Ryan Mathews or Mike Tolbert (1 Viewer)

[Badgers Fan]

Mathews a bit banged up, coming off of a very poor performance. Whenever healthy he is the clear lead back. The Chargers should lead, or at least be in this game, which hurts Tolbert (he's the primary "come from behind" back"). Denver's run D is improved, and the chargers o-line has weakened, so maybe they both stink it up. But if you had to pick one, which one is it? I think the consensus would be lean towards the starter, Mathews. But are some people betting that with the injury and bad prior week, that Mathews has a much lesser workload? I would lean towards Mathews, but it's iffy. Your thoughts?

 

[PhantomJB]

I own both and would choose Tolbert over Mathews for the following reasons / trends observed over the last several games.

1) Tolbert likely to get majority of 3rd down carries

2) Tolbert higher likelihood GL carries

3) Tolbert demonstrated to be preferred back when playing from behind (d/k against DEN but still possible)

4) High probability Mathews either isn't even fully healthy or reaggravates / gets another injury mid-game

As such, Tolbert presents the lower-risk, higher-floor play IMO. He will get his even if Mathews is healthy. Choose Mathews if you want to swing for the fences but against a ball-control DEN offense and resurgent DEN defense I think it's a risky play.

 

[Squintz82]

Owning both, I choose Mathews. While Tolbert is a low risk low reward play, Mathews has a history of running well against the Broncos (over 100 yards in each of his previous games). I also feel like the Chargers due for a huge scoring game, and Mathews could benefit from a lot of late game carries (he has a better chance of breaking a long run also). Mathews is always an injury risk though, so it depends on your position if you can afford to start a high risk high reward player.

 

[strong]

the chargers are less explosive with tolbert on the field. he's probably the better third down back, but putting tolbert in for entire drives when the team is trailing removes one of the team's most explosive players.

not sure about the causal relationship, but the team certainly was doing much better when mathews was getting 50-80 yards receiving.

 

[The_Fonz]

Tolbert is my only choice between the two. But I like him enough to start him over Jacobs. I may regret it but I like his chances of scoring. I'd be highly annoyed with Mathews if I had him. Tolbert has been a better performer for his draft position.

 

[Da Guru]

Matthews is too soft to depend on, good skills but way too soft. Pulls himself out countless times a game after getting tackled.

Plus Tolbert is the goal libe back, and a much tougher player. Go Tolbert.

 

[sycamore]

I'm starting both as to not miss out on either.

 

[moderated]

Wish I woulda paid heed when reading about how he wanted a position switch prior to his breakout season in college. He doubted his ability to take the pounding a rb does, I guess he was right.

He doesn't have the mentality to take a beating and never has. If anyone can find the link to that article please post it, shows that he's always been a bit of a Sally.

Love is blind, he was basically telling us he was a wimp and very few listened.

 

[Boomer1]

I have them both and have switch numerous times but I see the decision as a coin toss. Two things that have me leaning in Tolberts directions is Mathew's fumble against the Bears and the fact that he is dinged up. Mathew's hasn't proved he can play through pain so I wouldn't be surprised to see him hobbling off the field before the half.

Tolbert has a higher floor/lower ceiling. Mathews has a lower floor/higher ceiling.

 

[identikit]

posted this in its own thread , but I'll repeat it here:

FWIW...



tweet from Dave Richard, CBSsports.com writer:



Fouts on Fantasy Football Today: Tolbert to start, Mathews will be limited. He met w/ Norv last night. He would know.