Fantasy update: Hedge your Betts

By Hugo Guzman  |   Sunday, August 20, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Fantasy Football
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Despite suffering a partially dislocated shoulder last weekend, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis is still on most folks' fantasy football top 10 list. The topic of Portis' draft value has already been pondered countless times. However, what hasn't received a lot of attention is the status of his replacement, Ladell Betts.

This is a critical consideration due to Portis' uncertain injury status. Should the former Miami Hurricanes standout miss any regular season starts, Betts will be asked to shoulder the considerable running load in Washington.

And what do we have in Betts?

Very little in terms of statistics. That's because Betts has only two starts in four seasons with the Redskins. In the past two seasons, the former Iowa Buckeyes back has averaged roughly 90 carries and 12 receptions in relief of Portis. In that limited action he's been able to average nearly 500 yards from scrimmage and find paydirt three times, twice on the ground and once through the air.

Betts has looked explosive at times, when inserted into the lineup, but has simply not had enough repetitions to prove that he can be an every-down back for the Washington Redskins.

Thus far in the preseason, the shifty yet physical runner has been hampered by a hamstring injury that has limited him to just three carries for nine yards. Not exactly an overwhelming endorsement.

Still, if you're into "handcuffing" (drafting your starting RB's backup) or just want to protect your early round investment in Portis, go ahead and grab Ladell Betts. He should prove to be a valuable fantasy football insurance policy.

Get more fantasy football insights at Realfootball365.com.
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About Hugo Guzman

Co-founder of RealFootball365.com. Born in Argentina, of Dominican descent, living in Hoboken, but from Miami through and ...
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