Must Start: Felix Jones
Posted on 26. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
Ok, we’re not off to the best of starts with this Saturday night tradition. Ray Rice wasn’t a bad option in week one, but I whiffed big time on LenDale White last week. I’ll try harder here, and hopefully week three will yield a better result. The premise remains the same: I pick a guy who is probably sitting on your bench right now and explain why you should start him over players you currently have in your lineup.
Without wasting any more time, I give you the third name in this weekly column: Felix Jones, RB Cowboys.
If you haven’t watched Jones closely, let me fill you in on his game. The former Razorback has blinding speed, great moves in the open field, hits the hole with authority, and has been waiting for an opportunity to get extra touches. With Marion Barber looking more and more doubtful with each passing day, Monday night could be Felix’s coming-out party. The fact that Jones is playing the beatable Panthers defense makes this a huge plus, as does the back-to-the-wall nature of this game for the Cowboys. Dallas needs to win badly, and will run the ball a lot to do so.
Jones is an amazing athlete. At 6′0″and 220 pounds he’s big enough to run inside, but has the wheels to beat defenders to the corner with ease. Jones put up 96 yards and a TD last week against a staunch Giants D, and he did so on just seven carries. Jones is averaging over nine yards per carry this season, and should be looking at 15-20 total touches on Monday night. Even if Barber is active, Jones will see a dramatically increased role, and should capitalize. Doubters will quickly point out the presence of Tashard Choice, but Jones will get the goal line work and will be a better fantasy play. Plus, his home-run ability could easily see him rip off a 60+yard TD run like he had last year in week three against the Packers.
You drafted Felix in case Barber got hurt and he had a great matchup. Both cases are true here on Monday night, so don’t let yourself be scared off… Jones is about to pop in a major way. Start him confidently.
Honorable mention: (so far the names listed here each week have tremendously outproduced the headliner in this column, so take note) Ahmad Bradshaw vs Tampa Bay, LeSean McCoy vs Kansas City, Beanie Wells vs Indy, Ray Rice vs Cleveland.
Best of luck to you all this weekend, and thanks for stopping by GoHuddleUp!
