Kevin Smith owners (1 Viewer)

[Deuce'sWild]

I realize Rudi J has just signed and may steal some touches, but I have a good feeling about Smith this week against Atl. And, the fact that Rudi has signed is part of that reason. I feel like the rookie may be pushed a little now to perform, so it's almost like being in a contract year and wanting to show what the team what you're worth.

In addition, he's playing against a team the gave up 119 yds /g and 1 td on the ground last year...and I didn't see where they made signficicant upgrades there. Kitna and the passing game should keep defenses honest, so no stacking the box.

The only real downside would be if Rudi is used at the goaline or gets half the carries.

Anyone else feel good about this matchup?

I think I'm rolling with Smith over J. Lewis, who has a bad matchup and a bad hammy.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Although I just read this shortly after posting...

THE NEWS

MLive.com indicates that Rudi Johnson was not brought in to Detroit to serve as a specialty back (short yardage/goal-line) and will share the workload with rookie Kevin Smith, regardless of who is considered the starter.

Our View

As for Week 1, it remains to be seen which back will see more carries against Atlanta. The pair should be "handcuffed" on fantasy rosters.

"Share the workload"...hmm. Surely not after only 1 week of practice.

Help me figure this out.

 

[coolice]

I am playing him as flex. Hopefully he can get about 80 and 1 td.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Just to add...from KFFL:

The rookie from Central Florida is the starter in Detroit; he ran for 2,567 yards in his final year in college, falling 61 yards short of the NCAA single-season record.

The team signed Rudi Johnson, but he likely won't see much time in Week 1 since he has to pick up the offense; Smith should be heavily used at least in the first few weeks.

New offensive coordinator Jim Colletto wants to focus on the run more often.

The Falcons could put out the welcome mat; they allowed 119.1 rushing yards and one total touchdown per game to the position last year.

 

[Statcruncher]

With a late first round pick I snagged Portis and then stocked up on WR%s totally ignoring my #2 RB slot. I wound up with Kevin Smith, Fred Taylor, and used my last pick on the free agent Rudi Johnson. I knew Rudi would get signed with a team but I wasn%t expecting it to be Detroit. The entire reason I picked Smith was his lack of competition. Now however, I expect to see it devolve into a RBBC.

Rudi is too talented to sit on the sidelines unless Smith totally blows up, which I don%t foresee. I think if there is ever a game to start Smith the opener is it. As Rudi picks up the playbook I see him getting more carries and honestly I wouldn%t be suprised to see Rudi take the job outright. I can easily envision a situation much like Dallas where Johnson is the pounder like Barber and Smith settles into a 3rd down back position like Felix Jones.

This week I%ll be starting Smith but with tempered expectations. If Jacksonville weren%t playing the Titans I%d probably be starting Fred Taylor instead.

 

[MCguidance]

I have him as my RB4, so needless to say his is not going to see the field this week. But I am keeping an eye on him since he could surprise people. With an easier matchup out of the gate he could solidify his starting gig with a productive day. It's obvious that Rudi will take some carries, just not sure how many yet.

As an aside, an owner in my league has no real RBs and could really use him so I put Smith in a trade offer, haven't heard back. I think if he does well this week, there might be some interest.

 

[Robbie Cooper]

Even though Smith was drafted as my RB4, he's starting this week as R Grant and J Lewis are both 1) dinged up, and 2) playing very tough matchups (vs. Minn and Dallas, respectively).

I can't imagine that KS doesn't get at least 80% of the touches this week.

 

[W1cked]

Lions claim they want to run the ball much more. That's why Rudi was brought in. They are both going to get their carries. Yet must I remind you, the offensive line both these guys will be running behind is not exactly going to part the defensive line like the Red Sea.

 

[Resident A]

I'm deciding between K Smith, McFadden, & LenDale at RB2. I was leaning toward Smith until Rudi muddied the waters. I will probably keep him on the bench this week.

 

[Bankerguy]

This looks like Denver lite.

 

[shredhead]

I'm deciding between K Smith, McFadden, & LenDale at RB2. I was leaning toward Smith until Rudi muddied the waters. I will probably keep him on the bench this week.

I'm in the same boat except that I don't have LenDale. I'm trying to decide between McFadden, Smith, and Ray Rice. I have McFadden in as of right now, but I am really close to putting Smith in there.

 

[-jb-]

I am starting him ahead of Ronnie Brown and De Angelo Williams. I would normally start DW, but as mentioned, the ATL match-up is great...and the SD match-up for DW not-so-much.

 

[mggoilers]

I'm starting him, i believe the kid will play well and Rudi should be there for a breather.

In fact, I just traded Thomas Jones for him in a keeper.

I have very little risk at my other spots so I'm pairing him with LT and sitting Edge on the bench.

Hoping for 20-25 touches, and the production to match.

 

[petben]

I thnk it's time to snag Smith from his panicking owners.

Rudi is an avg RB talent wise, with a penchant for leg injuries. He's not going to take over for Smith barring injury.

 

[FFChick32]

With a late first round pick I snagged Portis and then stocked up on WR%s totally ignoring my #2 RB slot. I wound up with Kevin Smith, Fred Taylor, and used my last pick on the free agent Rudi Johnson. I knew Rudi would get signed with a team but I wasn%t expecting it to be Detroit. The entire reason I picked Smith was his lack of competition. Now however, I expect to see it devolve into a RBBC.Rudi is too talented to sit on the sidelines unless Smith totally blows up, which I don%t foresee. I think if there is ever a game to start Smith the opener is it. As Rudi picks up the playbook I see him getting more carries and honestly I wouldn%t be suprised to see Rudi take the job outright. I can easily envision a situation much like Dallas where Johnson is the pounder like Barber and Smith settles into a 3rd down back position like Felix Jones.This week I%ll be starting Smith but with tempered expectations. If Jacksonville weren%t playing the Titans I%d probably be starting Fred Taylor instead.

I'm in the same boat (almost) - took Moss with my first and got Portis with my 2nd, then A Johnson, then was forced to take a QB as they were going fast, so I was counting on K Smith to carry the load as well......fingers crossed that Rudi takes a loooong time picking up the plays or gets into more trouble.....

 

[Tenacious]

With a late first round pick I snagged Portis and then stocked up on WR%s totally ignoring my #2 RB slot. I wound up with Kevin Smith, Fred Taylor, and used my last pick on the free agent Rudi Johnson. I knew Rudi would get signed with a team but I wasn%t expecting it to be Detroit. The entire reason I picked Smith was his lack of competition. Now however, I expect to see it devolve into a RBBC.Rudi is too talented to sit on the sidelines unless Smith totally blows up, which I don%t foresee. I think if there is ever a game to start Smith the opener is it. As Rudi picks up the playbook I see him getting more carries and honestly I wouldn%t be suprised to see Rudi take the job outright. I can easily envision a situation much like Dallas where Johnson is the pounder like Barber and Smith settles into a 3rd down back position like Felix Jones.This week I%ll be starting Smith but with tempered expectations. If Jacksonville weren%t playing the Titans I%d probably be starting Fred Taylor instead.

My gut tells me that at the very least, we are eventually looking at a 50/50 RBBC. I really think a healthy Rudi is a better fit for this system anyways.

 

[EaglesNest]

I'm starting Kevin Smith this week.

I would think that for at least the first couple of weeks that Smith would get the majority of the carries until Rudi gets comfortable with his new team.

Being a Smith owner...I'm hoping that he outperforms R. Johnson enough that giving the ball to Rudi much in the future is not really an option.

 

[Cass Durham]

I just don't understand all this Rudi Johnson talk. Rudi averaged 3.8 ypc in 2006. He then went on to average 2.9 ypc in 2007. That is really, really bad. Look at it this way....Rudi Johnson's upside is LenDale White production. His upside. Therefore, I seriously doubt that Kevin Smith will not be able to hold back Rudi Johnson. So, lets not jump off the cliff so quickly.

I'll be starting Kevin Smith over Ryan Grant this week. Hopefully Smith makes some waves and quiets all this RBBC garbage.

 

[AnonymousBob]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

 

[The Psychologist]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

That is quite possibly the most uninformed statement ever made on footballguys.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

curtis martin?

 

[Cass Durham]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

Hmmm.....okay, lets start with some of the current top RBs in the league:Brian Westbrook - 3rd RoundMarion Barber - 4th RoundFrank Gore - 3rd RoundRyan Grant - Not DraftedBrandon Jacobs - 4th RoundWillie Parker - Not Drafted

 

[AnonymousBob]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

That is quite possibly the most uninformed statement ever made on footballguys.

You should really read a lot more posts.

 

[AnonymousBob]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

curtis martin?

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

Hmmm.....okay, lets start with some of the current top RBs in the league:Brian Westbrook - 3rd RoundMarion Barber - 4th RoundFrank Gore - 3rd RoundRyan Grant - Not DraftedBrandon Jacobs - 4th RoundWillie Parker - Not Drafted

You forgot to mention Portis, he was taken in the second.SJaxLtADPRonnieRickyBushThomas JonesEdgeLynchLJYes, there are always exceptions to things. I shouldn't say NEVER. I mean, look at Kurt Warner and Tom Brady...clearly a team searching for a qb would be better served taking a qb later in the draft or simply finding scrubs and forgoing guys in the first round.

 

[Cass Durham]

You forgot to mention Portis, he was taken in the second.

I didn't mention Portis because you specifically said "3rd round". Otherwise I would have mentioned M.Jones-Drew was drafted in the 2nd also.

 

[Cass Durham]

Yes, there are always exceptions to things. I shouldn't say NEVER. I mean, look at Kurt Warner and Tom Brady...clearly a team searching for a qb would be better served taking a qb later in the draft or simply finding scrubs and forgoing guys in the first round.

Exceptions? 10 of the roughly consensus top 20 running backs in fantasy drafts this year were not taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Granted, being a 1st round pick does certainly increase the odds of a RB being successful in the NFL and subsequently worthy of fantasy football rosters.

 

[Toxic Gatorade]

I have Kevin Smith in my lineup this week..................sort of.

We use a "home field advantage" player if your fantasy squad is at home. I have Kev Smith as my HFA player. I couldn't find the nerve to bench MJD vs TENN and Ricky "hippie lettuce" Williams has a good matchup, I think, vs the NYJ. I just have a feeling that the NYJ DEF is going to be much improved this year, I'm just hoping it's not in Week 1.

So if Kev outscores either of my starting RBs, it will be like he was in my lineup.

 

[twitch]

My take on Kevin Smith is that this matchup with Atlanta is a HUGE game by a measure of fantasy implications. I wouldnt put much weight on game long term for the kid. But if Im a Smith owner, Im starting him based on the matchup, and realizing a solid or even monster game from him in week 1 may just be enough to hold off Rudi Johnson from stealing a significant portion of his touches moving forward. Because the Lions' staff can ill afford a ton of patience right now. If they dont see that sign in this game vs. a fairly weak Atlanta D that Smith can excel, theyll look to a veteran like Johnson that has proven his worth in the league the next week, and then the door will be open for him. And either way, Im sure Johnson will receive a level of touches to make him worth a pickup, and help the team throughout the year. But imo, Smith has an opportunity with a monster game to make Rudi Johnson little more than a role player and nice insurance policy. So if youve got Smith, start him and hope he absolutely blows up. If he does, factoring in the attention that passing game will demand, you may just be in for a beautiful fantasy year from a kid flying a bit under the radar.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

From KFFL....

Fantasy football outlook

Rookie running back Kevin Smith figures to see the bulk of the carries, at least early on, while Johnson plays catch-up. A quick start by Smith could keep Johnson's playing time and fantasy value very limited. On the flip side, Smith may hit the rookie wall and leave the door wide open for Johnson to steal the primary gig.

In the end, Johnson is a safe bet to eat up between 30 and 40 percent of the running back touches, the majority coming in the second half of the season. His addition knocks Smith down half a peg. Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said the split will be determined by feel once Johnson is up to speed, and he assured that Johnson will play.

Owners shouldn't cut Johnson as he remains a solid No. 4 fantasy running back with modest upside operating behind a rookie. Waiting for him to pay dividends will likely require some patience, though, as he learns to adjust to Detroit's offense.

As for those who have Smith on their squad, Johnson becomes a smart handcuff target. Many viewed Smith as a high-end No. 3 fantasy back with plenty of upside heading into the season. He's essentially a low-end No. 3 with upside as long as Johnson remains a threat to his touches, though.

 

[Burgendy]

I'll be starting Smith over Reggie Bush this week, but man am I nervous about it.

 

[benm3218]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

curtis martin?

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

Hmmm.....okay, lets start with some of the current top RBs in the league:Brian Westbrook - 3rd RoundMarion Barber - 4th RoundFrank Gore - 3rd RoundRyan Grant - Not DraftedBrandon Jacobs - 4th RoundWillie Parker - Not Drafted

You forgot to mention Portis, he was taken in the second.SJaxLtADPRonnieRickyBushThomas JonesEdgeLynchLJYes, there are always exceptions to things. I shouldn't say NEVER. I mean, look at Kurt Warner and Tom Brady...clearly a team searching for a qb would be better served taking a qb later in the draft or simply finding scrubs and forgoing guys in the first round.

Bobby - your point is lost and wasn't a good one to begin with. You said something you hadn't thought through and that was garbage and got called out on it. Special backs go in round 3. It is a proven fact as several pointed out. Besides anyone who watches football and knows anything about it knows that the round you are drafted in doesn't equal success or failure. Statistics indicate that number 1 RB's tend to do better. That is not some deep statement it is common sense. But, you said Special backs don't fall to the third round. hahaha Admit you were wrong and move along. hahaI expect less than 100 yards but with a TD. Maybe 70 yards on 20 rushes and a TD from Smith. His line is not good enough to help him get more. Now, if the unexpected happened and the Lions passing attack was on fire and they got ahead and Smith got to run more, then you might see a really great game from him. But I think realistically he will have 70 yards and a TD.

 

[mrpnlu]

For anybody saying Rudi isn't/wasn't anything special...what round was Kevin Smith drafted in? Special backs don't fall to the third round. Factor in their offensive line and I'd run far, far away from the Lions ground attack.

im not ready to say kevin smith will light the world on fire...chances are he wont...but your analysis is ridiculous...based on round drafted brother? do special qbs like joe montana get drafted in the 3rd round....or special qbs like brady in the 6th? ...or special wrs like colston in the 7th? Did you know Terrel Davis was drafted in the 6th, Marion Barber in the 4th, and Cedric Benson drafted in the first? You're what Max Kellerman on ESPN radio would call Typical Football Analysis Guy - T-######

 

[Addai's Adidas]

Starting him over Perry. he should still get 25 touches total.

 

[StuntMonkee]

Why such the large Ranking diff between Rice & Smith? Anyone have an idea? I can see it. . .but maybe I'm missing something/

 

[fatness]

Why such the large Ranking diff between Rice & Smith? Anyone have an idea? I can see it. . .but maybe I'm missing something/

I would guess the Ravens will be more dependent on the run than will the Lions.

 

[pecorino]

starting smith at flex over options like dwayne bowe, selvin young and chris perry.

 

[TTAC]

I'm really starting to hate fantasy football.