What makes you decide to pick backup RB's? (1 Viewer)

[Dirty Weasel]

Let's start by assuming we are all talking about a redraft league. Please keep that in mind when reading this. I just wanted to get a feel for what makes people choose their RB corps. With a 12-team league and only 32 NFL teams, it's obvious that some owners will end up with only 2 starting RB's. So, when you are picking from a list of non-starters, what factors do you place higher importance on? Here are some factors to consider:

- Estimated playing time for that backup RB, if the starter remains healthy

- Estimated playing time for that backup RB, if the starter gets injured

- Likelihood that the starter will get injured

- Likelihood that the starter will stay healthy

- Talent of the starter

- Talent of the backup

- Talent of the starter versus the backup

- Talent of the other RB's on the team

- Will the team change it's playcalling with the backup in the game

- Do I just take a RB that gets playing time as a CoP, GL, or 3rd down RB while the starter is healthy

- Do I take the handcuff to my own RB's

- Do I take the handcuff to another owner's RB in hopes of a trade with him

These are just a handful of things to consider, but in what order do you prioritize them?

 

[bjlmonster]

Start first with handcuffs. I do love to have handcuffs for my guys. However in my 3 man keeper league I won't get Turner to handcuff LT because someone will take him way too early. I don't take handcuffs of another guy as it rarely ends up in trade value. I will take his handcuff If I think he has a legit shot at playing time.

Basically I look for most of the things you listed. I ask "What is the chance that this guy will get an opportunity?" If you were drafting today, who would you take, Droughns or Rhodes. Both are "supposed" to be backups at this point (most of us beleive). I would take Droughns due to injury concerns with Jacobs, production concerns of Jacobs, and the fact the G-men will be decent and make it easier for Droughns to produce. Rhodes may get the same opportunity, but it is still the Raiders.

 

[LionsFan78]

I'll usually try to handcuff my top RB pick. Basically, that one guy that would tank my season if he got injured.

Another factor, does anyone figure in contract status when picking backup RBs? For instance, if player X is a FA next year, maybe he'll get some PT to increase his asking price, etc.

 

[nygiants56]

I like to find RB's that are on the decline, and grab their backups. When I saw that Ricky Watters was probably at the end of his rope in 2001, I drafted S. Alexander, who rushed for 1315 yards and 14 tds that year..

When I thought that Priest Holmes was on the fritz, I drafted LJ and sat on him, waiting for Holmes to break down, and he did, week 7 of that season (2005)..

I like to look for guys playing behind aging veterans with lots of tread on the tires..for example, if Seattle had any semblance of a quality backup RB, I'd definitely draft him..Moe Morris is NOT a good backup RB..

I'll look for a guy like Brandon Jackson, whose situation is ideal for him to step in and contribute,right away. I'm not convinced a guy like Vernand Morency is anything but a completely overrated bust, and I doubt he starts on opening day..

there's so much to like with Chicago's A. Peterson this year. The guy in front of him, Ced Benson, couldn't keep Thomas Jones on the bench last season. He's had health issues, and when he does play, he's not overly impressive..how long does Chicago sit still with Benson as their #1 RB, before they give A. Peterson a long look?

the key to grabbing a backup , is to make sure you already have your RB #1 and #2, and try to use one of your remaining slots for a RB who might produce at a high level, if the guy in front of him gets benched or gets hurt.