FF IMPLICATIONS OF THE TWO-BACK SYSTEM

By David Kaye, NFL Draft Bible

Last season the Indianapolis Colts orchestrated the two running back
system en route to a Super Bowl victory. The year before that, the
Pittsburgh Steelers incorporated the inside outside combination of
Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy.

Due to the success of the Colts and Steelers, more and more teams will
begin to employ the running back by committee system. It will be interesting to note if this is a trend that has staying power and
what, if any, fantasy implications this might have as the season
approaches.

AFC
Buffalo Bills
In Buffalo, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch will split time with seven-year veteran Anthony Thomas in the backfield. The players have contrasting running styles--Lynch provides extraordinary speed and balance while Thomas is a power back. “I would still like if we had the option, to run the ball by committee,”said head coach Dick Jauron.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined to form a
two-headed monster in Jacksonville last season amassing 2,087 yards and 18 touchdowns between them. Jones-Drew proved to fantasy owners that he's a versatile back who can also catch passes and serve as a kick return specialist. He compiled 436 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and saw his kick return average escalate to 27.7, third best in the NFL. I expect the fantasy production of Jones-Drew to continue to increase in all facets of the game, as he will provide a little mojo to the Jaguars backfield.

Oakland Raiders
As the Raiders enter the 2007 season boasting the lowest scoring
offense in the league, backfield mates LaMont Jordan and Dominic
Rhodes will be counted on heavily throughout the season. Rhodes, signed in the off-season coming over from those Super Bowl Champion Colts, has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Even though his value is quickly diminishing, he would be a steal between rounds 10-15, as he will return week six against Miami. Without Rhodes, Jordan will see considerable playing time and he has the ability to be a productive starter. He'll probably go unnoticed in fantasy drafts, but he is on my radar as a sleeper pick.


NFC
Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber III transformed into a touchdown machine last season as he found the end zone fourteen times on the ground and twice in the air. Barber was featured more as a third down and goal line back last season due to his strength and ability to move the chains. As a young player on the rise, he should be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts. Meanwhile, starter Julius Jones saw his production on the ground increase for the third consecutive season, but he found the end zone less often. Being that this is a contract year for him, there'll be added pressure to perform and I expect him to have a breakout season.

Detroit Lions
Reports out of Detroit indicate that running back Kevin Jones is steadily progressing from a left foot injury that ended his season last year. Although he's regaining strength and his ability to cut, he's still on the physically unable to perform list and is not close to 100%. With Jones's injury, Tatum Bell is receiving the majority of reps in camp and offensive guru Mike Martz is planning to use the former Bronco in a featured role. His value in drafts is quickly rising and if Jones can recover fully, he can translate into a solid sleeper pick.

Minnesota Vikings
Last season in Minnesota, Chester Taylor was the dominant back as he eclipsed the 1,200 yard mark and distinguished himself as the focal point in the Vikings offense. With the arrival of first-round pick Adrian Peterson, Taylor's role will be diminished as a running back by committee system will be implemented. Even though Peterson is the hot pick in drafts, Taylor could prove to have an excellent season.

New York Giants
With the retirement of Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs will be thrust into the spotlight in the Giants offense. Jacobs displayed his explosiveness last season as he ran over opposing defenders and barreled his way into the end zone nine times. Reuben Droughns, acquired in the off-season from Cleveland, experienced a disappointing 2006 campaign, but will be relied upon heavily in the run game. I expect offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to employ a running back by committee system in order to utilize the abilities of both players.

Washington Redskins
Running back Clinton Portis is returning from two shoulder injuries, a
sprained ankle and a broken bone in his right hand that placed him on
injured reserve last season. In his absence, backup Ladell Betts went
on to have the best season of his career, rushing for 1,154 yards and
four touchdowns. In the final six games of 2006, Betts accumulated five
100-yard games and eclipsed the 150-yard mark twice. Despite his
consistency, Portis is the starter in Washington and is being drafted
between the second and fourth rounds. I would use caution when considering Portis, who's extremely injury prone and focus my attention on grabbing Betts later on.

Email David Kaye at: david@nfldraftbible.com