
play he was obviously not the same Troy Aikman. Dallas also lost
both of their starting wide receivers (Joey Galloway and Raghib
Ismail) for most of the year. So while he was basically playing
with second stringers, he still racked up 1203 yards rushing and
9 touchdowns. I use to not be a big Emmitt Smith fan. After all
these years, I have learned to appreciate him. He is a warrior.
He has a passion and competitiveness matched by few players. Emmitt
commands respect on the football and fantasy field.
Cummings' Scouting Report
Every year is seems people are predicting Emmitt's demise. Every
year he proves people wrong. Don't make the same mistake as so many
other people have so many times. The last member of the original
"Triplets" still with the team gives the fans in Texas something
to cheer. With another solid, typical-Emmitt season, he could position
himself to break Walter Payton's career rushing record halfway through
next season. He's motivated, healthy, and is being asked to carry
the team on his shoulders once again. He will get the ball 18-23
times a game, and he will produce.
Fantasy Rating: 85.0
| J A M A L A N D E R S
O N: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1190 |
9 |
295 |
1 |
208 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Anderson is now 2 years removed from
knee surgery, which shot down his 1999 season, as well as denting
the chances of many a fantasy owner. Anderson will have to be paid
close attention to this preseason to see if he can continue to work
back to his form of 1998 before his knee injury. The return of Tony
Martin to Atlanta should help out the Falcon's passing game, which
would only be good news for Anderson. There are a lot of ifs to
Anderson's success this year and part of it will depend on if Chris
Chandler can stay healthy and allow Anderson room to move.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
All the talk has been directed at Terrell
Davis. Will Terrell Davis stay healthy? Is he finally the same Terrell
Davis he was almost two years before his torn ACL injury? Jamal
Anderson on the other hand suffered the same injury as Terrell Davis
in 1999. Jamal Anderson also played for 16 games in 2000. Anderson
put up solid numbers with 1106 total yards and 6 touchdowns. This
may not seem like stellar numbers when you compare them to his 1998
numbers (2165 total yards and 16 touchdowns), but remember this
was a year after he tore his ACL. Terrell Davis could not even play
in eleven games when trying to come back from this injury. Jamal
Anderson started every game and was solid performer on the football
field. Anderson got better as the year went on. He seemed to get
more comfortable on the football field. Just as with Terrell Davis,
I expect to see major improvement on Anderson's numbers in 2001.
It generally takes a runningback 18-24 months to come back from
an injury like Davis and Anderson suffered. Expect to see Jamal
Anderson back as a fantasy football force once again.
Fantasy Rating: 84.5
| R I C K Y W A T T E R
S: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1170 |
7 |
400 |
1 |
205 |
|
Ludwig's Scouting Report
All Ricky Watters did was gain over 1800
total yards and 9 touchdowns in 2000. To show him their appreciation,
fantasy football experts are talking about him getting benched.
I hate to burst their bubbles, but Ricky Watters will start and
do quite well this year. Mike Holmgren does want to get Shaun Alexander
more carries, but he also wants the best chance to win. Watters
provides that for the Seahawk's offense. He can beat a defense with
his great running ability and his exceptional receiving talents.
Since he joined the Seattle franchise, Watters has averaged 1685
total yards and 8 touchdowns a season. Generally it seems in the
fantasy football arena when a runningback hits the age of thirty,
fantasy owners are looking to pronounce that runningback dead. As
Emmitt Smith and Ricky Watters have shown us, this could not be
further from the truth. To make matter worse for Shaun Alexander
owners, Alexander has not looked good in minicamps. Remember Alexander
may be an exceptional player in the future, but Watters already
is.
Cummings' Scouting Report
Reportedly Watters reported to the mini-camp
in great shape and ready to play. This would have anything to do
with this being a contract year, would it Rickey? Rickey has shown
he produces the most when he is playing for a contract, and with
the offensive tools around him this year, he will be a dangerous
back to have. People often forget about how good of a pass-catching
receiver he is out of the backfield. Now that Mike Holmgren has
a quarterback he likes, who knows his system, and upon whom he can
rely, Rickey could have that year people have been predicting for
Rickey to have over the last few years.
Fantasy Rating: 84.0
| D U C E S T A L E Y: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1135 |
7 |
405 |
1 |
202 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Staley is yet another stud trying to
return from injury. After Donovan McNabb was forced to basically
fly solo last season, Staley, on his return, should enjoy more room
than he was accustomed to with the maturity of McNabb and the emergence
of Chad Lewis, which will not allow defenses to focus so squarely
on Staley. If he returns to 100 per cent, and it looks like he will,
Staley should have a solid year of production and could easily break
1,200 yards and leap into double digits in touchdowns. Staley prefers
to play a straight ahead north-south power game preferring to take
on defenders straight on instead of dancing around them in an east-west
manner.
Cannon's Scouting Report
Consider me anti-Duce, if you desire.
Not that I dislike him, I just frown on his situation with the Eagles.
It's an ugly team with a new leader. QB McNabb is now the focus
of the offense. He, not Staley, will be the only want-him fantasy
player in EagleWorld. Last year's foot injury aside, the Eagles
lack of having a passing threat is the main reason that I see Staley
near equal to the Dunns and Andersons of our hobby.
Fantasy Rating:
83.5
| L A D A I N I A N T O
M L I N S O N: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1135 |
8 |
315 |
1 |
199 |
|
Bellinger's Scouting Report
Tomlinson will be experiencing a whole
new level of competition not only going from college ball to the
pros but won't be going up against a similar soft competition he
faced while at TCU. He won't rush for 2,200 yards or 24 touchdowns
again this year but he looks to be an ideal fit for the Chargers'
offense and is showing a willingness to learn the game at the pro
level and a high level of maturity, unlike previous Charger 1st
round selection of recent years. Tomlinson was more of an outside
the tackles runner and didn't get much of an opportunity to catch
passes at TCU so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to
the NFL inside running game and the passing game. Either way, Tomlinson
looks built for the pro game and will be sought after in fantasy
drafts and more so in keeper leagues.
Ludwig's Scouting Report
Rookie runningbacks are a risky business.
It is really hard to determine if a rookie is going to be able make
it on the next level. The adjustment is hard both mental and physically
for a player use to the college game. Tomlinson should have no problem
making the adjustment though. He led the nation in rushing for two
straight years in college for a reason. Tomlinson showed at the
Senior Bowl that he could also catch the ball as well as run with
it. He also showed he could do what he has been doing for two years
against top-level competition. Tomlinson has great vision on the
football field. He also possesses good balance and body control,
quick feet and a very strong lower body. He has the ability to make
people miss plus break tackles. This kid can just plain get it done.
Being in San Diego, he will be the feature back in Norv Turner's
offense. Considering Turner had Emmitt Smith and Stephen Davis,
Tomlinson should be a workhorse. Though no rookie is a sure thing,
I really like Tomlinson's chances on the next level.
Fantasy Rating:
83.0
| J E R O M E B E T T I
S: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 1350 |
9 |
95 |
0 |
198 |
|
Cannon's Scouting Report
Eight seasons? Has it really been only
eight years that we've enjoyed the play of Jerome Bettis? As a young
Ram, he was the team star (Rookie of the Year 1993). With the Steelers,
he has performed the same follow-me leadership to a level where
we are no longer impress with 1200-8 seasons. At age 29, Bettis
remains a strong fantasy rusher, very worthy of a RB2 slot.. and
at a non-star cost, too. He faces four games vs Browns and Bengals,
too. At worst, Bettis is a safe fantasy draft choice.
Bond's Scouting Report
Bettis is the greatest extra large back
in the history of football. Very few backs in the plus 240-pound
range have lasted as long or been as effective. That said, Bettis
seems to be slowing down. He has had injury problems the last few
seasons and along with an inept passing game, he is not the man
he was in 1996 and 1997 when he was a solid RB1. He no longer fits
the RB1 description and isn't the greatest RB2. In yardage leagues
he's a decent player but he doesn't catch many passes so forget
getting the extra juice and in touchdown leagues he is below average
with only 18 scores in the last three seasons. The Steelers are
not moving forward as a team and Bettis is a perfect example of
that. They are not going to score a lot of points on offense or
overpower anyone on defense. The upside for Bettis is with Richard
Huntley off to Carolina, his main competition is gone and barring
injury an owner can expect 16 games of service. Dull service but
service. Don't let drafting Bettis get in the way of Tony Gonzalez
or any of the top wide outs as he is third round fodder, at best.
Fantasy Rating: 83.0
| T I K I B A R B E R: |
| RUSH YDS |
RUSH TDS |
REC YDS |
REC TDS |
FF PTS |
| 925 |
5 |
535 |
1 |
195 |
|
Cummings' Scouting Report
Tiki Barber - the lightening to Ron Dayne's
thunder. Can we stop using the same old nicknames, please? Tiki
made quite a few owners last year quite happy with his impressive
performance. Does he have another year like that in him? The answer
is definitely YES. He has always had talent and everyone knew it,
but he just never reached his full potential. With a solid and experienced
offensive line in front of him, and Ron Dayne to punish defenses,
Tiki is for real. He was the starting back on a Super Bowl team
built on ball control and defense. You cannot ignore him any longer.
Give the man his due and do not hesitate to draft him.
Bond's Scouting Report
Barber started 2000 for the Giants as a
bigger version of Dave Meggett. He was to fill in on third downs,
mainly catching passes and possibly carrying the ball a half-dozen
times. Well, things quickly changed when he went for 144 yards in
the first game. Suddenly, it was not THUNDER and lightening as he
and Ron Dayne were on equal footing. As the season progressed, it
became more lightening and less thunder with Barber getting many
more touches. He finished as a great fantasy RB2 having cost only
a late round draft pick. What he has going against him is his size.
Or the prejudice against his size. Most teams don't want a 200-pound
back preferring a back that has more heft to push past the arms
of defensive lineman. Certainly the Cowboys didn't whine much about
Emmitt Smith's lack of heft but Tiki is no Emmitt. It is tough for
me to fathom the Giants walking away from Dayne completely so this
tandem act probably will push into 2001. That is not good if an
owner figures on Barber as a RB1 or a top RB2. If an owner is looking
for an RB3, then Barber is a safe choice, which means no earlier
than round four.
Fantasy Rating: 82.5
I hope you enjoyed the Top Twenty Running Back Forecast. The rest
of the Running Back Rankings and analysis can be found at: FantasyRef
Forecast
:: comments to tim
ludwig
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