Starting Hightower over Edge (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Lots of us out there have Edge and took Hightower for insurance (and upside, in dynasty).

Edge has gotten more touches and is averaging about 2 fantasy PPG more than Hightower (depending on your scoring).

That said, I'm seriously considering starting Hightower over Edge this week. Edge is a near lock for ~20 carries, but I'm thinking this could be a high scoring game this week and Hightower could be looking at 1-2 TDs pretty safely. Hightower actually did outscore Edge in 2 of the 5 weeks so far, so I don't think it's that out of the question. Hightower is more electric, has more upside, and is going to get the nod inside the 10.

I think many of us are expecting him to take more and more of the job, and either have the reigns completely later this season or in 2009. But I don't think it's jumping the gun to start plugging in Hightower over Edge right now. The upside is there.

Thoughts?

 

[davidwb]

of the two, Hightower will probably be the better choice this week, as it is likely to be a shootout and the Cards will throw a lot -- lowering Edge's between-the-20s value. Hightower is more likely to get the shorter red zone carries.

i'm not sure that either are great choices this week, however, as the Cards may have to throw from everywhere on the field (great week to have Fitz).

 

[MDSkinner]

I don't think it is jumping the gun at all. I think basically with Edge you have a guaranteed minimum number of points (and that number is not enormous, but certainly serviceable). With Hightower you have a much lower floor depending on the game situation and much higher ceiling, also depending on game situation.

So, it is not jumping the gun, but it is certainly taking a risk. Nothing remotely wrong with that.

 

[RudeDog]

I'm not an Edge owner, but I am starting Tim this week (did last week also). I think he has a better chance of producing against the Dallas D than Edge. Edgle requires bigger holes to run through and he obviously can't turn the corner, so Hightower should be more effective today against a quick Dallas D.

If he can get through the line his speed will be on display against a secondary that is woeful. I only hope he doesn't fumble today.

 

[glumpy]

I think it's a good bet if you need a bet. I'm pretty much doing the same thing in reverse--sitting Edge in favor of Pittman.

Hightower is more electric, has more upside, and is going to get the nod inside the 10.

I know about "getting the nod inside the 10"--but haven't had a chance to see him play...."more electric"? More on that?

 

[cowboyz]

I'm not an Edge owner, but I am starting Tim this week (did last week also). I think he has a better chance of producing against the Dallas D than Edge. Edgle requires bigger holes to run through and he obviously can't turn the corner, so Hightower should be more effective today against a quick Dallas D.If he can get through the line his speed will be on display against a secondary that is woeful. I only hope he doesn't fumble today.

pretty spot on.dallas defense can't tackle. so if you have a power runner than won't go down they can have success. or if they have a speedy guy he can get past the slow lbs.i'd be very surprised if edge does anything.

 

[Zow]

in a TD heavy scoring system this is a good move IMO. Nonetheless, it's not entirely safe to start him in all formats

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

TH is a better Recieving RB, which should help him in the anticipated shootout.

 

[MDSkinner]

TH is a better Recieving RB, which should help him in the anticipated shootout.

JMO, but I think this is a stretch to say. The Cardinal offense does not throw very much to the RB (as evidenced by both of them having relatively low receiving numbers) and last time I checked TH does not have the pass catching history that James has in the NFL, which is not too shabby.James is old, you can make that argument. But to say TH is a better receiving RB? A little early, I would say.

 

[Otis]

I think it's a good bet if you need a bet. I'm pretty much doing the same thing in reverse--sitting Edge in favor of Pittman.

Hightower is more electric, has more upside, and is going to get the nod inside the 10.

I know about "getting the nod inside the 10"--but haven't had a chance to see him play...."more electric"? More on that?

Edge isn't the old Edge. He's a lot slower, plodding, and isn't about to break a long one. Hightower runs a lot like Barber -- with urgency, power, and super quick. Edge is your safe bet to run out the clock and to get you 3 yards, but Hightower is a threat. Just my opinion based on watching them run this year.

 

[Zow]

I think it's a good bet if you need a bet. I'm pretty much doing the same thing in reverse--sitting Edge in favor of Pittman.

Hightower is more electric, has more upside, and is going to get the nod inside the 10.

I know about "getting the nod inside the 10"--but haven't had a chance to see him play...."more electric"? More on that?

Edge isn't the old Edge. He's a lot slower, plodding, and isn't about to break a long one. Hightower runs a lot like Barber -- with urgency, power, and super quick. Edge is your safe bet to run out the clock and to get you 3 yards, but Hightower is a threat. Just my opinion based on watching them run this year.

I agree to some extent that Edge isn't gonna bust off 50 yarders anytime soon, but I've watched every AZ game and his vision is still top 3 in terms of all RBs. Also, Hightower's TDs come on either goal-line formations or draws where the plays are set up for scores/big plays. I like Hightower, but Edge is still clearly the best RB on the team.