Fantasy Football Advice on Running Backs

It is just about time to start talking fantasy football. If you are a part of a keeper league or looking to get signed up the first time this year, you have top start planning ahead now. With that being said here is a look at 5 veteran running backs that are usually dependable yet come with a lot of risk this year.

LaDainian Tomlinson-San Diego Chargers

Tomlinson has just hit the 30 year old plateau and show an abundance of wear and tear last season. It appears that his best days may in face be behind him as the excessive workload may be too much to handle. He has been a fantasy stud over the past few years but it may time to let him go. While some backs have the ability to bounce back from the type of season he had, it is not common. At best Tomlinson should be drafted as a number 2 back in your league behind a more legitimate starter.

Clinton Portis- Washington Redskins

Portis is in fact still pretty young when compared with other veteran backs but he is already starting to wear down. He has carried the ball over 300 times in each of the past four seasons and has been affected by a large number of health concerns. While he will once again be leaned upon heavily, there really aren’t many experts that think he will be an elite back in the league ever again.

Willie Parker- Pittsburgh Steelers

Parker is a less obvious veteran on this list but could be pushed out of fantasy relevance as well. Parker has missed a total of 6 games in the past two seasons with various injuries and is now battling two up and coming backs for a starting position. There is a lot of reward here for a fantasy offer if Parker can get healthy and retain his starting job, but he does come with a lot of risk.

Willis McGahee- Baltimore Ravens

McGahee is still pretty young at only 28, but he has suffered through a number of knee injuries and surgeries that are having their effect on his agility. Last season McGahee was shut down to have ankle surgery and this season it appears that the Ravens are going to cycle in starting running backs every game to keep him fresh. His aging body, and the fact that he will not be given the ball as much, will affect his statistics.

Jamal Lewis- Cleveland Browns

Here is another veteran that has been a prominent figure in fantasy football over the years. He has been reliable but has seen his numbers decrease consistently the past few seasons. He does still have some value as he will be the starting back in Cleveland. The fact is that Lewis does not have the ability to be as consistent anymore so be weary and just use him in spot starts against poor defenses.