FANTASY FOOTBALL ARTICLES

Other Positions:  Quarterbacks  |  Running Backs  |  Wide Receivers

In all positions, size does matter to at least some degree. Obviously talent is critical but without the size to play in the NFL - does it really matter how fast a player is or how well he can pass the ball? The intent of these positional reviews is to arm yourself with the conventional wisdom about fantasy positions and typically what is successful. There are always exceptions to every rule, but it is nice to know the rule in the first place. There is a surprising amount of consistency in the measureables of star players.

Height - Though there are taller backs, the average always ends up around 5'10" every year. Height is not a success factor for a running back by any measure.

Weight - Most backs tend to be between 210 and 220 pounds but Chris Johnson's 200 pounds is a notable deviation as is Ray Rice. Smaller backs are more successful lately and getting more opportunities. Consider that 215 would be prototypical and yet three of the top four backs in 2009 were under 210 pounds. That is a new phenomena.

Age/Experience : The average age went up last year and there were no rookies breaking into the top ten. Both Johnson and Rice needed one year of lesser work before bursting on the scene last year. This could be a function of the smaller sized back needing one year of seasoning? Probably like a year of work was needed before the coaches were confident in using them so heavily.

Rookies: Knowshon Moreno, Chris Wells and Shonn Greene had some success last year but all three should be looking at increased workloads and bigger stats for 2010. We see two of the three top drafted backs weighing less than 200 pounds and yet going to situations where they should have a chance to succeed. Spiller and Best may end up following the same path as Rice and Chris Johnson in 2009 with their breakouts not happening until 2010. Mathews is the only lock for a heavy load this year.

Other Positions:  Quarterbacks  |  Running Backs  |  Wide Receivers

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DMD

Posted Jul 9, 2010 11:23am EDT

There has never been any call for that before. But that is a great idea. Let me see what I can do - I may just make a separate article about that.

Ross Vanderlinden

Posted Jul 9, 2010 10:34am EDT

Can you create a fourth column which has cumulative touches?

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