BY ADAM RONIS
A popular strategy in fantasy football is to stock up on running backs. With so many injuries at the position, it makes sense. But the popular trend of running back committees has altered that approach. I took three running backs with my first three picks in a 16-team league last season. I highly doubt I will repeat that this season.
You can have a certain strategy entering the draft, but always adapt. It's all about value. You may go in thinking RB-WR-RB and then Tom Brady is staring you in the face in Round 3. When it comes to running backs, the committees have changed the way you draft them. Running backs will still be primarily drafted in the first round. If you can get a running back that is pretty much assured of 300 carries, you do it. The trick comes towards the end of the first round when a wide receiver may be more appealing, especially in a PPR league.
Drafting two running backs in the first two rounds isn't ideal this season. Not many running backs will get the bulk of their team's touches. Also, many first-round running backs were busts last season. It's still important to get at least one solid running back in the first three rounds. There are several running backs being selected in round four or later that could have very good value. Plus, there could be another Ryan Grant, Earnest Graham or Mike Shanahan will find an ice cream truck driver to fill his running back slot.
Running backs to get most of team's carries
LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers)
Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
Brian Westbrook (Eagles)
Joseph Addai (Colts)
Steven Jackson (Rams)
Clinton Portis (Redskins)
Frank Gore (49ers)
Larry Johnson (Chiefs)
Willis McGahee (Ravens)
Marshawn Lynch (Bills)
Jamal Lewis (Browns)
Ryan Grant (Packers)
Thomas Jones (Jets)
Edgerrin James (Cardinals)
Michael Turner (Falcons)
Marion Barber (Cowboys): Might not get as many carries as some of the running backs mentioned here with Felix Jones in the mix, but he's a first-round selection because he will score a lot of touchdowns. He has 28 touchdowns in his first two seasons without starting. He has received 20 carries in a game just once.
Running back by committee
Panthers: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart -- Williams has looked good in the preseason. Stewart has more upside, but has been slowed by injury in the preseason.
Bengals: Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson and Chris Perry -- Johnson had a disappointing year, plagued by a hamstring injury. He's not a threat in the passing game. Perry can't stay healthy. Watson is a good late-round selection that could produce.
Bears: Matt Forte, Kevin Jones and Adrian Peterson-- Forte, a rookie from Tulane, should get most of the carries and is one of those running backs you can get in Round 4 or later that could provide good value. Jones is coming off an injury and could be a late-season contributor.
Broncos: Selvin Young, Ryan Torain (injured), Andre Hall and Michael Pittman-- Young should get most of the carries, but Mike Shanahan likes to torture fantasy owners, so beware.
Lions: Kevin Smith, Brian Calhoun and Tatum Bell -- Smith, who had 450 carries at Central Florida last season, is the favorite for most of the carries. Another back you get round four or later.
Texans: Ahman Green, Chris Brown, Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton -- Green got injured on the first play of the preseason. Brown is constantly injured.
Jaguars: Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew -- Jones-Drew is a late first-round to early second round pick. He didn't have a 20-carry game last season, but Taylor is 32 with a ton of carries in his career.
Dolphins: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams -- Brown is coming off an ACL tear and was one of the best backs before getting injured last season. If healthy, Brown should emerge as the primary back.
Patriots: Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan -- Maroney finished strong after being plagued by injuries. He needs to improve his blocking to stay on the field more. He is undervalued in drafts and could be more productive this season than people think.
Saints: Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas -- Bush is much more valuable in PPR leagues. Considering how explosive he was at USC, it's hard to believe he didn't have a run of more than 40 yards. McAllister is coming off two knee surgeries. Thomas showed some promise late in the season.
Giants: Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward -- Jacobs is a beast, but health is the major question. He missed five games last season. He still had over 1,000 yards and averaged 5 yards per carry.
Raiders: Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas -- McFadden is usually the first rookie drafted. The Raiders ran a lot last season and should again this year. Fargas is injury-prone.
Steelers: Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall -- Parker is coming off a broken leg and two straight seasons of 320 carries or more with a small build. He won't give you a lot of receptions also. Mendenhall's stock rises each day in drafts. He should get a lot of goal-line carries.
Seahawks: Julius Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett -- Jones has ability, but put up poor numbers in a prolific Cowboys offense.
Buccaneers: Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, Michael Bennett and Cadillac Williams -- Graham should get most of the carries.
Titans: LenDale White, Chris Johnson and Chris Henry -- White should get most of the carries and be a good fantasy player. Johnson's stock is on the rise. He has looked very good in the preseason and is very quick. He is earning more touches as the preseason goes on.
Sunday's paper: Quarterback rankings with an expanded list here on the blog.
