Rankings are based on PPR scoring of 1 point per reception and 1 point for every 20 receiving yards.
1. Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings – Bye Week 9
2010 PPR Points: 259
2011 Projections: 1400 yards, 14 TD’s, 50 receptions, 500 yards, 2 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 307
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Very Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
Well Peterson’s QB situation just got a lot better and they plan on getting him more involved in the passing game. Signs point to AP having another great year. He’s my #1 ranked player.
Peterson is my #1 ranked RB for many reasons. The main one being he’s a proven elite fantasy and NFL player. People point out that Ponder will hurt Peterson’s production. This is the same AP who lit it up with Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte at QB. Peterson will get a lot of carries this year and could post upwards of 1500 rushing yards. He seems to have fixed his fumbling issue as he only fumbled once all of last year. Peterson will get the job done for your fantasy team in 2011.
2. Ray Rice – Baltimore Ravens – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: 249
2011 Projections: 1350 yards, 9 TD’s, 65 receptions, 580 yards, 2 TD, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 294
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Ricky Williams will just take over McGehee’s role from last year and that didn’t stop Rice from having a good year. In fact, Williams will probably be used even less. Rice has received support from his coach in terms of short yardage carries so I’m still very high on Ray Rice.
Update Aug. 8:
McGahee and McClain are out of the picture. The Ravens also added arguably the best FB in the league in Vonta Leach to clear up holes. I’m giving Rice a TD boost and he could easily top 2000 yards and 10 TD’s this year. He’s an elite fantasy back that I wouldn’t hesitate taking 2nd overall.
I really like Ray Rice to bounce back this year. Many people said he was a bust last year despite still putting up over 1700 total yards. Sure, he may never be a TD threat but he will have more than 5 this year. McGahee will be gone so Rice will get more carries and a lot more goal line looks as well. McClain should steal some TD’s but Rice will get his fair share. He should be in for a great season and a lot of people are over-looking him because of his “poor” season last year.
3. Arian Foster – Houston Texans – Bye Week 11
2010 PPR Points: 362
2011 Projections: 1250 yards, 13 TD’s, 50 receptions, 475 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 279
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 30:
Foster re-aggravated his hamstring injury. I’m trying to warn you guys…
Update Aug. 8:
More concerning news out of Houston. First, Foster lost his lead blocker who is arguably the best FB in the league. To pile on even further Foster is already hurt in training camp with a hamstring injury. Nothing serious but there are red flags everywhere.
A lot of people think Foster should be the unanimous #1 pick and that he’s the safest of the top RB’s, but I disagree. I drafted him in several leagues last year so I know what he’s capable of but there are still some risks. The simplest to point out is that he is a 1 year wonder. He’s very young so we don’t know what to expect. Will he repeat? Will he get hurt after such a heavy workload? The second would be Ben Tate. Yes the same Ben Tate who was set to start last year before getting hurt. Ben Tate will take carries away and I can see Tate getting a lot of work on 3rd down which is why Foster’s receptions took a bit of a hit in my projections. And thirdly, what he did last year was great but he got help from the fact that the Texans could keep defenses honest with the pass. What happens if Schaub gets hurt? Teams will stack the box and key on Foster. Schaub is very injury prone so it could happen. That’s why I don’t think he should be your #1 pick.
4. LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles – Bye Week 7
2010 PPR Points: 268
2011 Projections: 1100 yards, 8 TD’s, 75 receptions, 580 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 270
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
I was disappointed to see the Eagles sign Ronnie Brown. McCoy is a great player and they will just be taking touches away from him now. McCoy still has a lot of potential but Ronnie Brown limits it a bit.
LeSean McCoy blew up last year and was dominant in PPR leagues. That should continue this season as well. Vick will keep defenses honest and allow McCoy to run wild. He should see most of the carries and he should be getting way more than the 207 carries he saw last season. He’s not much of a TD threat but makes up for it with his receiving yards.
5. Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 261
2011 Projections: 1300 yards, 11 TD’s, 50 receptions, 320 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 264
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Chris Johnson’s hold out doesn’t look like it’s going to come to an end anytime soon. He could even miss some regular season games at this point. I’m not going to lower his projections yet but keep this in mind when drafting.
CJ couldn’t repeat his 09 performance but he was still good in ’10. He should improve this year despite having a rookie QB as a starter. Locker should check down to him a lot do his receptions should get a boost. Locker is also a threat to run so defense will respect his legs like they did for Vince Young which should give CJ some more room to run.
6. Jamaal Charles – Kansas City Chiefs – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 259
2011 Projections: 1450 yards, 7 TD’s, 40 receptions, 370 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 254
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Charles is a beast and everyone knows that… except Todd Haley. Charles may never carry the full load and while we hate Haley for it, Charles probably would get hurt if he did. I expect his carries to increase again this year, but don’t expect 300+ carries. His YPC will drop a bit, it has to, there is no way he can sustain another year of over 6.0 yards. That’s insane. Weis is gone and that will make Cassel worse, but it shouldn’t make Charles worse. He’ll get his numbers no matter what and that makes him worthy of a 1st round pick.
7. Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 242
2011 Projections: 1150 yards, 9 TD’s, 50 receptions, 490 yards, 2 TD’s, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 250
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
McFadden finally proved all the doubters wrong with a great season last year. However, he still missed 3 games due to injury. He has a lot of talent and a lot of things are pointing up. Michael Bush could leave which will give D-Mac more touches and more goal line opportunities and the Raiders O-Line will improve with the addition of Wisniewski. The only thing that is stopping him from being a Top 5 fantasy back is his injury concerns.
8. Matt Forte – Chicago Bears – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 237
2011 Projections: 1100 yards, 5 TD’s, 60 receptions, 550 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 236
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
So Marion Barber is now the Bears goal line back. Took a few TD’s away from Matt Forte which lowers his value. He is still a great receiving threat though.
I was a big fan of Forte as a prospect before the draft so I’m happy to see him doing well. Forte is a great fantasy back for two reasons. The first is that there is no threat of someone taking his job or taking carries away. The second being his receiving abilities. Gabe Carimi should improve the Bears OL and they could still sign someone in free agency. At the very worst Forte should have a year similar to last season which wasn’t bad at all. He’s even more enticing if you are in a PPR league.
9. Felix Jones – Dallas Cowboys – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: 161
2011 Projections: 1150 yards, 7 TD’s, 45 receptions, 450 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 233
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 30:
Breakout player alert!
Update Aug. 22:
Jones is looking amazing in pre-season. I’m telling you, if there’s one player that can breakout this year, it’s Felix Jones. He’s a steal at this point and has the talent to put up top 10 numbers.
Felix Jones is now the starter for the Dallas Cowboys. He put up solid numbers as a starter last year but with Tony Romo hurt defenses we’re able to focus on the run. He won’t get 300 carries, because he won’t stay healthy, but he should get around 200. DeMarco Murray figures to be the 3rd down back and Choice could steal some goal line carries. The Cowboys have a very talented backfield which is usually not good for us fantasy owners.
10. Rashard Mendenhall – Pittsburgh Steelers – Bye Week 11
2010 PPR Points: 233
2011 Projections: 1250 yards, 13 TD’s, 25 receptions, 200 yards, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 232
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
I don’t expect Mendenhall’s 2011 stats to be much different from last year. He’ll get the bulk of the goal line carries so even though his YPC isn’t impressive, he’ll get nearly a TD a game. He had a lot of carries last year so he may be a bit worn down. There just isn’t a lot of fantasy upside with Mendenhall to take him early in the 1st.
11. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars – Bye Week 9
2010 PPR Points: 218
2011 Projections: 1200 yards, 7 TD’s, 45 receptions, 400 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 229
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
MJD didn’t have a great year last year because he only saw the endzone 7 times. Very disappointing for a top 3 pick. Don’t expect a huge turn around though. MJD had surgery this off-season and that’s always a concern. I think he will miss some games this year and if he doesn’t it’ll be because Rashad Jennings will be more involved in the offense. He carries a lot of risk with him this season. Too much to be worth a Top 3 pick.
12. Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: 223
2011 Projections: 1150 yards, 7 TD’s, 40 receptions, 320 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 215
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Steven Jackson has been durable the past 2 seasons amassing close to 750 touches and only missing one game. That’s significant for a guy who has been labeled as injury prone. With that said, I don’t think he can keep it up. He’s not the same player he was early in his career and his YPC dipped under 4 last year for the first time in his career. It doesn’t take a genius to tell he is wearing down. Despite this, the Rams still did not add a quality back-up RB to the team so Jackson is again in line to get over 300 carries. I don’t think he lasts a full season though so draft with caution.
13. Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers – Bye Week 7
2010 PPR Points: 180
2011 Projections: 1050 yards, 6 TD’s, 45 receptions, 410 yards, 2 TD’s, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 213
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
By now we can pretty much expect that Frank Gore won’t give us a full season. He’s very talented and he puts up great numbers when he plays, but he has played a full 16 game season only once in his career. Harbaugh wants to run the ball a lot this year and that just means more chances for Gore to get hurt. He’s going in the 2nd round in most fantasy drafts this year which is about where he should be. He’s still worth taking if he falls to the late 2nd/early 3rd.
14. Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions – Bye Week 9
2010 PPR Points: 172
2011 Projections: 800 yards, 5 TD’s, 60 receptions, 520 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 207
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Watching Best in pre-season reminded me why I hated him so much last year. He’s just a poor runner. He has bad vision and he dances around too much which leads to a lot of runs for negative yards. Oh, and he suffered a concussion. I just can’t get on this guy’s hype train.
Update Aug. 8:
Looks like LeShoure will miss the rest of the season so that means more touches for Best. His numbers have been updated accordingly.
I don’t get why everyone is on the Best bandwagon. He was horrible last year. True the injuries hurt him but that’s who he is. He’s going to get hurt. He has always had injury problems and always will that’s why the Lions drafted LeShoure to carry the load. Best will be used as a change of pace back and in passing situations. He’s valuable in PPR leagues but he’s being over-drafted in most standard leagues.
15. DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers – Bye Week 9
2010 Points: 54
2011 Projections: 1150 yards, 9 TD’s, 20 receptions, 140 yards, 1 TD
2011 Points: 202
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
I like Carolina to bounce back this year so naturally I expect a lot of their players to do well. Both Williams and Stewart should get back to their old 1-2 punch that made the Panthers so lethal only a few years ago. Williams will lead the duo and both are capable of reaching double digit TD’s.
16. LeGarrette Blount – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 136
2011 Projections: 1200 yards, 10 TD’s, 20 receptions, 140 yards, 4 FL
2011 PPR Points: 199
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 30:
The Bucs have been very unimpressive in pre-season and I think they will take a step back this year. The good news is that Blount has been getting involved more in the passing game.
Blount was outstanding last year. He went over 1000 yards despite only starting 7 games. He should easily surpass his numbers from last year and should easily reach double digit TD’s. The problem is he’s not much of a receiver. The Bucs will probably use Cadillac or someone else as the 3rd down back so Blount is limited in that regard.
17. Peyton Hillis – Cleveland Browns – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: 271
2011 Projections: 900 yards, 9 TD’s, 40 receptions, 300 yards, 1 TD, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 199
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
Hillis was a beast last year but almost everyone is off the bandwagon this year. There are many reasons for this. He wore down towards the end of last year, he had trouble holding onto the ball, Montario Hardesty will take away some carries, and of course the Madden Curse. I don’t think Hillis will break 1000 yards and if the curse gets him early he could miss a large part of the season.
18. Tim Hightower – Washington Redskins – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: 132
2011 Projections: 1050 yards, 7 TD’s, 35 receptions, 280 yards, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 193
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 30:
Breakout player alert!
Update Aug. 22:
Out with Torain, in with Hightower. Hightower has looked great this pre-season and he is a perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense. He’s worth a look as a late round sleeper with upside.
19. Mike Tolbert – San Diego Chargers – Bye Week 6
2010 Points: 170
2011 Projections: 600 yards, 10 TD’s, 50 receptions, 400 yards, 1 TD’s, 2 FL
2011 Points: 192
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Tolbert will be used in the redzone and as a 3rd down back. Mathews has been getting some receptions as well but the TD opportunities are all going to go to Tolbert.
Update Aug. 8:
Tolbert will be the 3rd down back for the Chargers this year, essentially taking over for Darren Sproles. Huge PPR sleeper here.
20. Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants – Bye Week 7
2010 PPR Points: 224
2011 Projections: 1000 yards, 6 TD’s, 40 receptions, 300 yards, 4 FL
2011 PPR Points: 183
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
The Giants want to get Jacobs more touches. All signs point to a down year for Bradshaw.
I’m not a fan of Bradshaw going into this season. He was great last year but that was because he managed to stay healthy. Bradshaw is very injury prone and last year was a fluke. I think he will definitely miss some time this season and he’s due to be a free agent so he may not even stay with the Giants. Don’t expect a repeat season from Bradshaw.
21. Knowshon Moreno – Denver Broncos – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 178
2011 Projections: 850 yards, 5 TD’s, 45 receptions, 380 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 181
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
McGahee is going to be the goal line back so that means Moreno won’t be getting a lot of TD’s. He still looks very involved as a receiver though.
Update Aug. 8:
So Moreno is now back as the starter? I don’t know what to expect. McGahee will steal some carries but Moreno should still be involved as a pass catcher.
Update July 13th:
Well the Broncos plan to relegate Moreno to 3rd down back duties. Not a good sign for the former 12th overall pick. Expect a huge drop in numbers as the Broncos will likely sign DeAngelo Williams to be the lead back.
Moreno is very talented but he has yet to eclipse 1000 yards. This year may finally be the year but he has to stay healthy which he hasn’t proven he can do yet. Having Tebow at QB should open up running lanes but Tebow will also steal a lot of carries and goal line touches. Moreno is tough to predict because of the Tebow factor. He’s a decent middle round pick however but is more of a RB #3 for your team.
22. Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts – Bye Week 11
2010 Points: 97
2011 Projections: 750 yards, 8 TD’s, 40 receptions, 280 yards, 1 TD, 1 FL
2011 Points: 181
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
The Cotls re-signed Addai and it looks like he will be the starter for another year. He’s pretty bland offensively but he is a good source of TD’s and a decent amount of receptions. Limited upside but you can do worse.
23. Shonn Greene – New York Jets – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 107
2011 Projections: 1150 yards, 7 TD’s, 20 receptions, 150 yards, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 179
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
LT was only used on 3rd downs in the pre-season so it does look like Greene will be the workhorse. Good news. I’m bumping up his rushing totals a bit.
Update Aug. 8:
Rex Ryan wants to utilize Greene a lot this year. About time. He’s very talented but I still see LT being the 3rd down back and stealing some TD’s.
Greene should be the main guy this year but I doubt Tomlinson will be completely phased out. I expect Greene to get around 230 carries while Tomlinson remains in the 3rd down role and will get most of the goal line touches. The potential is there but until we know what the situation is, this is as high as I’m ranking him.
24. Mark Ingram – New Orleans Saints – Bye Week 11
2010 PPR Points: N/A
2011 Projections: 900 yards, 10 TD’s, 20 receptions, 150 yards, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 176
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Pierre Thomas is starting for the Saints as of right now and him and Ingram appear to be sharing carries evenly. While Ingram is the goal line back, his rushing totals will be lowered a bit until he starts taking the majority of carries away from Thomas.
Update Aug. 8:
Ok, so I’m buying into the hype. I loved Ingram in the draft and every report out of Saints camp is praising him. The Saints want to run the ball more and he will be the workhorse. He’s a sleeper.
The Saints spent a 1st round pick on Ingram so he figures to get the bulk of the carries. Reggie Bush is probably on his way out so that leaves Ingram and Thomas as the primary runners. I expect both of them to get a lot of carries although I think Thomas will be used more on 3rd down. It will be interesting to see who gets the goal line touches as that could make either of them more enticing.
25. Reggie Bush – Miami Dolphins – Bye Week 5
2010 Points: 63
2011 Projections: 800 yards, 3 TD’s, 50 receptions, 450 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 Points: 173
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
So the Dolphins think Reggie Bush can be a featured back. I must say he did look good in pre-season. He really struggles to stay healthy though.
Update Aug. 8:
The plan is for Reggie Bush to touch the ball 10-12 times a game. Not exactly spectacular but he’ll get work as a receiver out of the backfield.
26. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 221
2011 Projections: 1100 yards, 10 TD’s, 5 receptions, 40 yards, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 173
Injury Risk: Very High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 30:
Turner continues to be fat. Stay away. It’s a joke that he’s going in the first round in some drafts.
I advise you to stay away from Turner this year. Once again he carried the ball a lot last year, led the league actually, and last time that happened he got hurt the following year. Turner has been wearing down as well and is simply not the player he was in ’08. His TD potential is still there but Jacquizz Rodgers will take away some carries. All signs point to a down year from Turner so don’t draft him early in your fantasy draft.
27. Ryan Matthews – San Diego Chargers – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 133
2011 Projections: 900 yards, 6 TD’s, 30 receptions, 240 yards, 1 TD, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 168
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
I got Mathews reception totals because Tolbert is running as the 3rd down back. Mathews also appears to be out of shape in camp which is concerning. He could bust again this year.
Matthews was a disappointment last year but he should bounce back. Despite Tolbert playing well I doubt they give him too many carries considering Matthews was a 1st rounder they traded up for. It’s still Matthews job. He showed he can catch the ball too and with Sproles leaving Matthews should be in line for a lot of catches. He’s a bit of a sleeper this year.
28. Marshawn Lynch – Seattle Seahawks – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 131
2011 Projections: 950 yards, 8 TD’s, 20 receptions, 110 yards, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 165
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Last year Lynch had the greatest run in football history, but throughout the year he was a sub-par runner. He should be the lead runner in Seattle’s crowded backfield but he still won’t be a workhorse. He should get the goal line touches though which give him a plus. Still, it’s hard to get excited over a guy like Lynch who has routinely disappointed.
29. Beanie Wells – Arizona Cardinals – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 60
2011 Projections: 1000 yards, 7 TD’s, 15 receptions, 140 yards, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 162
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Ryan Williams is out for the year so if there was ever a time for Wells to prove the doubters wrong, it’s now.
Beanie Wells has disappointed thus far in the NFL and this year will likely be his last shot. Hightower played much better than him last year and the Cardinals drafted explosive rookie Ryan Williams in the 2nd round. He did battle through injuries last year which are behind him now but you have to figure Ryan Williams will eat some of his carries no matter what.
30. Cedric Benson – Cincinnati Bengals – Bye Week 7
2010 PPR Points: 188
2011 Projections: 1000 yards, 6 TD’s, 25 receptions, 120 yards, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 161
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
I don’t like Benson this year. He’s due to be a free agent so there is no telling if he will even be back with the Bengals. If he does he won’t have a good year. Andy Dalton won’t be able to keep defenses honest at all which will make it tough for Benson to find any running room. Not like he is a great runner anyways, he averaged just 3.5 YPC last year and averages 3.7 for his career. Stay away from Benson this year.
31. Brandon Jacobs – New York Giants – Bye Week 7
2010 PPR Points: 142
2011 Projections: 950 yards, 9 TD’s, 5 receptions, 40 yards, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 154
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
More touches are in store for Jacobs. I like Jacobs to bounce back this year and he’s a bit of a sleeper no one is talking about.
Bradshaw was a nice surprise last year for the Giants but I don’t expect him to have similar success this year. He’s very injury prone which should mean that Jacobs gets his starter role back if Bradshaw misses time. Jacobs played really well last year averaging a very impressive 5.6 YPC despite weighing 264 pounds. He’s a bit of a sleeper this year because of Bradshaw’s injury risk.
32. Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 5
2011 Projections: 900 yards, 6 TD’s, 20 receptions, 160 yards, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 152
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Very High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 20:
Starks is being used more as a 3rd down back which hurts Grant’s reception totals. It could also mean more touches for Starks in general.
Update Aug. 8:
Ryan Grant is running with the 1st team as the Packers promised. Expect him to get 200+ carries this year with Starks being the short yardage back.
Ryan Grant went on IR after the first week last year and gave way to Brandon Jackson. James Starks played well down the stretch though and he figures to be more involved in the back field. The wildcard is Alex Green here. This looks like its going to be a RBBC which is a nightmare to fantasy players. I’d stay away from all these guys unless we figure out how the Packers plan on using them.
33. Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers – Bye Week 9
2010 PPR Points: 100
2011 Projections: 820 yards, 9 TD’s, 10 receptions, 80 yards, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 147
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
Well Stewart won’t be a start but he’ll be a good RB and an important handcuff to DeAngelo. It’s a shame he isn’t involved much in the passing game.
I like Stewart to bounce back from a poor year last year. DeAngelo Williams is likely gone leaving Stewart to take the #1 role while Goodson steps into the 3rd down/C.O.P. back role. Cam Newton won’t be great but his threat to run will open up lanes for Stewart. Stewart will also be the only RB capable of handling goal line carries. It’s really a great situation. He has a bit of an injury history which may put off some owners but I like him in 2011.
34. C.J. Spiller – Buffalo Bills – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 66
2011 Projections: 700 yards, 4 TD’s, 35 receptions, 270 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 145
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Finally, Spiller is starting. He didn’t look good in pre-season but the more touches the better.
You expect the Bills to give Spiller more touches but they seem to be really disappointed in him. They never really gave him a shot and they have no one to blame but themselves. They really have to get him more involved in the offense but as of now it still looks like Fred Jackson is the #1 guy.
35. LaDainian Tomlinson – New York Jets – Bye Week 8
2010 PPR Points: 198
2011 Projections: 550 yards, 5 TD’s, 40 receptions, 280 yards, 1 TD, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 143
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
I lowered LT’s numbers as the Jets are really backing up Shonn Greene a lot. He’ll still get touches but don’t expect great production every week.
The Jets seem prepared to call Shonn Greene their #1 back but that doesn’t mean LT will be completely done in New York. He’ll still get some work and will continue to be the 3rd down back and be involved in the passing game. He will be counted on clutch situations and at the goal line over Greene as well. He’s not the same fantasy threat he was last year but he’ll stick around to limit Greene’s potential.
36. Darren Sproles – New Orleans Saints – Bye Week 11
2010 Points: 124
2011 Projections: 300 yards, 1 TD, 60 receptions, 540 yards, 2 TD’s
2011 Points: 135
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 8:
Sproles will be Reggie Bush 2.0 in New Orleans, except he’ll be more consistent and cheaper. Sproles PPR stock should be really high right now as the Saints will utilize him in the passing game a lot.
37. Pierre Thomas – New Orleans Saints – Bye Week 11
2010 PPR Points: 78
2011 Projections: 700 yards, 4 TD’s, 20 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TDs, 1 FL
2011 PPR Points: 126
Injury Risk: High
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Pierre Thomas is still starting for the Saints and he looks like he will be more involved than I initially thought. I’m giving him a boost to his rushing totals.
Update Aug. 8:
The signing of Darren Sproles ruins Thomas’ value. If he would have taken over Reggie’s role he was a HUGE sleeper, especially in PPR leagues. Now he’s just a handcuff for Ingram.
These are Thomas’ projections assuming Reggie Bush is no longer a Saints. The Saints want to run the ball more this year so it makes their RB’s more attractive. It’s still tough to tell how the carries will be split but you figure Ingram will be the main ball carrier. Thomas is more than capable of taking Bush’s role in the offense as he is a talented receiver. Thomas always seems to disappoint fantasy owners but when he plays, he puts up good numbers.
38. Daniel Thomas – Miami Dolphins – Bye Week 5
2010 PPR Points: N/A
2011 Projections: 600 yards, 7 TD’s, 10 receptions, 70 yards, 3 FL
2011 PPR Points: 110
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug. 22:
Reggie Bush is the #1 back… for now. Thomas will only be used as a short yardage back which is a huge blow to his fantasy value.
Update Aug. 8:
I haven’t touched Thomas’ rushing totals but with Reggie Bush on the team, I cut his reception totals.
Thomas figures to be the #1 back in Miami with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams presumably on their way out. Still, the Dolphins are probably going to sign another back to be the 3rd down guy. Thomas is big but he doesn’t run big.. if that makes sense. He’s a scat back in a power backs body and he runs very upright. He could be injury prone and may dance around too much as a rookie. He’s a bit of a risk but he does have upside.
39. Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills – Bye Week 6
2010 PPR Points: 172
2011 Projections: 550 yards, 3 TD’s, 20 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TD, 2 FL
2011 PPR Points: 103
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: High
Analysis:
Update Aug 22:
Well, Spiller is the starting RB in Buffalo now. While he hasn’t looked good at least he is getting his shot. This means less touches for Jackson though, which is a shame. He’s a really good RB.
I can’t see Freed Jackson improving on his numbers from last year. Surely the Bills have to get Spiller more involved in the offense right? I expect a bigger split in carries although Jackson should still be leading that category.
