Entering 2009 all the fantasy experts were touting that the two back system was ushering in a new era for the NFL and fantasy football participants as it spread the rushing production across two and in some cases three tailbacks per team. This in turn meant that there were a broader number of productive options versus other positions like quarterback that remained stagnant at thirty-two (the number of NFL teams). Unfortunately that trend towards two backs hit somewhat of a roadblock in 2009 and 2010 will see the same experts calling on the fantasy stud single back theory of years past.
Want evidence of this shift? Just look at the productivity of Chester Taylor in '09, one of the poster boys for the 2 back trend , or what about LenDale White, isn't he in the best shape of his career? Yet I don't recall if he's even scored a TD in '09 after breaking double digits in '08 as a backup. There are still examples where this is the case but in all of them there is a common thread, no single dominant back and typically a top 15 offense.
So what does this mean for 2010? Those backs who are the primary ballcarriers for their teams will be more valuable than ever and a realization that a next generation of featured backs is entering (or will shortly) to revive the age old plan of always having your best players on the field for every play. Thus these top guys are a cut above the rest and securing one of them (or a player that you believe will step into that type of role in '10) is paramount to your fantasy success.
Studs
- Maurice Jones-Drew
- Adrian Peterson
- Chris Johnson
- Michael Turner
- Steven Jackson
- Ray Rice
- Clinton Portis
- Matt Forte
- Rashard Mendenhall
- DeAngelo Williams
- Frank Gore
Who are the best bet potential Next Generation Studs:
- Chris "Beanie" Wells
- Shonn Greene
- Darren McFadden
- Ahmad Bradshaw
- Steve Slaton
- Pierre Thomas
- LeSean McCoy
- Knowshon Moreno
- Jonathan Stewart
- Felix Jones
- Jamaal Charles
- Donald Brown
What the hell happened to Marshawn Lynch? He's been invisible this year.
Posted by: todd | November 20, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Charles and slaton will have big back complements. Greene looks like a stud. Run dmc is too soft, but these are just opinions of a last place team.
Posted by: EBF | November 21, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I think you need to drop off Forte as he has really sucked this season.
Posted by: Jibaholic | December 01, 2009 at 04:54 PM
I think you need to add Justin Forsett to the next generation stud list. He has been solid when given the rock.
Posted by: Jibaholic | December 01, 2009 at 05:39 PM
true Forsett has looked very good this year, maybe he becomes the first Cal back to succeed on the pro level.
Posted by: Beavercats | December 12, 2009 at 01:08 AM