Committee Combats

By Jeff Chudnofsky – Staff Writer

Nothing brings more frustration to fantasy owners than those four dreaded words. Running. Back. By. Committee. Every August, fantasy owners prepare for their drafts, make cheat sheets, and target specific players; most notably, running backs. For every Thomas Jones whom owners wish to draft, there is a Cedric Benson clouding the situation. For every seasoned veteran like Leon Taylor, there is a young, crack smoking rookie like Demetrius Harris looking to take his job (I honestly miss “Playmakers”). With two weeks of preseason football in the books, let’s see how these RBBC nightmares are shaping up.

Thomas Jones vs Cedric Benson

Da Bears didn’t spend first round dollars to have Cedric Benson sitting on the bench, but with only three weeks until opening day, Benson needs to get off the trainer’s table. Despite the front office’s strong support of Benson, the coaching staff will not anoint the second-year pro the starter without him truly earning the position. Meanwhile, Thomas Jones is practicing with the first string offense and continues to gain the support of his veteran teammates. While GM Jerry Angelo wants to see Benson get the bulk of the carries, the job will not be handed to him. I believe Benson will miss two more weeks of preseason action, while Jones will solidify the starting job and earn 65 percent of the regular season touches.

Winner – Jones by split decision.

Chris Brown vs LenDale White

Despite the grumblings of Brown’s agent, the Titans have not been seeking to trade the disgruntled running back. During Friday’s interview with Sirius NFL Radio, Tennessee GM Floyd Reese said “In the NFL, everyone is for sale for the right price,” regarding rumors of the potential trade of Brown. Although Brown is “for sale,” the durability concerns of LenDale White will prevent the Titans from accepting anything less than a first day pick for Brown, which no GM in their right mind would offer for an upright, injury-prone running back. As far as the battle for carries is concerned, Brown will get the majority of touches and rack up decent yardage totals until he gets hurt. When his injury occurs is anyone’s guess. If you have any interest in Brown, make sure you grab White and even Travis Henry as well.

Winner – Brown by unanimous decision, until he gets knocked out.

Tatum Bell vs Mike Bell

As a fantasy owner, dealing with Mike Shanahan is as scary as seeing John Karr in your local Chucky Cheese’s. I was riding along in the Tatum Bell bandwagon before Mike Bell rushed for 73 yards and 2 TDs in Denver’s second preseason game. While Mike Bell shined, Tatum was ineffective, especially in short yardage situations. Mike Bell is clearly the front-runner at this point, but we must remember not to trust Shanahan, as the undrafted rookie could just as easily become the next Quentin Griffin. If you want to take the risk of drafting a Denver running back, drop Tatum Bell a few spots down your cheat sheet and move young Mike up a round or two. At this juncture, drafting either Bell is a risk, but both are worthy of a late fourth round flier in 12-team leagues.

Winner – Mike Bell by split decision.

Ahman Green vs Samkon Gado vs Najeh Davenpoop

Ahman Green is the man to beat, just as long as he is healthy. This backfield will ride the healthiest legs, and Green appears to have recovered from the torn quadriceps that plagued him in 2005. If you plan on drafting the Green Bay backfield, grab Green as one of the last starting RBs on the board, then grab Davenport and Gado in the late rounds for insurance. The trio will give you headaches, as all three are good bets to be injured at some point in the season. If you can help it, find your running backs elsewhere.

Winner – Green by default.