The safe play is to go with the proven talent, the guys that have been there and done that. That’s also a losing strategy — especially when it comes to running backs.
Last season, 11 of the top 12 fantasy running backs were 25 years old or younger and they had an average age of 24.1. Only Michael Turner, 28, bucked the trend.
By now, everyone should realize how short a running back’s shelf life is. They fall off a cliff without much warning, succumbing to dead legs and injuries. While unproven talent seems riskier, the old guard actually comes with the most risk.
That’s because the established players have a higher price tag on draft day. By targeting younger runners, we get discounts while simultaneously avoiding potential cliff-divers.
So take the plunge and get on the right side of career arcs with backs like these:
Jahvid Best, Lions
Now that Best is healthy and Mikel Leshoure is out for the year, the sky is the limit. Best’s all-world speed on the Ford Field turf is scary.
Shonn Greene, Jets
LaDainian Tomlinson has been reduced to a third-down role only. Greene is the bell cow and will push for 300 carries in a run-first offense.
Mark Ingram, Saints
As the star of Saints camp so far, Ingram is locked into the starting job. And as the only true goal-line option in an explosive offense, double-digit touchdowns are a real possibility.
Don’t-touch players
These four are being drafted way too high and will bust:
WR Marques Colston
Where he’ll go: 4
Why not: Colston is coming off tricky knee surgery and will lose red-zone chances to Jimmy Graham. We’ve seen the peak.
WR Greg Jennings
Where he’ll go: 2
Why not: With Jermichael Finley healthy and James Jones re-signed, Jennings’ targets are going to take a hit. He’ll regress this season.
TE Chris Cooley
Where he’ll go: 10
Why not: Cooley was already in a bad spot thanks to the Redskins’ poor offensive line and quarterback play. Now he has knee issues.
RB Cedric Benson
Where he’ll go: 5
Why not: Benson managed just 3.5 yards per carry last season and is now a year older with an
inferior supporting cast. There’s no hope.
Must-own players
These four can be had relatively cheap and will break out:
WR M. Manningham
Target in Round: 6
Why: With Steve Smith gone, Manningham will see a major bump in targets. He’s a big play waiting to happen.
QB Matt Stafford
Target in Round: 8
Why: Now fully healthy, Stafford is at the controls of a pass-happy, potentially explosive offense. His aggressiveness will lead to heaps of TDs.
TE Jared Cook
Target in Round: 11
Why: Cook is an athletic freak that is now locked into the “move” tight end position. Matt Hasselbeck already loves throwing to his new toy.
RB Felix Jones
Target in Round: 4
Why: For the first time, Jones has this backfield all to himself from jump street. We know he’s explosive and now he’s staring at 16-18 touches per game.
Cream of the crop: The overall Top 10
1. Arian Foster, RB, Hou.
2. Chris Johnson, RB, Ten.
3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Min. — Worries about his supporting cast knock “All Day” out of the top 2.
4. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC — Now established as one of the game’s premier backs, Charles’ workload will grow.
5. Michael Vick, QB, Phi.
6. Ray Rice, RB, Bal.
7. Andre Johnson, WR, Hou.
8. Darren McFadden, RB, Oak.
9. Calvin Johnson, WR, Det.
10. Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB — Underrated running ability makes A-Rod worth a first-rounder.The safe play is to go with the proven talent, the guys that have been there and done that. That’s also a losing strategy — especially when it comes to running backs.
Local prospects
Tom Brady
Metro QB Rank: 3
Outlook: We know about Wes Welker and Chad Ochocinco, but the TE pairing will keep Brady elite.
Strategy: He’s safe right there in Rounds 2/3.
Rob Gronkowski
Metro TE Rank: 9
Outlook: A demon in the red zone, he’s a good bet to push for double-digit touchdowns.
Strategy: A fine sleeper after the top TEs are gone.
Wes Welker
Metro WR Rank: 20
Outlook: Now another year removed from the ACL tear, Welker figures to be even quicker.
Strategy: Give him a huge bump in PPR formats.