Monday, July 4, 2011

2011 NFL Free Agent RB Analysis

Today we take a look at the running backs who may be on the move when the NFL free agency details get sorted out. 

1-Deangelo Williams-Williams is on record saying that he would like to stay with the Panthers but as a twenty-eight year old  free agent this offseason will be his best (and last) chance to cash in on a BIG contract.  The Panthers will push to keep him, but will not overpay with Jonathan Stewart, Tyrell Sutton and Mike Goodson on the roster.  Look for Williams to land in Miami if money wins out over loyalty.  With the Dolphins Williams would be a virtual lock for 1,100 yards and 6-8TDs.

2-Ahmad Bradshaw-Bradshaw blossomed last year when the Giants gave him a heavier workload over Brandon Jacobs.  Jacobs was outspoken over his diminished role, but at this stage Bradshaw is clearly the more productive back.  Expect the Giants to resign Bradshaw and have him split time with Danny Ware and rookie Da'Rel Scott.  If Bradshaw can do a better job taking care of the ball, (he lost six fumbles in 2010) he has all the makings of  a solid fantasy running back. 

3-Joseph Addai-Addai has been rather underwhelming of late for the Colts. He is constantly banged up and should not be expected for more than 12-13 games per season.  Addai could benefit from a change of scenery and may fit in well in the Broncos backfield alongside Knowshon Moreno.  Expect Mike Hart and Donald Brown to battle for the starting job in Indy. 

4-Michael Bush-Darren McFadden's breakout season will likely result in the departure of Bush from Oakland.  The Raiders may wish to retain Bush due to McFadden's injury history but expect Bush to seek a starting job elsewhere.  The Redskins could benefit from a big, bruising back and Bush could step right in and take over for Clinton Portis.  Ryan Torrain performed well last year in spot duty, but Bush has the better toolset of the two. 

5-Mike Tolbert-Tolbert stepped in admirably last year for banged up, rookie Ryan Mathews.  He is set to be a restricted free agent and the Chargers have been very clear that they intend on seeing him lining up in the Bolts backfield next season.  Tolbert and Mathews could team up to be a strong split backfield in San Diego...the kind that fantasy players hate! 

6-Cedric Benson-Benson resurrected his career in Cincy and appears to be a solid team leader now.  His yards per carry aren't pretty, but given the state of the Bengals offense he may be leaned upon heavily and pile up yards anyway.  I expect Benson will be back with the Bengals, but with all of their unanswered questions he is no longer a week to week reliable fantasy back. 

Other notables:
Darren Sproles
Ronnie Brown
Le'ron McClain
Kevin Smith
Reggie Bush

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