Non-PPR. Normal performance scoring.
Caveat #1: I prefer players that you can stick into the line-up and forget about. You know, guys that don't share the rock as much.
Guys that produce well in a RBBC are slightly downgraded for me.
Caveat #2: This may not be how they end up in the fantasy rankings, but this is how I would draft them.
I don't want a #2 acting as my #1 when my virtual team steps on the field.
The big dogs (can single handedly win or lose your season):
1. Peterson, MIN - Youth, potential, and showing he can play at the pro level. Great OL and the QB situation can turn on a dime.
2. Jackson, STL - Can carry a team to the championship by himself. Youth is on his side. OL was bad, but they've brought a guy in.
3. Tomlinson, SD - drops due to age. Still tops due to HOF ability. Competitive team that is centered around him.
4. Westbrook, PHI - two years without really missing time, even if he's been on the injury report. Age is a factor, but performance is not.
Can jump up into the top 3 or spiral down the rankings:
5. Gore, SF - top 5 RB in talent. A franchise guy that can turn a bad team into a good one. Injury history, but the ACLs were 5 years ago. That's a long time.
6. Addai, IND - What's not to like about his situation? He had ACL and MCL injuries way back when, but no one holds it against him. Peyton Manning, enough said.
Reliable guys that don't share the rock much (perhaps less upside, but you put them in the line-up and not worry about it):
7. Lynch, BUF - Not the best situation, yet, but getting there. Detractor is QB Edwards learning curve. Not sure he can carry a team, but he's solid.
8. Portis, WAS - Previously injured, but came back well from it. West coast offense should help. Capable of being better than this spot.
9. McGahee, BAL - Has had injuries before. Change in coaching should help, including Cameron as OC. Needs a new QB and that should come this year.
Now come the RBBC guys that put up great stats in that role with future potential to increase their workload:
10. Jones-Drew, JAC - Hella good for a short man. Taylor can't last forever. Extremely talented, but team isn't an offensive powerhouse.
11. Barber, DAL - crazy running style may lead to a short career, but RBs don't last long anyways. Who Dallas adds to the mix is concerning, so is the WR age.
Guys with multiple concerns:
12. Johnson, KC - the surrounding team is a mess and he's got mileage and age creeping up. He's a guy you grab for a run at the title this year or next.
13. Parker, PIT - can carry the load, but the team looks like they don't want him to. Team moved towards a passing philosophy. Coaching staff changeover.
Swing for the fences and hope you're right:
14. Maroney, NE - Injury concern, passing team, and of course Sammy Morris takes some cake. Good upside on a good team.
15. Turner, ATL - low mileage is pretty much all we know. Throw him in as your #2 back for two years then sell. He's older than most people think.
The hype is over:
16. Bush, NO - talented, but doubt he isn't more than a trick play guy. Saints adding defense this year may mean less of a passing game.
17. Brown, MIA - 3 years in the league, 3 years injured. Showed a flash last year, but not much else above average. Bad team in a lot of areas.
Probably good, but still up in the air:
18. Grant, GB - I want to believe, really I do. Team situation changed when Favre retired. Risky move to take him higher, but can't fault anyone for it.
19. Johnson, CIN - people are writing him off after one injury. One bad year is forgivable. He's probably less risky than some of the guys listed above.
20. Jacobs, NYG - puts up the points on a running team. Problem is he doesn't play enough. Has a high contact style. Free agent next year drops value a lot.
Caveat #3: Left off a whole bunch of older guys that will probably produce better than some of these guys.
Even with Coyle and bad O-line and limited training camp..not too bad.
