Reader questions, week 3

Posted September 20th, 2007 by leoshane
in

    I’m in a keeper league and my running back situation is hurting. There just wasn’t many quality backs left when the draft came along and the best choice from my initial backs was Reuben Droughns (unfortunately he was turned into a “fullback”). Who do I start in week 3? We can start a max of 2 RBs, but would it be better to start 3 of my receivers considering my weak RB situation?

-- Air Force Tech Sgt. Joe Boyer  

     Joe told us his league is mostly traditional scoring but does offer bonuses for long scoring plays (10 yards per point for rushing/receiving yards, but +2 for 40-yard scores and +4 for 80-yard scores). Looking to fill those four spots (two WR, one RB and one flex), here are his options: 

  • RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF (playing at NE)
  • RB Chris Brown, TEN (playing at NO)
  • RB Deshawn Wynn, GB (playing at home vs. SD)
  • RB Tatum Bell, DET (playing at PHI)
  • RB Jesse Chatman, MIA (playing at NYJ)
  • WR Braylon Edwards, CLE (playing at OAK)
  • WR Brandon Marshall, DEN (playing at home vs. JAC)
  • WR Patrick Crayton, DAL (playing at CHI)
  • WR Jacoby Jones, HOU (playing at home vs. IND)
  • WR Devery Henderson, NO (playing at home vs. TEN)

Our take: RBs Lynch and Brown, WRs Edwards and Marshall 

     Our first move would be to convince your friends not to do a keeper league anymore, because they’re absolutely robbing you with the running backs.

     Barring that…

     Picking two WRs and one RB from you team is pretty easy – Lynch, Edwards and Marshall. All of them are solid plays. The rest of the team is not so solid – We like your RBs better than your WRs, but that’s not saying a lot.

     Wynn and Bell might get a lot of work and produce a solid game, but they’re just as likely to get only a couple of carries, giving way to other ballcarriers. Plus, Wynn is going up against the solid and angry Chargers defense, and Kevin Jones may see some playing time this week.

     If Joe’s league offered a point per reception he might consider Jones or Crayton (his injury last week doesn’t look too serious) because they’ll each get a handful of catches. But we don’t see either of them ending up in the end zone.

     And we’re not sure the Saints are going to score another touchdown this season, so Henderson is out.

      So go with Brown; He only had 34 yards last week, but at least you know the Titans are going to give him double-digit carries. Plus, the Saints made Cadillac Williams look like a Pro-Bowler last week, and gave up 118 yards to Colts RB the week before.

      What are your thoughts for Joe’s team? Post your comments below to help him decide what to do with his squad. And send your questions for next week to football@stripes.osd.mil.