Jason Campbell or David Garrard?
I'm in a points-per-reception league and I currently have Joseph Addai, Dominic Rhodes, and Tim Hightower as my running backs. I'm wondering if it would be a better play this week to start Addai and Rhodes assuming that one of the Colts running backs will get big numbers. Or, is it a better idea to start Addai and Hightower and not mess around with the Colts tandem? What do you think?
Anonymous
Dave: Interesting idea on your part, considering Addai is just getting healthy. In most cases, though, I don't like committing to two running backs from the same team. You really handcuff yourself by locking your team to the performance and overall production of not only the players you are starting, but also the team for which they play. In other words, if the Colts play poorly as a team, your chances of having a successful day will be dead. I understand your point about securing a good performance out of at least one of the Colts' backs, and if I wasn't sure Addai was completely healthy, I might say go for it. However, Addai practiced fully the entire week and is expected to get the bulk of the carries for the Colts this weekend. I would bench Rhodes and start Hightower, counting on his vulture touchdowns. Plus, there have been a lot of rumblings out of Arizona that Hightower could unseat Edgerrin James as the primary running back. Could that change happen as soon as this week? It's possible, especially with word from The Arizona Republic that James "could see his carries significantly reduced in favor of rookie Tim Hightower, who has rushed for six touchdowns, three shy of the team's record for first-year players."
I have Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell. Campbell has been a huge fantasy disappointment and I want to drop him for David Garrard? Do you think this is a good move? Thanks
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Brian Jones
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Dave: I know Campbell hasn't exactly been lighting up the fantasy world, but his 328 yards passing and one touchdown in Week 8 did nothing for you? You're going a little far by calling Campbell a fantasy disappointment. It sounds like you went into the season expecting too much out of the young quarterback. Campbell is a No. 2 quarterback in standard leagues and always has been. Garrard (1,542 total yards passing and six TD passes in seven games) and Campbell (1,754 total yards passing and eight TD passes in eight games) are practically the same quarterback when you look at them statistically. Campbell has one more game in the books because of the Jaguars' bye week. The only real advantage in dropping Campbell for Garrard is that Garrard does have a slightly better schedule from here on out. Other than trying to gain a schedule advantage down the stretch, I would hold onto Campbell.
I'm sitting in first place in my league right now, but I still want to make a move. I'm offering Brandon Jacobs in a one-for-one deal to get Reggie Bush. I have the running backs to cover Bush for the remainder of his injury, and the Giants schedule seems to be very difficult over the last eight game of the season. I've had some pretty good success with trades and pickups so far this year, but I need your opinion to make sure I'm not ruining a good thing. Here is my current roster if it helps: Drew Brees, Chad Pennington, Adrian Peterson, Brandon Jacobs, Warrick Dunn, Chester Taylor, Fred Jackson, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Muhsin Muhammad, Donnie Avery, Chansi Stuckey and Tony Gonzalez. Thanks for all your help with this one.
Anonymous
Dave: You say you've got the running backs to cover Bush for the remainder of his injury (knee), but I really don't see that at all. Peterson obviously is one of the best running backs in the league, so you'll have one of your slots fully covered, but no way are Dunn, Taylor and Jackson enough to give you decent production until Bush gets back. You're taking too much of a risk with this deal, even if you do occupy first place right now. I'm not expecting Bush back until Week 11 at the earliest, so that would mean a big chunk of time without a solid second running back option. According to ESPN's John Clayton, Bush was told by Dr. James Andrews not to rush back from the injury for fear of slowing his recovery. Unless you have a 6-2 record or better and your league counts points per receptions, I'd pass on this trade. I'd hate to see you ruin your playoff chances by taking on Bush and going on a major losing streak before you get him back in action.
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