Week 8 Running Back Results

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Byes: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans

The Actual Rankings are based my scoring primer. It basically follows ESPNs standard scoring but uses fractional points and slightly devalues passing touchdowns.

Opportunity is just as important as ability when it comes to fantasy value. Willis McGahee is  a top 10 running back not because his skill set, but because of an opportunity to get the lions share of carries in a top 10 offense. Lastly, do not worry about Ronnie Hillman because he only got work because McGahee was tired and needed a breather. Hillman is a must own if you’re a McGahee owner.

When Kansas City Chiefs Coach Romeo Cronell was asked why did Jamaal Charles only get 5 rushing attempts his answer was “I don’t know.” If you’re the owner how can you not want to fire him after that? This is the 3rd game (out of 7) this year he’s gotten 4 or less fantasy points. I hate players that are feast or famine because there are weeks where they win you weeks and other times they lose you weeks. I think it’s ok to have one player like that, but when you own 2+ you’re begging to either finish 1st or last. If I owned him I would try to trade him for maybe 95 cents on the dollar.

Chris Johnson had another solid game. After watching the tape the offensive line is creating more holes and more open space for him. His next four games are against the Bears, Dolphins, Jaguars and Texans, this is a perfect opportunity to sell high.

If you take away his touchdown Felix Jones would have had an awful day. In the last two weeks he’s averaged 2.43 yards per carry. After watching the tape, the Cowboys offensive line is awful in pass protection and didn’t get a lot of push on running plays. That said, during the few runs with open lanes Jones failed to exploit them; instead moving horizontally toward the sidelines. Even if Demarco Murray is out this upcoming week, I have to believe Philip Tanner gets a chance to be “the guy”. Without a running game, it puts an awful a lot of pressure on Tony Romo and an offensive line that is average at best. If you can afford to grab Tanner, you should.