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Lansing lays out fantasy RB picks
Fluff schedule leads to Alexander at No. 1
By Eric Lansing
lansing@mscd.edu

Running backs are the breadwinners in standard fantasy football leagues and will lead fantasy teams to a championship. But if you have the pick of the litter, whom do you choose? Which fantasy stud will outshine the others and remove all doubt that he should be chosen No. 1?

There are a few factors to take into account when considering one of these star running backs. You need to think about the offense they play in, the offensive line that blocks for them, the consistency of the player and the point system your fantasy league is a part of.

Seattle Seahawk running back Shaun Alexander was last year’s Most Valuable Player, leading the National Football League in rushing yards and setting the record for touchdowns in a season (27). He looks to be the obvious choice as the first running back to be taken in your draft, but there are points not to be forgotten. Last year, Alexander was in a contract year and players tend to raise their game to another level when the possibility of more money is on the horizon. I’m not saying that Alexander will slouch now that he has his fat contract, but record-breaking seasons like Alexander’s only come so often. Also, Alexander’s All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson left for greener (AstroTurf) pastures in Minnesota, and most of Alexander’s long runs came running behind that 6-foot-5-inch, 315-pound lineman. Guards like that are hard to replace, and Alexander’s production could suffer without him.

If you picked up Kansas City running back Johnson off of the free agent list last year, or, like me, selected him for your draft because you knew Priest Holmes would hit that injury wall, then you made out like a bandit and went far in your fantasy playoffs. In 2005, Johnson started only eight games and finished the season with over 1,700 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. Imagine the possibilities if he had started all 16 games! Before you go drafting Johnson, though, first consider the fact that Kansas City lost two of their starting offensive linemen from 2005 to retirement (right tackle John Welbourn and All-Pro left tackle Willie Roaf). K.C. has also added defensive-minded Herm Edwards from the New York Jets, who will implement his own offensive system. Finally, offensive coordinator Al Saunders, who ran that great Chiefs running back scheme, has gone to the Washington Redskins. Johnson will put up great statistics, but with that many question marks, he may come back to earth.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been very consistent in recent years and is still in the prime of his career at the age of 26. The past three seasons, Tomlinson has averaged 1,480 yards rushing, 18 total touchdowns and 58 catches, which leads to big stats if you are in a point-per-reception fantasy league. So not only can Tomlinson run and score, but he can catch the ball. What’s the only problem? The offense may suffer as new starting quarterback Philip Rivers takes over. With Rivers’ lack of experience, defenses may key in on Tomlinson and rattle Rivers. However, San Diego has phenom tight end Antonio Gates, which should take some pressure off Tomlinson, and when the blitz comes Rivers might be likely to toss it to Tomlinson to get away from the defensive rush.

So who’s it gonna be? Reigning MVP Shaun Alexander, the very talented Larry Johnson, or the always-reliable LaDainian Tomlinson? While none of these marquee running backs will disappoint owners, Shaun Alexander should be your first choice. Alexander plays in the NFC West, which includes very soft defenses in St. Louis, Arizona and San Francisco. The Seahawks play six games against those teams, including marshmallow dates with Oakland, Green Bay, Detroit and Kansas City.

Whether you have the option to choose one of these superstar running backs or have to select from the rest of the bunch, consider all the preceding elements, as it could be the difference between missing the playoffs or holding that trophy at the end of the season. Good luck!