NFL Football - Sleepers and Nightmares

As we are on the eve of opening day, some may still have a fantasy draft or two still to go.  Running back has historically been a top position in fantasy football but times they are a changing. Other than the Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, there are no longer the clear cut 18+ touchdown guys readily available. Here are a few sleepers and nightmares at running back to consider when drafting.

SLEEPERS

DeAngelo Williams- Carolina Panthers

The Panthers did not dole out a five-year, $43 million contract, including $21 million guaranteed for this guy to share time, as he has in the past in the run heavy, committee style of former coach, Jon Fox. At 28 years old, Williams has plenty of tread left on the tire and could be a solid number to fantast RB this year. His breakaway speed and mobile quarterback also give him an opportunity to get some long ones. With an ADP of 47 and being drafted as low as 73, Williams could be a big boost to your running back corps.

Shonn Greene- New York Jets

Greene has the potential to have a huge season this year if he has overcome his case of fumblitis from early in the 2010 campaign. While Greene owners were unhappy with the timeshare last year with LT, Greene carried the rock almost exclusively in the post-season. LT is a year older and the treads on his wheels are slicks at this point. Joe McKnight while promising is at least a year away from stealing carries from Greene. With an ADP of 41 and draft low of 68, Greene is capable of anchoring your running backs as a low-end #1 high-end #2 back.

Felix Jones- Dallas Cowboys

Marion Barber has been shown the door and neither Murray nor Choice has been able to stay healthy during camp to show they earn some food off of Felix’s plate. Jones dropped weight in the off-season after bulking up last year and has that explosiveness he showed in his rookie year. Jones has looked strong in-between the tackles in pre-season and the Cowboys have been spending a lot of time refining their screen game to get Jones out in space with the ball in his hands. A healthy Jones could top 10 touchdowns easily and have a combined 1600 yards. With an ADP of 43 and being taken as low as 71, Jones is a solid #2 RB and has the potential with his ability for big plays to win fantasy games for you from week to week.

NIGHTMARES

Ryan Grant- Green Bay Packers

To those of you who spent an early to mid-round pick on Grant hoping for him to contribute as a number two starter (like me), I have bad news for you. He will not be that guy. Green Bay’s RB coach told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "They're both going to take pretty much all situations in the game," He was referencing playoff stud James Starks. While most believe Grant will man the field on running plays and Starks on passing plays, you are forced to handcuff both and will have the dilemma of who to start each week. Do yourself a favor and pass. While Grant’s ADP is attracting at 65 and has been drafted as high as 38, pass on him for someone who has less of a fifty-fifty duty share.

Ryan Mathews- San Diego Chargers

Mathews looked like a can’t miss fantasy stud when the Chargers traded up in the 2010 draft for him but injuries slowed his 2010 campaign and left the door open for Mike Tolbert to steal the thunder. From the looks of it, Mathews will be used between the 20’s and Tolbert will get the goal line work and be in on passing downs. While Mathews has played himself into shape and improved throughout the pre-season, a draft high of 30 and ADP of 52 is far too risky for a back that will rarely get goal line opportunities.

Matt Forte- Chicago Bears

I know what you are saying this gut is a stud. He is a pass catching every down back in a Mike Martz offense. Hear me out. While Forte exploded on the scene he has not made the leap to first-round draft material at a position in demand. Add in the acquisition of Marion Barber, a bruiser who helps protects leads in the fourth quarter, all signs point to a reduction in Forte’s numbers. Barber has already been declared the goal-line back for Chicago which will deny Forte the scores you count on from your number one RB. With an ADP of 21 and going as high as 10, pass on Forte for a better option.