1. Arian Foster, Texans
2011 stats: 278 rush, 1224 yds, 4.4 YPC, 10 TD; 53 rec, 617 yds, 2 TD
2012 projections: 307 rush, 1488 yds, 4.8 YPC, 12 TD; 61 rec, 724 yds, 2 TD
Upside: Elite runner, good rushing and receiving numbers, versatile
Downside: Lost top blocker, hamstring/injury issues, good backup who can steal touches/TDs
2. Ray Rice, Ravens
2011 stats: 291 rush, 1364 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 76 rec, 704 yds, 3 TD
2012 projections: 285 rush, 1331 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 73 rec, 672 yds, 3 TD
Upside: TDs have gone up, versatile, useful as rusher and receiver
Downside: Lost top blocker, working new blocker into offense
3. LeSean McCoy, Eagles
2011 stats: 273 rush, 1309 yds, 4.8 YPC, 17 TD; 48 rec, 315 yds, 3 TD
2012 stats: 267 rush, 1276 yds, 4.8 YPC, 13 TD; 41 rec, 302 yds, 3 TD
Upside: Good YPC average, worth a top 5 pick if available, underrated as receiver
Downside: Reid admits overworking (translation: less touches), Vick probably steals a few TDs
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
2011 stats: 343 rush, 1606 yds, 4.7 YPC, 8 TD; 43 rec, 374 yds, 3 TD
2012 stats: 300 rush, 1383 yds, 4.6 YPC, 9 TD; 38 rec, 323 yds, 2 TD
Upside: Workhorse, racks up yards, will give you points
Downside: Potentially overworked, injury risk, potential for breakdown
5. Chris Johnson, Titans
2011 stats: 262 rush, 1047 yds, 4.0 YPC, 4 TD; 57 rec, 418 yds, 0 TD
2012 projections: 301 rush, 1294 yds, 4.3 YPC, 8 TD; 60 rec, 432 yds, 1 TD
Upside: Good bounce-back potential, new contract, more focused (hopefully)
Downside: O-line remains questionable, high risk, low TDs
6. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
2011 stats: 222 rush, 1091 yds, 4.9 YPC, 6 TD; 50 rec, 455 yds, 0 TD
2012 projections: 259 rush, 1277 yds, 4.9 YPC, 8 TD; 44 rec, 412 yds, 1 TD
Upside: Explosive runner, Mike Tolbert gone, high YPC
Downside: Can't stay healthy for full season, low TD totals, heavy workload could lead to injury
7. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
2011 stats: 285 rush, 1204 yds, 4.2 YPC, 12 TD; 28 rec, 212 yds, 1 TD
2012 stats: 275 rush, 1137 yds, 4.1 YPC, 10 TD; 27 rec, 189 yds, 1 TD
Upside: Explosive runner, can make big gains (ex.: playoffs vs. Saints), bigger part of offense
Downside: O-line a mess, could decline after new contract
8. Matt Forte, Bears
2011 stats: 203 rush, 997 yds, 4.9 YPC, 3 TD; 52 rec, 490 yds, 1 TD
2012 projections: 258 rush, 1178 yds, 4.6 YPC, 6 TD; 50 rec, 507 yds, 1 TD
Upside: Workhorse, solid rusher
Downside: Bears signing of Michael Bush, holdout could affect performance
9. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
2011 stats: 12 rush, 83 yds, 6.9 YPC, 0 TD; 5 rec, 9 yds, 1 TD
2012 stats: 241 rush, 1206 yds, 5.0 YPC, 5 TD; 41 rec, 395 yds, 2 TD
Upside: Works best in a 2-back system (JC and Hillis), had more time to recover from ACL (Week 2)
Downside: Coming off ACL surgery, Hillis stealing touches, does he still have quickness
10. Darren McFadden, Raiders
2011 stats: 113 rush, 614 yds, 5.4 YPC, 4 TD; 19 rec, 154 yds, 1 TD
2012 projections: 227 rush, 1105 yds, 4.9 YPC, 9 TD; 46 rec, 372 yds, 2 TD
Upside: Explosive and powerful runner, makes big plays, underrated receiver
Downside: Injured frequently, high risk, has had toe, knee, and hamstring injuries
High risk, but worth it (special category)
Adrian Peterson, Vikings
2011 stats: 209 rush, 973 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 18 rec, 139 yds, 1 TD
2012 projections: 247 rush, 1119 yds, 4.5 YPC, 10 TD; 23 rec, 202 yds, 1 TD
Upside: Showing signs of recovery, still among the best in the league, can be worth major points
Downside: Coming off major ACL injury
Keep up the good work and good luck this season in fantasy!
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