Is Jamal Lewis the kind of RB you start every week, without question? Or do you play the match-up with him when appropriate?I have him as my RB2 and would usually be inclined to leave him in, but I'm seriously considering benching him against the Steelers and starting Tatum Bell in his place.My questions is this: Would you play the match-up with Jamal, or do you leave him in the line-up in anticipation of a steady weekly performance?
I don't know your definition of a 'stud' but he doesn't fall into my definition. I used him for the last four years as my first/second/third RB. He is steady and that helps quite a bit if you can reasonably expect 7-12 pts per week. That way you can plan your lineup and also take advantage of matchups. So your decision is Jamal Lewis or T-Bell.Tatum plays the Raiders. Jam plays the Steelers.We don't know how Bell is going to look in the Lion offense or how he'll be used. T.J. Duckett supposedly will see time at the goal line which is a neagitve. On the other side of the coin the Lions are going to be playing a spread which should fit T-Bell nicely. His defensive matchup isn't good and the Raiders even have a loose ball drill called the Tatum Bell which could work for or against Bell. I have no idea what to expect of him today but his matchup isn't good and he's more than likely not going to see the ball at the goal line and he won't get the touches of Lewis.Lewis doesn't have an easy matchup but he should get enough carries to crunch out 75 yards and if the Browns make it near the goal line he's the man so he should have a legit shot to score today. Also the Browns had designed plays where Lewis was catching the ball in stride in the flat and he looked better than he ever looked catching the ball. I don't see Bell being target in the red zone and I wouldn't count on any scores for him. Worst case for Lewis? 60 yards, turnover, no score.Likely case? 75 yards rushing, 25 receiving, and a score/legit shot to score.Worst case for Bell? Limited carries 35 yards rushing, 20 receiving, turnover, no score.Likely case for Bell? 55 yards rushing, 35 receiving, no score.
That's funny. No.
I will concede it is possible. I'm a bit more optimistic about Bell than what you predicted.
