GB RB Value (1 Viewer)

[Birdie048]

This thread is an open discussion of GB Running Back for the Fantasy Playoffs - Week 14-16. With the weather getting colder, and the opponents they face allowing significant points to opposing RB's, what does the GB Running Game do from here on out? And which RB do you put your trust in to lead you to the Title!

Starks leads the team in touches - 127 carries but only 1 TD (4.44 ypc).

But he has never had more than 13 carries in any game, even when Grant was hurt.

Starks is listed as Out for Week 14 due to Ankle injury

Grant is next with 92 carries (3.43 ypc) but 0 TD and only 2 games with more than 10 touches. He is a veteran insurance who has sure hands and only has 1 Fumble lost in his last 410 touches. He might not have any burst, but he can pick up the blitz and protect A Rodgers. Two key facets needed in a RB.

Saine is a virtual unknown. OSU RB with sure hands, solid 4.4 time and good build 5'11" & 220 lb

He was undrafted (IIRC) but was projected as a late 3rd round talent but was considered stiff & unimaginative runner.

Kuhn is the Goal Line RB - the TD vulture. He only has 4 TD's so they only rely on him at the 1 yard line....

Remaining Games:

vs Oak - (7-5) with #28 Run Def allowing 7th MOST point to RB's

@ KC - (5-7) with the #25 Run Def & allowing 9th MOST points to RB's

vs Chi - (7-5) with #8 Run Def (but #28 Pass Def) & alloiwng 20th Most points to RB

Green Back is sitting at 12-0 with wins over several likely/possible playoff teams

New Orleans (9-3), Chicago (7-5), Denver (7-5), Atlanta (7-5) & Detroit (7-5)

They have not won many games in convicing fasion aside from the 2 victories over 2-10 teams Minn & StL.

Total Record of Opponents 62-87 does not indicate a tough schedule.

They played surprisingly close games with NO, Minn, SD, NYG & Tampa Bay. These games were not decided until late in the 4th or on the final drive. Would a solid ground game improve this late game issue?

GB has the #3 Passing Offense & #28 Run Offense. Will this change with the weather?

Their Defense is a Bend but don't Break... #30 Pass Def & #13 Run Def.

Last year, Starks emerged to control the ground game in the playoffs - Week 18.

Who will help GB ground game this season?

And finally, a Quote from Aaron Rodgers @ Running Game

Dec. 9, 2011 4:24 p.m. - by James Carlton - Rodgers: Run game has to improve

After watching the running backs run 24 times for just 57 yards (2.375 average) in last week’s win over the Giants, QB Aaron Rodgers said the running game “has got to improve. We need to run the ball more effectively.” The Packers won’t have leading rusher James Starks (knee/ankle) Sunday when they face the Raiders, who rank 28th against the run.

Rapid Reports GB

Thoughts Shark Pool? And yes, I picked up Brandon Saine for the fantasy playoffs.

 

[shnikies]

Grant has a low floor and a low ceiling so he's nothing more than a desperation play. Saine is a perfect "what the heck" flex. He can obviously be a dud, actually likely to be one but this game will get out of hand early so there's a good enough chance for him to get enough touches to produce.

 

[sandlotshrink]

Starks is out this week which makes Saine a consideration, but we have know idea how GB will use their RB's. To completely muddy the waters, what happens next week and the week after if Starks returns? I don't think Saine will be the "lightening in a bottle" that we are hoping for this year and not sure any of the backs can be counted on this important time of the year.

 

[ratbast]

Kuhn has also caught 2 TDs. He has scored 6 total.

 

[smackdaddies]

grant

 

[packersfan]

Starks is out this week which makes Saine a consideration, but we have know idea how GB will use their RB's.

I don't think the picture is that unclear. We saw last week how the RBs would be used after Starks went out. Grant got a few more carries (13) but had no meaningful role in the passing game (one reception). Saine stepped into Starks' role on third downs (six targets, four receptions) and got some of the rushing attempts that ordinarily would have gone to Starks (six total). I would anticipate a similar approach today. My guess is Grant gets 12-15 touches, Saine gets 10-12 and Kuhn gets any goal-line looks Rodgers doesn't take. As I've said in the other threads about the GB running backs this week, I think Saine is the upside play today although his upside isn't very high because the Packers don't use their RBs a lot in terms of scoring. I've long been a Grant fan but he looks done to me. The coaching staff has been talking up Saine for awhile now so I could see them wanting to get a longer look at him - especially considering how little Grant and Starks have done this season.In a standard league, I'd go with Grant slightly over Saine because he's a safer bet for touches. In a PPR, I'd definitely take Saine over Grant because of his role on third downs. In a TD-heavy league I'd go with Kuhn as a desperation play.

 

[shnikies]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

 

[packersfan]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

 

[dal_boys_phan]

Since I don't have Kevin Smith available, call me In-Saine, but that is who I have up next (over Ringer) for my RB2 slot.

 

[zamboni]

Definitely seems to be a muddled situation, but if I were to take a chance on someone, it would be the lad in Saine.

 

[Birdie048]

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

I agree that Grant might a low ceilng play and only adviceable in large deep leagues. I play in a 12 Team keeper where we start 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE & 2 Flex (RB/WR/TE). With me considering starting Saine, my other WW roster choices are Garcon, Ben Tate or Lance Moore. I am in the 1st round of playoffs and have survived heavy WR injuries to qualify. Grant might be a 8-10 touch 30 yard play with no chance of breaking a big run. He has 4 Red Zone touches in the last 5 weeks while Kuhn has 6 and Saine has 4 in the last 2 weeks. Depth of rosters & size of the league are key to the value a player may hold.

 

[rubennbl]

Starting Brandon Saine today since Kevin Smith is out for me in my 20-team league.. Hoping for the best.

 

[shnikies]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

 

[packersfan]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

I agree and said he's a bad option. But I don't agree that someone who's starting him automatically means they suck at fantasy football. Some people may have no other choice but to start Grant this week. Honestly, I'd probably start him over Beanie Wells to be perfectly honest. I can't think of a single good reason to start Beanie. I can at least some up with one or two potential good reasons to think Grant could outperform him.

 

[shnikies]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

I agree and said he's a bad option. But I don't agree that someone who's starting him automatically means they suck at fantasy football. Some people may have no other choice but to start Grant this week. Honestly, I'd probably start him over Beanie Wells to be perfectly honest. I can't think of a single good reason to start Beanie. I can at least some up with one or two potential good reasons to think Grant could outperform him.

Grant has no big run ability and isn't the goal line back which means there's practically no chance he scores. The 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown but at least if the Cardinals find themselves inside the 5 Beanie will have a chance to score. I agree that Beanie is a bad play but I don't think Grant is even close. The fact of the matter is that Grant is the 3rd best option on a team with a bad rushing offense. I find it hard to believe there isn't a better option on the waiver wire.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Just made the call to start Saine as my Flex in non-ppr over Branch.

I didn't start Kevin Smith the week he went for 3 TDs even though I felt Schwartz would give him the ball. I went against my instincts. I feel a little less conviction about Saine but in a similar vein, I think this is an opportunity McCarthy will use to see what he can do with a full week of practice and Starks out. If he produces McCarthy will ride the hot hand and he wants to look like a genius. If Saine is average it doesn't hurt the coach. It's a nice position to be in for the Packers as winning affords the opportunity.

 

[mozzy84]

dunno between grant, saine and wells. Was leaning towards grant till I came in here...

 

[shnikies]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

I agree and said he's a bad option. But I don't agree that someone who's starting him automatically means they suck at fantasy football. Some people may have no other choice but to start Grant this week. Honestly, I'd probably start him over Beanie Wells to be perfectly honest. I can't think of a single good reason to start Beanie. I can at least some up with one or two potential good reasons to think Grant could outperform him.

Grant has no big run ability and isn't the goal line back which means there's practically no chance he scores. The 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown but at least if the Cardinals find themselves inside the 5 Beanie will have a chance to score. I agree that Beanie is a bad play but I don't think Grant is even close. The fact of the matter is that Grant is the 3rd best option on a team with a bad rushing offense. I find it hard to believe there isn't a better option on the waiver wire.

:embarrassed:

 

[smackdaddies]

grant

LMAO!

you all of little faith

 

[Michael Brown]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

I agree and said he's a bad option. But I don't agree that someone who's starting him automatically means they suck at fantasy football. Some people may have no other choice but to start Grant this week. Honestly, I'd probably start him over Beanie Wells to be perfectly honest. I can't think of a single good reason to start Beanie. I can at least some up with one or two potential good reasons to think Grant could outperform him.

Grant has no big run ability and isn't the goal line back which means there's practically no chance he scores. The 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown but at least if the Cardinals find themselves inside the 5 Beanie will have a chance to score. I agree that Beanie is a bad play but I don't think Grant is even close. The fact of the matter is that Grant is the 3rd best option on a team with a bad rushing offense. I find it hard to believe there isn't a better option on the waiver wire.

:embarrassed:

Props to you for manning up and not hiding it though. This would be an even better place if more people were like that.

 

[smackdaddies]

2 td's for Grant, 70 yards rushing, 13 receiving. In the first half.

Not that I am gloating. much.

 

[Birdie048]

Ryan Grant is having his best game in 3 yrs. Hard to say anything other than WOW!

He has had 2 runs longer than 10 yards all season. Today he has had 2 - a 47 yard TD and a 12 yard run....

Credit to him.

 

[Terpman22]

grant

Ugh. If you start Ryan Grant in anything less than a 24 team team quadruple flex league you aren't a good fantasy footballer.

I think that's pretty extreme. There's no way to know what other options might be available for someone, what their league is like etc. It's possible Grant may be someone's best option this week in a particular roster spot. I agree he's not a very good bet to do much and I'd do everything to avoid starting him if at all possible but given all the massive injuries that have hit the RB position this season there's no way to know what bedfellows some owners may have to turn to this week. Plus, he is a pretty good bet to get double-digit carries so he's not completely devoid of potential. There's a difference between desperation and sucking at this game.

If you have Grant in your lineup you're either not in the playoff hunt or playoffs or you are and in really bad shape. His absolute ceiling is 10 points and that's a long shot. He doesn't get goal line carries, hasn't had a 10+ yard carry in many a moons, hasn't gotten more than 13 carries since week 3 and there's a very strong possibility that Saine outplays him early and dominates the carries not to mention if they go up early I'm sure they'd like to get Saine a lot of touches for experience. I'd rather start Madu than Grant.

I agree and said he's a bad option. But I don't agree that someone who's starting him automatically means they suck at fantasy football. Some people may have no other choice but to start Grant this week. Honestly, I'd probably start him over Beanie Wells to be perfectly honest. I can't think of a single good reason to start Beanie. I can at least some up with one or two potential good reasons to think Grant could outperform him.

Grant has no big run ability and isn't the goal line back which means there's practically no chance he scores. The 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown but at least if the Cardinals find themselves inside the 5 Beanie will have a chance to score. I agree that Beanie is a bad play but I don't think Grant is even close. The fact of the matter is that Grant is the 3rd best option on a team with a bad rushing offense. I find it hard to believe there isn't a better option on the waiver wire.

:embarrassed:

Its OK. Just sleep it off...

 

[mozzy84]

dunno between grant, saine and wells. Was leaning towards grant till I came in here...

I should not have came in here maybe this saine guy will do something in the 2nd half

 

[Birdie048]

dunno between grant, saine and wells. Was leaning towards grant till I came in here...

I should not have came in here maybe this saine guy will do something in the 2nd half

Yeah, like get hurt amd miss the rest of the game....I lost Saine & Jennings both in the game.

 

[Kwai Chang Caine]

So what do we think of Grant's prospects next week?

 

[Birdie048]

So what do we think of Grant's prospects next week?

I think this was his BIG GAME this season.... Sell High!

 

[smackdaddies]

So what do we think of Grant's prospects next week?

I think this was his BIG GAME this season.... Sell High!

Lets see.....outdoor game

it's winter

KC has the 26th ranked rushing defense

The big difference to me is what is up with Starks. If Starks is still out/or the pack hold him out to get his ankle out for the playoffs, then it should be another good game. 80 yards and 2 td good? Ummm, probably not. But I think 75 yards and a td is a reasonable estimate. And that is good enough if you are desperate.

Or, ignore me again and get hosed. Again.

 

[need2know]

So what do we think of Grant's prospects next week?

I think this was his BIG GAME this season.... Sell High!

Lets see.....outdoor game

it's winter

KC has the 26th ranked rushing defense

The big difference to me is what is up with Starks. If Starks is still out/or the pack hold him out to get his ankle out for the playoffs, then it should be another good game. 80 yards and 2 td good? Ummm, probably not. But I think 75 yards and a td is a reasonable estimate. And that is good enough if you are desperate.

Or, ignore me again and get hosed. Again.

Just picked up grant in the wake of demarco murrays injury. Guess I will play him if I have to with a trip to the championship on the line. Damn injuries....

 

[packersfan]

I didn't see this game coming from Grant but he looked great today. I'm a big Grant fan so I'm happy to see him do well. Props to all those who started him. Sorry to all those who bought into the Saine hype. Even before he got hurt he was barely on the field.

 

[need2know]

I didn't see this game coming from Grant but he looked great today. I'm a big Grant fan so I'm happy to see him do well. Props to all those who started him. Sorry to all those who bought into the Saine hype. Even before he got hurt he was barely on the field.

Do you have any inside info on starks ankle? Is it likely he sits again next week? I guess grant could be a good play even if starks is active...

 

[packersfan]

I didn't see this game coming from Grant but he looked great today. I'm a big Grant fan so I'm happy to see him do well. Props to all those who started him. Sorry to all those who bought into the Saine hype. Even before he got hurt he was barely on the field.

Do you have any inside info on starks ankle? Is it likely he sits again next week? I guess grant could be a good play even if starks is active...

Haven't heard anything about Starks. All of the talk in GB tonight so far is about Jennings' knee injury.

 

[Johnny Rock]

My instincts sucked on this one. Either way it turned out to be a zero for me.