Week IV Running Backs

Week III is in the books and if you've been following the blog, you did well on Ron Curry and believed in Marion Barber III enough to get your two TDS last Sunday Night. Of course, I apologize to the man who wrote me and asked if I should start Jason Campbell instead of Jon Kitna. The lesson learned and that should be remembered is that a desperate and angry team from the NFC East is always dangerous.

Still, those following here have been eating up the fantasy points and eating well.

Here are Week IIIs top Running Backs as we see them now. On Saturday, I'll be filing a last minute report card, but for now, it's time to forget about last week and concentrate on the Now before the Now become the past.


Marion Barber III

The Best Running Back in Football? For sure he's the starting Running Back on the best scoring team in football so make sure he's in and stays in. Did you see that against Chicago last week? Did I tell you he was going to do that? I did. He did. You should keep him in for what will be the last warm weather game of the season.

LT

He's angry. He's playing the Chiefs. He's going to get the ball 30 times and lose him mind. Don't trade him to that person in your league who is dangling what looks like a steak but on closer inspection is just a can of spam in a different package. Inspect your trades and disregard your emotions. LT will come through.

Larry Johnson

Same thing. Many team owners are looking to dump the new multi-million dollar man, but remember, he held out in training camp and said that he would be at full strength in week 4. It's week 4. Diego will look to unload, but Johnson will be motivated to put his team even and silence his critics. Remember, this is the man who says he runs with the other great running backs on his mind at all times. Not really a chance to take, but don't bench him.

Cedric Benson

I saw the fumble last week too. However, Brian Westbrook lost his mind against the Lions and Benson is looking to get his back this week by turning the Lions into house cats that are afraid to step outside their litter box. Look for a Big Dennis Rodman in this game – I'm talking of course about a rebound and not a large man in a wedding dress.

Adrian Peterson

Again, you'll see tons of talk this week from the experts, the same ones who told you to bench Marion Barber III, to sit Peterson this game against a good Packers D. True enough, but the Pack are playing on the Road in a division game against a desperate team after a big win. The game smells of a letdown and Peterson is going to have a huge day because of it. Hey, you're here because I tell you what others are afraid to.

Willie Parker

Pittsburg has been struggling in the Red Zone in the early going, but Parker should hit his stride against the Cardinals. The Steelers showed they will not allow a letdown game this year by sacking up against the Niners and blowing them out. Parker owners would like to see the Red Zone a little more, but the weather will turn eventually, so for now enjoy the yards. That Davenport Long Run at the end of the game was a heartbreaker for those waiting for Fast Willie.

Joey Addai

Should you? Should you not? Is this the week they run it? Is it the week Peyton tosses for 4 Tds? You can never tell, but one thing for sure is that Addai is in the mix no matter what and can never be benched unless you are fond of late Sunday nights drinking alone thinking of what might have been. Looks appealing in a movie but in real life, even fantasy reality, it can be devestating.

Sammy Morris

Sam I am? Got to have him in there for TD leagues. Maroney owners don't like it one bit, but it's now obvious that Morris is going to get the goal line carries this year in an effort to keep Maroney from taking those big licks with the defense concentrated on him. If you drafted him you're a genius but the likelihood is that you picked him up off the waiver wire. Put him in against the Natti on Monday night. Sammy will sing you the Candy Man if you do.

Marshawn Lynch

He's tough and proven that he can learn how to run over the course of a season. I like him this week against the Jets, especially in yardage leagues. He will see the majority of the offense load this week, so if you drafted the rookie high on your team, this could be just the place to let him go. The Jets are not a great team and they might think a game against Buffalo is a gimme. It's not. They just got spanked last week against the Pats and should look to rebound against their AFC East rivals.

Willis Magahee

Going against Cleveland, you really have to start anyone you may have on the Ravens. Not too much of your fantasy world should live in Baltimore, but if you have the Deep Purple in your stable, let them go against the Browns, who just gave the Raiders their first win of the year.

LaMont Jordan

The Raiders are playing well and are Shady time out away from being 2-0. This is the last week before Mr. Rhodes comes back and LaMont wants to make sure he has a job to support his love of the Oakland eating establishments. Who can blame him. Look for LaMont to continue his return to form this year with a big game against the Dolphins, who are the east coast version of the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh yeah, do you think Caulpepper wants this victory?


HEY YOU, GET READY TO DANCE IF MY DATE DOESN'T SHOW UP


Ronnie Brown

Glad to see you again, hope you stick around this time. Against the Raider, he'll have more than enough chances because the Silver and Black play it close each game. Brown owners never know what to think about this guy, but he shows flashes of brilliance. Now flashes are great if you're a fantasy owner playing the Raiders but not so great if you're taking your kid out for a stroll in the park. Ron might do you right this week.

Lawrence Maroney

Until the former 1st round pick gets his carries on the goal line, he'll always be down here. Big yards here, but Maroney is like winning a prize at the game where you shoot the clown in the mouth to see if you can get the balloon to explode, winning that game, only to find that there were only a few other people playing and all you get it the small Elmo with an eye missing. Nice to win, but you want more.

Rudi Johnson

We don't know if he's going to play, but he hasn't been right this year. Not having a viable #2 take some carries from him is wearing the former Auburn star down and quick. Pick up Kenny Watson on waivers just to make sure. I'll keep you up to date on Rudi Watch 2007. Besides, the Patriots might decide to blow out the Natti Early on Monday night. If not, look for the Bengals to play ball control which could mean a big night for Rudi if Healthy.

Shaun Alexander

Now his wrist is broken. How long before the man with the Golden smile breaks down like a '69 Cadi and you just have to leave it on the street, smoking with the hood open and fluids spilling all over the concrete? Running Backs need their wrists and hands, right. Ask yourself that question and don't expect too much out of Shaun this week, especially on the Road in the Bay.

Frank Gore

How healthy is this guy? We'll see this week. The Seahawks are due for an emotional letdown this week after their win against the Natti so if Gore is healed, he should have a nice day. Wait till midway through the 3rd quarter for your Long TD run.

Brain Leonard

Rookie out of Rutgers in the NFL? What makes you think he's going to do any better than Steven Jackson? Well, he's playing for his career this week so motivation has a way of making kids doing things they don't normally do. If you have him, now is the time to try out your bonus toy.


NOT THIS WEEK

Warrick Dunn

Houston has a good defense and they will bottle up Dunn and force Joey to beat them. If you're thinking about pulling a Jarious Norwood out of the hat, make sure you look at what he left for you in there before putting it on again.

Thomas Jones

Drop him. He should have never left Chicago. Thomas, you're a great back, but something is not right about you being on the Jets. Maybe it is though.

Jamal Lewis

Is that Natti game out of your memory? Should be. This is Baltimore. Have you traded this guy yet? Don't. He will have good game this year, just not this week. Respect due, but have a seat. Thank you very much.

Deshaun Foster

Don't go chasing last weeks points. Tampa Bay is playing well and should be able to get to David Carr Enough to make the Panthers, well, the Panthers. This team will frustrate you all season long. It has me.


That's it for the Running Backs. Please keep those questions coming about your team, I enjoy hearing everything. Be well and Happy Fantasy to all. Well, now that the season is underway, it's victory or nothing. Happiness is a far way off.