Depth charts can be deceiving. Just because a player is listed as the “starter” doesn’t always mean he’s going to be his team’s best player at the position. Case in point: Marion Barber III. For the past two seasons he had been entrenched as the backup to starter Julius Jones. Who was the most valuable Dallas RB from a fantasy perspective? Hands down and without a doubt it was Barber.
Study those depth charts, but study them with a skeptical eye. Try to identify opportunities that set the stage for a backup to see an increase in playing time. In many cases, it doesn’t have to be a lot of playing time. It could be a part-time role that leads to a lot of fantasy points. For example, a RB could be a goal-line specialist or a third-down back and end up outscoring the primary ball-carrier. A slot wide receiver might only score a handful of touchdowns but could be the go-to, clutch possession receiver and lead his team in receptions. Other scenarios might lead to a young player overtaking an aged veteran as his team’s primary weapon—like Greg Jennings did in 2007.
What follows are 10 players who are currently not considered to be the best weapon on their team at their respective position. Despite their perceived secondary roles, these players could equal or out-produce the higher-profile athletes on the team.
1. Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots
Before he went down with a season-ending chest injury in 2007, Morris was New England’s leading rusher and on his way to a 1,000+ yard season. From Weeks 2-5, he posted four straight quality fantasy performances—including three touchdowns and two 100-yard games. Morris’ abbreviated season has many fantasy owners overlooking him in 2008. Considering the firepower on New England’s offense, that’s a dangerous mistake. Should Morris return to form during training camp (and reports indicate he’s on his way to a full recovery), he could once again assume the bulk of the touches. Yes, the team still has Laurence Maroney. Yes, they’ve talked about signing Detroit castoff Kevin Jones. But both Maroney and Jones have their own heath issues. Neither player has been able to make it through a full season as a workhorse RB without getting hurt. Don’t count Morris out. He’s a favorite of the coaching staff and excels in pass protection—something Tom Brady will appreciate after getting clobbered in the Super Bowl. I expect Morris to share carries and be the team’s most productive RB.
2. Leon Washington, RB, Jets
A side-by-side comparison of the first two years of the respective NFL careers of Leon Washington and Brian Westbrook reveals some interesting similarities. Both had to earn their respect, Westbrook selected in the third round by the Eagles and Washington falling to the fourth round. Due to their small stature, neither player was considered an “every-down” back at the beginning of their careers. Westbrook measures up at 5-10 203 lbs.; Washington checks in at 5-8 202 lbs. Westbrook had 163 carries in his first two seasons; Washington had 222. Both averaged over 4.5 yards per carry. Westbrook started 11 games in his first two years; Washington started 12. In his third season, Westbrook finally made the leap to prominence, collecting 250 touches and over 1,500 yards of offense. Can Washington make a similar leap in his third season? All that’s standing in his way is Thomas Jones, who will be 30 years old this season and who averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2007. I expect Washington and Jones to split the carries in 2008—with Washington again following in the footsteps of Westbrook and tallying about 225 touches.
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