Thoughts on McGahee so far? Anyone Surprised? (1 Viewer)

[cscmtp]

I think for playing on such a bad offense (Losman makes as many bad plays as good ones, and has thrown as many INTs and TDs) McGahee is having a solid year. He's averaging around 4 yards per carry, and appears to have that burst and strength back when you watch him run. His TDs are low, but that is mostly due to an ineffective offense that has lots of 3 and outs, and several turnovers. He has 150 carries, the next closest back only has 19, so its great to see him staying in on 3rd downs this year A LOT more than he did last year. His 2nd half schedule is fantastic, especially during the playoff run:

GB

Colts

Houston

Jacksonville

Chargers

Jets

Dolphins

Titans

Ravens

Other than the Chargers and Jags, that is one juicy schedule.

Can McGahee finish in the top 5 this year if the passing game improves? Where will he go next year in dynastyand redraft leagues? Is he an elite back again? Would love to hear the Sharks impressions of him...

 

[Anonymous Internet User]

I think for playing on such a bad offense (Losman makes as many bad plays as good ones, and has thrown as many INTs and TDs) McGahee is having a solid year. He's averaging around 4 yards per carry, and appears to have that burst and strength back when you watch him run. His TDs are low, but that is mostly due to an ineffective offense that has lots of 3 and outs, and several turnovers. He has 150 carries, the next closest back only has 19, so its great to see him staying in on 3rd downs this year A LOT more than he did last year. His 2nd half schedule is fantastic, especially during the playoff run:

GB

Colts

Houston

Jacksonville

Chargers

Jets

Dolphins

Titans

Ravens

Other than the Chargers and Jags, that is one juicy schedule.

Can McGahee finish in the top 5 this year if the passing game improves? Where will he go next year in dynasty leagues? Is he an elite back again? Would love to hear the Sharks impressions of him...

huh? Balt is 2nd best rush D. Miami isn't too terrible either

 

[cscmtp]

Well all the leagues I play in, the playoffs are over after week 16, the Ravens are week 17.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I think for playing on such a bad offense (Losman makes as many bad plays as good ones, and has thrown as many INTs and TDs) McGahee is having a solid year. He's averaging around 4 yards per carry, and appears to have that burst and strength back when you watch him run. His TDs are low, but that is mostly due to an ineffective offense that has lots of 3 and outs, and several turnovers. He has 150 carries, the next closest back only has 19, so its great to see him staying in on 3rd downs this year A LOT more than he did last year. His 2nd half schedule is fantastic, especially during the playoff run:GBColtsHoustonJacksonvilleChargersJetsDolphinsTitansRavensOther than the Chargers and Jags, that is one juicy schedule.Can McGahee finish in the top 5 this year if the passing game improves? Where will he go next year in dynasty leagues? Is he an elite back again? Would love to hear the Sharks impressions of him...

I think you summed it up nicely. As far as talent, McGahee is an elite back. But he gets no help from the team around him. I think the 2nd half schedule will help, but his team won't help him enough for him to finish top 5 and he doesn't contribute enough in the passing game to cover up for the lack of TDs.Next year could be a different story. Buffalo should improve and perhaps they will replace Losman with a decent veteran?

 

[cscmtp]

.

 

[buccosfan]

I think for playing on such a bad offense (Losman makes as many bad plays as good ones, and has thrown as many INTs and TDs) McGahee is having a solid year. He's averaging around 4 yards per carry, and appears to have that burst and strength back when you watch him run. His TDs are low, but that is mostly due to an ineffective offense that has lots of 3 and outs, and several turnovers. He has 150 carries, the next closest back only has 19, so its great to see him staying in on 3rd downs this year A LOT more than he did last year. His 2nd half schedule is fantastic, especially during the playoff run:GBColtsHoustonJacksonvilleChargersJetsDolphinsTitansRavensOther than the Chargers and Jags, that is one juicy schedule.Can McGahee finish in the top 5 this year if the passing game improves? Where will he go next year in dynasty leagues? Is he an elite back again? Would love to hear the Sharks impressions of him...

I think you summed it up nicely. As far as talent, McGahee is an elite back. But he gets no help from the team around him. I think the 2nd half schedule will help, but his team won't help him enough for him to finish top 5 and he doesn't contribute enough in the passing game to cover up for the lack of TDs.Next year could be a different story. Buffalo should improve and perhaps they will replace Losman with a decent veteran?

I don't get to see the Bills games, but I own McGahee and I fail to see how you can call him an elite back as far as talent goes. What is that getting you so far this year? Not much. He's averaging a whopping 3.8 YPC for the 2nd year in a row and in his last 22 games he has half as many TDs as he had in his first 11 starts.The funny thing of all this was, all we were told was it would take him a year to get back to where he was pre-injury. And his first year back has been far and away his best. I'd trade McGahee for a lot of RBs in the NFL now. He gets you very little out of the passing game and that's very underrated. I was a bit encouraged by last week's shovel pass, but was disappointed he couldn't take it to the end zone. There's no way he can crack the top 5 ... I'd be happy with top 10.

 

[tandl71]

I'd like somebody to explain how an "elite" talent goes 17 games in a row without a TD while starting every game.

If Kevan Barlow and Travis Henry can score, I don't want to hear about McGahee's team anymore.

 

[Batman30]

 

[Batman30]

I actually think he isnt having that good of a start to the season at all. In 7 games this year he has only ONE GAME of over 100 yards rushing, and that was also the only game of the year where his YPC was over 4. Maybe its just me but with only 1 TD this year he is very overrated, and he is nothing to get that excited about for the rest of the year.

 

[Mister CIA]

Buy low?? .... Man law.

 

[Batman30]

I really think that McGahee has gotten too big and tried to run with to much power instead of using his speed. I thought i remembered Willis having much better speed when he played at THE U, but after that knee injury i think he lost a step from his days at Miami.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I'd like somebody to explain how an "elite" talent goes 17 games in a row without a TD while starting every game.If Kevan Barlow and Travis Henry can score, I don't want to hear about McGahee's team anymore.

17 games? He scored 3 weeks ago. If you are going to use numbers for your arguments, at least make sure they are facts.

 

[Jefvan]

Positives for Willis Mcgahee

1) Remaining Schedule as previously mentioned

2) 2nd in the league in rushing attempts (Edge 1st)

3) 5th in the league in rushing yards

4) Has 5 run or pass plays for over 20 yards

5) In a standard scoring league only 4 backs have outscored him that wasn't predicted to do so by most publications- Gore, Chester Taylor ,Brian Westbrook, & Kevin Jones

The others ahead of him- LT2, Portis, Larry Johnson, Brown, Jackson, Barber, Rudi Johnson & Parker were all predicted to outscore; ie, he is living up to ADP.

 

[Bri]

He's a typical good young back playing behind a line yet to find it's identity. (See thread here by Aaron re OL changes) His 100-110 yard first half in one game was extremely impressive. However, not using him so much in the 2nd half probably cost them the game and the FF notoriety for people not watching the game. He's had cruddy other weeks too.

Outside of Evans they have no TE or WR that worries anyone. Roscoe might but they don't play him enough. The QB is eh and ....Ds figure they'll stop McGahee. It's all pretty vanilla. They didn't replace Moulds IMO. Moulds was a very good WR and now they have a bunch of 3s playing the #2 role. Somewhat like McCareins playing #2 role in NY. Their line needs to get some good guys and then stick with it and get some continuity.

It's not for lack of trying- Reed, Mike Williams and some other picks haven't produced as expected.

Not catching lot of passed only means Willis won't be a top FF back it doesn't mean he won't be a top 10 back, ever. Stephen Davis is one example. Rudi? Dillon? hmmm I know there's been plenty over the years.

BTW I like that Roscoe. He's spunky and cat-quick. IMO they should start him and let him get his experience this year. Not sure if he's a #2 or #2 NFL WR but he's way more exciting than Reed or Price. If the FA WR market is strong, I wouldn't be surprised if Reed+Price are gone next year.

 

[Todem]

Elite skills and will have a good second half to the season.

He will only get better as his OL improves and JP Losman keeps up his development. That line is on of the worst in the NFL and he still is almost at 4 yards a pop. The TD's will come as well. he should finish with 6-8 this season. Don't be suprised at a 2-3 TD game very soon.

He will finish a top 10 back this season.

 

[Kiddnets]

Willis is the Buf offense - the only thing missing is the TDs and he's the undisputed GL back. I agree that the TDs will come and when they do his value will go way up! I would buy low as well.

 

[SigEp316]

I thought about trading for him...because of his playoff schedule.

I'd have to give Ronnie Brown for him and Ronnie has an equally nice schedule....It's also a 2 man keeper league and I don't know about Ronnie next year, with Rasta coming back...

 

[NYGus]

Buy low?? .... Man law.

 

[Liquid Tension]

I actually think he isnt having that good of a start to the season at all. In 7 games this year he has only ONE GAME of over 100 yards rushing, and that was also the only game of the year where his YPC was over 4. Maybe its just me but with only 1 TD this year he is very overrated, and he is nothing to get that excited about for the rest of the year.

Folks, does Edge James stuck? No, he doesn't suck, but the team he plays on does. Edge looked pretty good on Indy, didn't he? What would you be saying about Mcgahee if he were on Indy? When someone says he is an elite back, they are saying his talent level and not his fantasy value. If Mcgahee were on Denver, there would not have been any controversy as he would have been the starter and top 5 back. You can't say that about all backs and from a talent standpoint alone, McGahee is a top 5 pure runner and when you include the pass catching ability he is clearly a top 10 all around back (I am not counting blocking ability)

 

[Sigfawn]

Elite skills and will have a good second half to the season.

He will only get better as his OL improves and JP Losman keeps up his development. That line is on of the worst in the NFL and he still is almost at 4 yards a pop. The TD's will come as well. he should finish with 6-8 this season. Don't be suprised at a 2-3 TD game very soon.

He will finish a top 10 back this season.

Last I heard, Losman was about to be benched. So I'm not sure the situation is improving.

 

[Gandalf]

I recently traded him for Tiki Barber and Terrell Owens in my dynasty league.

Other than the Buffalo o-line and QB issues, I think the problem with McGahee is from the neck up. There's no doubting his physical skills, but he's kind of a head case declaring himself "the best RB in the league" last year only to disappear. Then there is the talk about him wanting out of Buffalo. McGahee does not seem to like playing in cold weather and this could be an issue the rest of this season.

Longer term, McGahee is probably gone when his contract is up I think in 2 years, so it would not shock me at all if the team spent a first day pick on a decent RB. If that happens fantasy owners likely will discount McGahee's value further than where it currently is today. Of course, on the other hand, McGahee could wind up on a team with a better offense. If he does leave, it will probably be somewhere near or in the state of Florida.

Can any Buffalo homers chime in on this? I've heard a lot of rumblings from my friends and family still in Buffalo most of whom are not overly impressed with McGahee, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts as well.

 

[Banger]

He's a typical good young back playing behind a line yet to find it's identity. (See thread here by Aaron re OL changes) His 100-110 yard first half in one game was extremely impressive. However, not using him so much in the 2nd half probably cost them the game and the FF notoriety for people not watching the game. He's had cruddy other weeks too. Outside of Evans they have no TE or WR that worries anyone. Roscoe might but they don't play him enough. The QB is eh and ....Ds figure they'll stop McGahee. It's all pretty vanilla. They didn't replace Moulds IMO. Moulds was a very good WR and now they have a bunch of 3s playing the #2 role. Somewhat like McCareins playing #2 role in NY. Their line needs to get some good guys and then stick with it and get some continuity.It's not for lack of trying- Reed, Mike Williams and some other picks haven't produced as expected. Not catching lot of passed only means Willis won't be a top FF back it doesn't mean he won't be a top 10 back, ever. Stephen Davis is one example. Rudi? Dillon? hmmm I know there's been plenty over the years.BTW I like that Roscoe. He's spunky and cat-quick. IMO they should start him and let him get his experience this year. Not sure if he's a #2 or #2 NFL WR but he's way more exciting than Reed or Price. If the FA WR market is strong, I wouldn't be surprised if Reed+Price are gone next year.

 

[Bri]

I recently traded him for Tiki Barber and Terrell Owens in my dynasty league. Other than the Buffalo o-line and QB issues, I think the problem with McGahee is from the neck up. There's no doubting his physical skills, but he's kind of a head case declaring himself "the best RB in the league" last year only to disappear. Then there is the talk about him wanting out of Buffalo. McGahee does not seem to like playing in cold weather and this could be an issue the rest of this season. Longer term, McGahee is probably gone when his contract is up I think in 2 years, so it would not shock me at all if the team spent a first day pick on a decent RB. If that happens fantasy owners likely will discount McGahee's value further than where it currently is today. Of course, on the other hand, McGahee could wind up on a team with a better offense. If he does leave, it will probably be somewhere near or in the state of Florida.Can any Buffalo homers chime in on this? I've heard a lot of rumblings from my friends and family still in Buffalo most of whom are not overly impressed with McGahee, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts as well.

That trade seems like you gave up alot for him IMO, although I can see how Owens' value is skewed.I would guess that 95% of all people that were ever in Buffalo on a winter day wished to be someplace else warm. I don't think anything of that comment. A Miami U boy wishing for warmer weather seems expected to me. It's brutal there some days.I don't foresee them drafting a RB to replace him. They have bigger needs and that would just continue the same problem. IIRC Shaud or Gates was cut and since they were both promising backups, maybe they draft another backup RB.Re friends and family- GL to them, as Buffalo was declared a disaster area recently due to a winter storm in October.

 

[Gandalf]

That trade seems like you gave up alot for him IMO, although I can see how Owens' value is skewed.I would guess that 95% of all people that were ever in Buffalo on a winter day wished to be someplace else warm. I don't think anything of that comment. A Miami U boy wishing for warmer weather seems expected to me. It's brutal there some days.I don't foresee them drafting a RB to replace him. They have bigger needs and that would just continue the same problem. IIRC Shaud or Gates was cut and since they were both promising backups, maybe they draft another backup RB.Re friends and family- GL to them, as Buffalo was declared a disaster area recently due to a winter storm in October.

I don't want this to turn into an AC forum--I posted the trade for informational value. I'm cool with my deal as my team (in sig below) needed WR way more than RB help. And I'm making a run at winning this year while still being well positioned for next.I'm not so sure about McGahee's statement being nothing. There are lots of running backs who play in the cold who don't verbalize their desire to play in warmer climates as strongly as he seemed to. That coupled with his narcissistic comments seem like a red flag to me. Can any Buffalo insiders chime in on this? I'm really curious to hear what the locals other than the ones I know are thinking. Thanks for the GL comment. Yeah 2 feet of snow in 1 day was pretty awful. But most people in Buffalo are used to it. It just usually happens in January not October!

 

[cormanman]

McGahee is top 5 talent on a bottom 5 team. That wouldn't be terrible in and of itself, but the o-line and QB are easily bottom 3 in the league. Outside of Lee Evans there is not another player on the offense that would start on any other NFL team.

I took McGahee 17th overall in a redraft league and was satisfied. I really thought he would get in the end zone more this year and I thought that Losman would improve at least a little.

Now I love his schedule down the stretch. His yards are pretty good. If he could score some TDs I think he could finish top 10 in non-PPR. His high end is probably 7 overall RB, his low is probably 17RB overall. He probably finishes right in the middle.

 

[menobrown]

Willis is the Buf offense - the only thing missing is the TDs

That's not quite accurate because he's also missing in the passing game. This is the part that bums me about him because the Bills hired the ex-Rams OC Steve Fairchild this off season and I tought under that system we'd see him catch more passes. I notice they keep him in to pass block quite often but with that poor O-line play about the only way to get him the ball in space is in the passing game. The good news on that front is I've heard Losman say he needs to start dumping it off more to Willis and taking what the defense gives him and I was encouraged by Jaurons comment last week that he wanted to get Willis 20-30 runs and catches per game.The big negative for Willis IMO is JP Losman. I actually think JP is not that bad and the Bills should continue to stick with him but I think he's bad for Willis on 3 fronts. 1)He's cocky, mobile and strong armed. This all translates to a QB who can buy himself the time to throw downfield. I believe a less mobile, more patient QB would be more inclined to dump it off to Willis and his numbers in the passing game would improve. 2) He's moblity hurts Willis at the goal line because Losman is not only a threat to take it in himself but the Bills run a lot of designed roll outs at the goal line. 3) JP turns it over to much which kills to many drives and takes the ball out of Willis' hands.

 

[Kiddnets]

Just was offered R Brown for Willis - I passed. I have faith that Willis will finish strong.

 

[NCPanthersFan]

Buy Low. The schedule is to tasty not to at least send out a feeler offer.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Top 5 back on a bad team huh? Let's see..

1. LT

2. LJ

3. SA

4. Portis

5.Barber (no TD's this year, but leading the league in rushing)

6. Rudi

7. Frank Gore

8. Brian Westbrook

9. Stephen Jackson

10. Kevin Jones

If we are talking about right now, for this year, these RB's are clearly better than McGahee. I don't see him outperforming any of these guys. McGahee is a top 15 RB at best.

That being said, he is an excellent "Buy Low" candidate with his schedule. But be careful, the offensive line has looked horrible.

 

[-OZ-]

McGahee is top 5 talent on a bottom 5 team. That wouldn't be terrible in and of itself, but the o-line and QB are easily bottom 3 in the league. Outside of Lee Evans there is not another player on the offense that would start on any other NFL team.I took McGahee 17th overall in a redraft league and was satisfied. I really thought he would get in the end zone more this year and I thought that Losman would improve at least a little. Now I love his schedule down the stretch. His yards are pretty good. If he could score some TDs I think he could finish top 10 in non-PPR. His high end is probably 7 overall RB, his low is probably 17RB overall. He probably finishes right in the middle.

I pretty much agree with this, although I'm holding out hope for Losman. However, McGahee is on my bench. Just can't start him over LT and Tiki (PPR, dynasty league).

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Just was offered R Brown for Willis - I passed. I have faith that Willis will finish strong.

Are you in my league? I have given the Willis owner the choice of any of my receivers (I'm loaded); Re Brown, Re Wayne, whosyarmama, and Driver. I am a Homer and see nothing but better opportunities ahead for Willis. Top ten yes!!!

 

[Ditka is God]

Just was offered R Brown for Willis - I passed. I have faith that Willis will finish strong.

Are you in my league? I have given the Willis owner the choice of any of my receivers (I'm loaded); Re Brown, Re Wayne, whosyarmama, and Driver. I am a Homer and see nothing but better opportunities ahead for Willis. Top ten yes!!!

I assumed he meant Ronnie Brown.

 

[brobe4]

I own McGahee in a keeper league the last two years. I do not expect above 10 pts a game from him.

I think the guy has talent, but I do not think he is elite.

 

[Kiddnets]

Just was offered R Brown for Willis - I passed. I have faith that Willis will finish strong.

Are you in my league? I have given the Willis owner the choice of any of my receivers (I'm loaded); Re Brown, Re Wayne, whosyarmama, and Driver. I am a Homer and see nothing but better opportunities ahead for Willis. Top ten yes!!!

I assumed he meant Ronnie Brown.

Yep Ronnie Brown - compared the two schedules and just think Willis has a better chance of finishing strong. Very similar situations though IMO.