Dear Mike Shanahan: I despise you\nThe title of my column could come from any fantasy football owner who drafted a Denver Broncos running back in the last seven years. With the exception of a few stand-out seasons (See running back Clinton Portis in 2002), the Denver running game has excelled with more than one back picking up the statistics. \nFantasy owners are familiar with this horrible trend sweeping the NFL – known to some as the “platoon backfield.” In this system, two or three running backs split carries and are able to sustain a better rushing attack throughout the game because no single back becomes too tired. \nFor real game situations, the strategy is brilliant if it works. But for fantasy football owners, seeing your big-time player lose touchdowns to a backup is a slap in the face.\nNo one does this better than Denver coach Mike Shanahan. Known for not worrying who will get carries, Shanahan has had six different players rush for over 1,000 yards in a season during his 12-year tenure as head coach.\nCombine that with the goal line carries he hands out to other players, and Shanahan knows how to get under the skin of fantasy owners. \nFor instance, last week, Travis Henry – a complete back with both speed and power – ran for 128 yards against the Oakland Raiders. \nThe one Denver rushing touchdown came from running back Cecil Sapp, who only had two carries, both of which were at the goal line. Shanahan once again robbed a fantasy stud of a touchdown by handing off to a player no owner should own. Thanks a lot.
The best of week two\nDerek Anderson, quarterback, Cleveland Browns – Who would have thought that last week’s backup would throw for five touchdowns?\nJamal Lewis, running back, Cleveland Browns – Who would have thought I would be putting two players from the NFL’s most anemic offense as my best fantasy performers in a week? (216 yards, one touchdown).\nSteve Smith, wide receiver, Carolina Panthers – Week in, week out, this guy is arguably the best receiver in the game. His 153 receiving yards and three touchdowns support that argument.
Week three
Two to start\nBrian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles running back – The Detroit Lions’ defense looked average against the run facing two bad offenses in the first two weeks. Look for Westbrook to break 100 yards rushing.\nShaun Alexander, running back, Seattle Seahawks – After seeing what Lewis accomplished last week, owners have to be loving seeing Alexander take his turn against the Cincinnati defense.
Two to sit\nJulius Jones, Dallas Cowboys running back, – The guy doesn’t get touchdowns and is playing a Chicago Bears defense that has held two of the best running backs in league to under 100 yards in the first two weeks. Look for Jones to rush for under 60 yards next Sunday.\nMaurice Jones-Drew, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars – Jones-Drew is having a terrible season so far. He only has seven fantasy points in most leagues and is showing no trace of the explosiveness he had last year, when he netted 16 total touchdowns. Wait and see on this guy. If his poor performance persists, trade him away before he loses more value.
On the wire\nDeShawn Wynn, running back, Green Bay Packers – Wynn scored two touchdowns and ran for 50 yards against the New York Giants on Sunday. He is shaping up to be a Marion Barber III-type running back for the Packers, getting carries inside the red zone and scoring touchdowns.
