Fantasy running backs: strategy and sleepers

By Adam Levy  |   Thursday, August 02, 2007  |  Comments( 6 )

Fantasy Football
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If you have any designs on winning your fantasy league this season, you're going to have to think running backs, and lots of them. I don't mean one or two; I'm talking five or six -- a pair of stellar options to start with and as many upstart guys who have a reasonable shot at getting carries as you can grab.

Seriously, if a guy like that is available any round past the third, disregard your other needs and continue to stock up on the ball carriers. Having depth and surplus at RB will put you in position to cash in via trade as guys emerge as productive starters and the injuries start piling up. There is a much better chance of finding a serviceable quarterback, receiver or tight end later on in the draft than there is for a running back.

Two years ago, then-backup Larry Johnson was a mid-round steal, to the tune of 20 touchdowns. Last season, breakout rookie Maurice Jones-Drew (15 total TDs), Marion Barber (14 TDs) and Travis Henry (1,211 rushing yards) all turned in top numbers at bargain prices for their owners.

So who are this year's high-reward running backs you want on your draft list? Here's a pair of intriguing options:

Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay

Yes, we know how bad he was last year. Williams added two 100-yard games and one touchdown before sitting out the final pair of contests, all of which adds up to a perfect buy-low opportunity in 2007.

Williams' 25-year-old wheels still have plenty of tread, and with an improved Bucs line and better quarterback, this guy should be a legitimate No. 2 RB option. With Jeff Garcia at the helm, Williams ought to emerge as one the top pass-catching backs out there for those in leagues that award receptions.

Lamont Jordan, Oakland Raiders

Another 2006 casualty, Jordan limped through nine games of an injury-laden season before shutting it down in Week 11. The Raiders still have a horrible offensive line, so don't expect a complete turnaround -- but the opportunity for the burly back to regain the form that saw him score 11 times and gain over 1,500 total yards two years ago is there.

The Raiders' signing of free agent Dominic Rhodes and drafting of Michael Bush pointed toward a committee situation, but the former Colt's subsequent four-game suspension opens the window for Jordan to reclaim the gig all to himself as Bush works his way back from a college injury.

Jordan's brute force and the exodus of Randy Moss make him the Raiders' clear-cut option around the goal line. If Jordan gets off to a good start, he will be at least a valuable midseason trading chip who comes for a very low pick on draft day.
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