Fantasy Studs - Week 4 Running Backs
Heading into week four, here are some running backs that I expect to have a big week:
Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: I expected Ahmad Bradshaw to have a strong year. With the departure of Derrick Ward (via free agency to Tampa), Bradshaw was elevated into Ward's role as Jacobs' primary back-up. However, I didn't expect him to lead the team in rushing as he does through three games.
On 35 carries, Bradshaw has 201 rushing yards for a 5.7 average. Jacobs, on the other hand, is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry (58 attempts for 196 yards). Last year, Jacobs got into the endzone 15 times in 219 carries and 13 games. That was a TD-per-14.6-carries pace last year. This year, he's scored once in his 58 attempts.
Last week against the Bucs, the duo had their best game of the season -- 196 rushing yards between the two of them on 40 carries. Against the Chiefs today, it could be deja vu all over again as the Giants should establish an early lead and be playing from ahead all day today. I expect both backs to get a heavy does of carries and Jacobs to have his breakout game of the season.
Cedric Benson, Bengals: The Browns defense has allowed 184.3 rushing yards per game (30th in NFL) and eight rushing touchdowns (tied for worst in league) through three games. Benson, on the other hand, has picked up where he left off in 2008. In the final three games of 2008, Benson rushed for 355 yards including a whopping 171 against the Browns in week 16.
In the first three games this year, Benson has had 76+ rushing yards in every game including last week against the Steelers, is third in the NFL in rushing (293 yards) and averaging just under 100 yards per game (97.7). It doesn't get any easier than this.
Glen Coffee, 49ers: Coffee will start in place of the injured Frank Gore, who will miss at least the next three weeks. Although Coffee's averaging only 1.8 yards per carry, he faces a less intimidating run defense in week 4 (St. Louis) than he did in week 3 (Minnesota). Coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator employ a run-first offense and Coffee should expect a heavy dose of carries in week 4.
Darren McFadden, Raiders: One of the most electrifying players in college football, McFadden has been disappointing in this young NFL career. He's had only two games with over 50 yards rushing in his career. Although he tops the Raiders' depth chart this season, McFadden is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. Thirty other running backs have outrushed McFadden, who has 148 yards, so far this season.
If McFadden is going to have a big week, this is the week. The Texans are last in the league in rushing defense (205 yards per game and eight touchdowns). They are allowing 6.2 yards per carry.
Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants: I expected Ahmad Bradshaw to have a strong year. With the departure of Derrick Ward (via free agency to Tampa), Bradshaw was elevated into Ward's role as Jacobs' primary back-up. However, I didn't expect him to lead the team in rushing as he does through three games.
On 35 carries, Bradshaw has 201 rushing yards for a 5.7 average. Jacobs, on the other hand, is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry (58 attempts for 196 yards). Last year, Jacobs got into the endzone 15 times in 219 carries and 13 games. That was a TD-per-14.6-carries pace last year. This year, he's scored once in his 58 attempts.
Last week against the Bucs, the duo had their best game of the season -- 196 rushing yards between the two of them on 40 carries. Against the Chiefs today, it could be deja vu all over again as the Giants should establish an early lead and be playing from ahead all day today. I expect both backs to get a heavy does of carries and Jacobs to have his breakout game of the season.
Cedric Benson, Bengals: The Browns defense has allowed 184.3 rushing yards per game (30th in NFL) and eight rushing touchdowns (tied for worst in league) through three games. Benson, on the other hand, has picked up where he left off in 2008. In the final three games of 2008, Benson rushed for 355 yards including a whopping 171 against the Browns in week 16.
In the first three games this year, Benson has had 76+ rushing yards in every game including last week against the Steelers, is third in the NFL in rushing (293 yards) and averaging just under 100 yards per game (97.7). It doesn't get any easier than this.
Glen Coffee, 49ers: Coffee will start in place of the injured Frank Gore, who will miss at least the next three weeks. Although Coffee's averaging only 1.8 yards per carry, he faces a less intimidating run defense in week 4 (St. Louis) than he did in week 3 (Minnesota). Coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator employ a run-first offense and Coffee should expect a heavy dose of carries in week 4.
Darren McFadden, Raiders: One of the most electrifying players in college football, McFadden has been disappointing in this young NFL career. He's had only two games with over 50 yards rushing in his career. Although he tops the Raiders' depth chart this season, McFadden is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry. Thirty other running backs have outrushed McFadden, who has 148 yards, so far this season.
If McFadden is going to have a big week, this is the week. The Texans are last in the league in rushing defense (205 yards per game and eight touchdowns). They are allowing 6.2 yards per carry.
