What's not to love about Tiki Barber (1 Viewer)

[el-gato-grande]

I inherited Tiki in a dynasty league. The guy is projected as a top 10 pick in most redraft mock drafts heading into the season. But, I've never warmed to the guy and I'm tempted to trade him for some younger players and/or depth at RB and WR.

What is it about the guy that is so hard to get excited about? Am I just nuts to even consider kicking him to the curb? He certainly put up gaudy numbers last year, but I have trouble considering him an elite RB. Am I alone in this?

 

[TS Garp]

I inherited Tiki in a dynasty league. The guy is projected as a top 10 pick in most redraft mock drafts heading into the season. But, I've never warmed to the guy and I'm tempted to trade him for some younger players and/or depth at RB and WR.

What is it about the guy that is so hard to get excited about? Am I just nuts to even consider kicking him to the curb? He certainly put up gaudy numbers last year, but I have trouble considering him an elite RB. Am I alone in this?

People find a myriad of reasons to let Tiki slip past them every season (he's too small to be an every down back, he's going to lose all of the goal-line carries, he's getting old etc.), and, like clockwork, he goes out and proves them wrong and ends up being one of the better values around. He's been a top 5 back the last 2 years, and a top 10 back in 3 of the last 4 years. What more does he have to prove?

 

[aposulli]

I inherited Tiki in a dynasty league.  The guy is projected as a top 10 pick in most redraft mock drafts heading into the season.  But, I've never warmed to the guy and I'm tempted to trade him for some younger players and/or depth at RB and WR.

What is it about the guy that is so hard to get excited about?  Am I just nuts to even consider kicking him to the curb?  He certainly put up gaudy numbers last year, but I have trouble considering him an elite RB.  Am I alone in this? 

People find a myriad of reasons to let Tiki slip past them every season (he's too small to be an every down back, he's going to lose all of the goal-line carries, he's getting old etc.), and, like clockwork, he goes out and proves them wrong and ends up being one of the better values around. He's been a top 5 back the last 2 years, and a top 10 back in 3 of the last 4 years. What more does he have to prove?

he's an absolute stud in PPR leagues, and even more of a stud in leagues that give more points for longer TDs.2nd tier of RBs with Portis in any sort of redraft league.

 

[Football Menace]

I don't think he can repeat last season's yardage numbers, and Brandon Jacobs is a young bull that could take his short TDs. With that said, these are the same things that are said every year at this time, but it's enough to scare me off yet again.

 

[massraider]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

 

[gman8343]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

In a dynasty league, his age is pretty important. I think you get one more year of solid production from him, two at the absolute most.

 

[slayer666]

I inherited Tiki in a dynasty league.  The guy is projected as a top 10 pick in most redraft mock drafts heading into the season.  But, I've never warmed to the guy and I'm tempted to trade him for some younger players and/or depth at RB and WR.

What is it about the guy that is so hard to get excited about?  Am I just nuts to even consider kicking him to the curb?  He certainly put up gaudy numbers last year, but I have trouble considering him an elite RB.  Am I alone in this?  

In a dynasty scenario I would be looking to trade him (for the right deal), while his value is sky high. Many people are ranking him based on the career year in 2005. The truth is Tiki is 31 years old and touched the ball 427 times last year.

 

[Steelerblitz]

I agree...his age is the only concern I have with him. Being that you are in a dynasty and depending what your goals are (what did you inherit and can you win this year) trading Tiki in a dynasty to someone who is set to make a run at it for younger talent isnt a bad option.

Tiki in a redraft league is always underrated.

 

[David Yudkin]

There are historical precidents that suggest Barber will start becoming less productive.

- RBs 31 or older tend to drop off a fair amount compared to when they were younger. Barber had 305 fantasy points last year. Only 3 RB 31 or older have had 250 (Riggins 281, Martin 278, Payton 269).

- RBs that have 2500 touches have also tailed off beyond that number. Barber is set to surpass that early in the season. Here's how other backs with 2500 touches ranked after hitting that milestone:

Emmitt (18, 6, 5, 20, 25, 26, 63, 23)

Payton (16, 5, 4, 4, 5, 27)

Martin (18, 18, 4, 29)

Bettis (21, 31, 26, 18, 36)

Allen (5, 19, 24, 15, 27)

Faulk (14, 16, 29, 53)

Sanders (1, 10)

Thomas (40, 40, 88, 69)

Dorsett (25, 45, 31)

Dickerson (32, 33, 32, 103)

Harris (15, 18, 105)

Riggins (7, 38)

George (22, 41)

Watters (8, 60)

Anderson (16, 88, 117)

Dillon (?)

Byner (DNP)

Simpson (63)

Craig (70)

James (?)

- Barber had over 400 touches last year including the post-season. I have an article that should be up soon that shows the average ranking of RB with 400+ regular and post-season touches ranked an average of RB 3 in that year but fell to a ranking of RB 17 the next.

Those are the statistical barriers that Barber faces this year for those that like to play the numbers. There is no "real world" explanation to be concerned over Barber, but RB have been known to hit the wall at 30+.

 

[Spartans Rule]

It's funny how short the career of a RB is. It seems as soon as everyone figures out a guy really is that good, he's old and needs to be downgraded for that reason.

 

[Chaz]

Due to his age and his career year, I think that the time to trade him would be now in a dynasty.

In a redraft/auction, I will take him again.

 

[Bri]

He's just a 3rd down back, he'll never amount to much of anything

 

[DocNiner52]

I drafted him last year in a 3 keeper money league. I also had LT2, Bell and Gado off waivers. Thanks to his gaudy numbers last year(two 200 yd games) , he and LT2 helped me win the league. Needless to say he'll be one of my keepers this year and my #1 rb due to losing LT2 going back to the FA pool. We can only keep players for three years. Side note: LT helped me win the league 2 of the three years I had him. Back to Tiki. I'm hoping he'll have one more monster year but I'm not banking on it. As I said he'll be my #1 rb, but it looks like his schedule is gonna be a tough one. The whole NFC east is gonna be tough this year with the Cowboys adding TO, Washington should improve and the Eagles could be the bottom feeder in that division. There are a few things should happen with Tiki this year. The Giants schedule is brutal this year with 12 games against teams with better than .500 in wins.

1. His total number of carries will go down(still think he'll have 300 totes), rushing td's may drop a little

2. His total number of receptions will go up( especially in the red zone,JMO)

3. His schedule this year only has 5 games against opponets below .500 in wins, so I see his receiving td's going up.

Only two teams put up more points last year than the Giants(Indy, Seattle) and with their schedule they may have to put up more points than they did last year to win games. That's gonna be tough but it's possible if Manning improves. I think it's possible Tiki could register 70 plus catches this year. That'd be fine with me since our money league awards points for receptions. I think he could actually surpass last years point production(especially in leagues that give PPR) with his increase in catches . It may be only wishful thinking but I could see him finishing at #4 behind LJ,LT2 and SA in total points this year. It still seems like every year though Tiki has his detractors. I'm still happy to have him as my #1 back.

 

[Enraged Nerfball]

There are historical precidents that suggest Barber will start becoming less productive.

- RBs 31 or older tend to drop off a fair amount compared to when they were younger. Barber had 305 fantasy points last year. Only 3 RB 31 or older have had 250 (Riggins 281, Martin 278, Payton 269).

- RBs that have 2500 touches have also tailed off beyond that number. Barber is set to surpass that early in the season. Here's how other backs with 2500 touches ranked after hitting that milestone:

Emmitt (18, 6, 5, 20, 25, 26, 63, 23)

Payton (16, 5, 4, 4, 5, 27)

Martin (18, 18, 4, 29)

Bettis (21, 31, 26, 18, 36)

Allen (5, 19, 24, 15, 27)

Faulk (14, 16, 29, 53)

Sanders (1, 10)

Thomas (40, 40, 88, 69)

Dorsett (25, 45, 31)

Dickerson (32, 33, 32, 103)

Harris (15, 18, 105)

Riggins (7, 38)

George (22, 41)

Watters (8, 60)

Anderson (16, 88, 117)

Dillon (?)

Byner (DNP)

Simpson (63)

Craig (70)

James (?)

- Barber had over 400 touches last year including the post-season. I have an article that should be up soon that shows the average ranking of RB with 400+ regular and post-season touches ranked an average of RB 3 in that year but fell to a ranking of RB 17 the next.

Those are the statistical barriers that Barber faces this year for those that like to play the numbers. There is no "real world" explanation to be concerned over Barber, but RB have been known to hit the wall at 30+.

Just to add to the discussion, this article was on the blogger a couple weeks ago. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...D=2006604260310

At 31 his time is certainly short in terms of maintaining his current level of productivity, but I would think this type of workout regimine would prolong his career relative to the other backs on this list.

 

[TheFanatic]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

 

[P Boy]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

Here's to hoping that you are 100% on target, because that's just the way I see it also.

 

[TheFanatic]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

Here's to hoping that you are 100% on target, because that's just the way I see it also.

That actually scares me a little

 

[P Boy]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

Here's to hoping that you are 100% on target, because that's just the way I see it also.

That actually scares me a little

As well it should.

 

[gang-wars]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

What about Derrick Ward? I heard if Tiki goes down, he's the likely starter. And seeing Jacobs run, I'd agree with it. Tiki seems like a tough handcuff.

 

[mulliganm]

The problem is EVERYONE thinks age is the problem. Nobody will give up anything of value for him. I say hold on to him at this point, as you likely won't get anything near what you are looking for.

This is my plan anyway.

 

[ExaltedOne]

I don't like Tiki because he is old, small, ugly, and has an annoying personality.

In fantasy football he's pretty good though.

 

[FBGPoker]

The problem is EVERYONE thinks age is the problem. Nobody will give up anything of value for him. I say hold on to him at this point, as you likely won't get anything near what you are looking for.

This is my plan anyway.

Good advice.No one is going to give up much for Tiki in a dynasty league, just use him for his last year or two of high productivity.

 

[H.K.]

I LOVE TIKI!!!!

Not sure why no one else does....

 

[P Boy]

Good advice.

No one is going to give up much for Tiki in a dynasty league, just use him for his last year or two of high productivity.

Tiki is just the guy that can put a team over the top. He ought to have very good value even in dynasty leagues. If contending teams aren't willing to make serious offers for Tiki, then they aren't serious about winning the championship. In a good 14 team league where the owners sharp, I figure that even given optimal situations an owner is going to win a championship once every 8 to 10 years. That made me move Steven Jackson & Marshall Faulk for Tiki & Dayne (plus I gave up 7 slots in trading the 2.09 for the 3.02 in the deal). I got tired of making the playoffs & then getting brushed out in the first or second round.

The owner last year that dealt for Tiki won it all & subsequently dealt him to me after the season (I've got him paired with Jacobs, whom I drafted in his rookie year). He's the ideal hired gun right now.

 

[Dave Baker]

His age is the only possible problem in my book. However, that can be significant to many for a RB. They seem to hit that wall harder and faster than other skill position players. And he is 31 years old.

As posted above, it's a very small group of RBs that continue to perform at his age. While I don't think it's likely he drops suddenly this year, it certainly shouldn't be much of a shock if it did.

 

[FBGPoker]

That made me move Steven Jackson & Marshall Faulk for Tiki & Dayne (plus I gave up 7 slots in trading the 2.09 for the 3.02 in the deal).

If you don't win the league this year that will end up a horrendous trade for you long term.One player doesn't guarantee a championship and i'd put the odds at about 40% that Jackson outdoes Tiki straight up this coming season.So for the coming year having Tiki instead of Jackson increases your chance to win the league by maybe about 5%, and long term losing Jackson will hurt you over the next 5-6 years.IMO that is a really really bad trade for you, but what do i know.

 

[LHUCKS]

For starters...

He has one of the most difficult rushing schedules I've ever seen.

He still is in the top 5 in most rankings so it's not like he's under the radar.

 

[Bankerguy]

My wife would leave me for Tiki.

 

[David Yudkin]

For starters...

He has one of the most difficult rushing schedules I've ever seen.

He still is in the top 5 in most rankings so it's not like he's under the radar.

Here is the Giants schedule for next year with 2005 rankings for rushing yardage allowed . . .IND 16

PHI 21

SEA 5

WAS 13

ATL 26

DAL 15

TB 6

HOU 32

CHI 11

JAX 14

TEN 22

DAL 15

CAR 4

PHI 21

NO 27

WAS 13

Average Ranking: 16.3

That's smack dab in the middle and IMO would be considered average. If you want to make a case that the majority of defenses will improve this year, that's another story, but from a statisical perspective based on last year, Barber's schedule is not that intimidating.

 

[P Boy]

One player doesn't guarantee a championship and i'd put the odds at about 40% that Jackson outdoes Tiki straight up this coming season.So for the coming year having Tiki instead of Jackson increases your chance to win the league by maybe about 5%, and long term losing Jackson will hurt you over the next 5-6 years.IMO that is a really really bad trade for you, but what do i know.

Honestly, I expected reaction like that. But I don't think the STL O will be nearly as prolific as it has been in the past, and I liked the Dayne throw-in, even though it was a risk. That DEN didn't draft a RB & signed Dayne for another 3 years only reinforces that opinion. I didn't know DEN was going to go that direction at the time, but I had my suspicions & Anderson had been sent packing already.In any case, it certainly is a matter of opinion right now, and I agree that it could end up being a bad trade for me. I am skeptical about Jackson's ability to outperform Barber this coming year, or even to come within 80%-85% of his FF performance, which was really the deciding factor for me.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Aside from his age, nothing not to love.

Age and mileage. Other than that he's got a ton of talent and work ethic. I would handcuff with Jacobs. I don't see him being the future, but I do see Tiki missing some time this year and if he makes the most of it he could be the future. But with them not taking a RB in the draft Jacobs is going to get a long look this year. If he makes the most of it they draft a RB for depth next year. If he blows it they draft a RB to be groomed to be the starter.

Derrick Ward is more likely to be Tiki's backup than Jacobs.

 

[P Boy]

Derrick Ward is more likely to be Tiki's backup than Jacobs.

I'd disagree, but again that remains to be seen. I don't wee Ward as anything more than a journeyman RB.

 

[LHUCKS]

For starters...

He has one of the most difficult rushing schedules I've ever seen.

He still is in the top 5 in most rankings so it's not like he's under the radar.

Average Ranking: 16.3That's smack dab in the middle and IMO would be considered average. If you want to make a case that the majority of defenses will improve this year, that's another story, but from a statisical perspective based on last year, Barber's schedule is not that intimidating.

I'd like to see RB ff scoring, not rushing yards allowed. Overall I do believe that Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia will all have better rushing defenses...and that's six of the Giants games.Anxious to see Grays's SOS...I'm very confident it will not be favorable for Tiki.

 

[Assani Fisher]

1. schedule

2. age

 

[EBF]

He's 31 coming off the two most strenuous seasons of his career. I know he works hard, but I'll be stunned if he stays healthy.

 

[rzrback77]

He's 31 coming off the two most strenuous seasons of his career. I know he works hard, but I'll be stunned if he stays healthy.

VERY

 

[trader jake]

historical precidents that yudkin posted (age + wear and tear) would be my top concern

another is eli manning's development and the giants difficult schedule could lead to more passing situations this year. in PPR leagues i wouldn't be scared away at all...in more traditional leagues i would be