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Hit the ground running
Two-back systems growing easier to manage
You remember the days when fantasy owners could trot out guys like Priest Holmes, Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson every week, without question?
Of course this was also a time when J.Lo had hit singles on the radio and Dubya was searching for Saddam in caves, long before the two-back system became the bee's knees. And for a few years, the use of "change-of-pace" RBs became the bane of fantasy owners.
But a week into the 2009 season, it looks like there's a handful of guys poised to be productive fantasy back-ups in a timeshare situation.
Cadillac Williams
After tearing both of his patellar tendons over the last two seasons (right in '07, left in '08), the 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year has climbed all the way back, listed at the top of the Bucs depth chart. And while off-season-acquisition Derrick Ward saw twelve carries Week One against Dallas, The 'Lac lugged the rock 13 times for 97 yards and a score. Winning over first-year head coach Raheem Morris, expect Williams to be a central figure as the Bucs re-tooled offense searches for its identity.
Ray Rice
The second-year back out of Rutgers claimed the starting slot in Baltimore with explosive play in the pre-season, surplanting an aging Willis McGahee. Rice's ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him indespensible in PPR leagues, despite the fact that both McGahee and fullback Leron McClain will handle the goalline duties. Rice opened the season with 19 carries for 108 yards and two receptions for 12 yards.
Michael Bush
Although he techincally is a back-up for Darren McFadden in Oakland, Bush notched 55 yards on 12 carries, including a TD. McFadden mustered 68 yards on 17 carries, but didn't get the goal line look; something to monitor closely over the next couple weeks. Either way, Bush is worth a roster spot.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Things just keep looking better for the G-Men's second RB. The off-season departure of Derrick Ward put Brashaw firmly in a back-up role behind Brandon Jacobs. And now that an injury has sidelined rookie Danny Ware, Bradshaw will now resuming returning kicks for the Giants. Add in the fact that Jacobs (who he out-rushed in Week 1) has missed time in each of the last three seasons and Bradshaw may have more upside than any back-up RB in the league.
Of course this was also a time when J.Lo had hit singles on the radio and Dubya was searching for Saddam in caves, long before the two-back system became the bee's knees. And for a few years, the use of "change-of-pace" RBs became the bane of fantasy owners.
But a week into the 2009 season, it looks like there's a handful of guys poised to be productive fantasy back-ups in a timeshare situation.
Cadillac Williams
After tearing both of his patellar tendons over the last two seasons (right in '07, left in '08), the 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year has climbed all the way back, listed at the top of the Bucs depth chart. And while off-season-acquisition Derrick Ward saw twelve carries Week One against Dallas, The 'Lac lugged the rock 13 times for 97 yards and a score. Winning over first-year head coach Raheem Morris, expect Williams to be a central figure as the Bucs re-tooled offense searches for its identity.
Ray Rice
The second-year back out of Rutgers claimed the starting slot in Baltimore with explosive play in the pre-season, surplanting an aging Willis McGahee. Rice's ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him indespensible in PPR leagues, despite the fact that both McGahee and fullback Leron McClain will handle the goalline duties. Rice opened the season with 19 carries for 108 yards and two receptions for 12 yards.
Michael Bush
Although he techincally is a back-up for Darren McFadden in Oakland, Bush notched 55 yards on 12 carries, including a TD. McFadden mustered 68 yards on 17 carries, but didn't get the goal line look; something to monitor closely over the next couple weeks. Either way, Bush is worth a roster spot.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Things just keep looking better for the G-Men's second RB. The off-season departure of Derrick Ward put Brashaw firmly in a back-up role behind Brandon Jacobs. And now that an injury has sidelined rookie Danny Ware, Bradshaw will now resuming returning kicks for the Giants. Add in the fact that Jacobs (who he out-rushed in Week 1) has missed time in each of the last three seasons and Bradshaw may have more upside than any back-up RB in the league.
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