Small ball has arrived
Posted on 21. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
I’m sure you’ve noticed that the landscape is changing. A shift is underway in today’s NFL, and it’s modifying the way fantasy football players view their traditional cornerstones. The days of the big back are ending (just ask Larry Johnson), and a smaller/shiftier/quicker brand of RB is emerging as part home-run hitter, part multi-purpose threat, and weekly starter in fantasy leagues everywhere.
Chris Johnson of the Titans is the picture perfect example of this trend. Johnson, a pint-sized powerhouse at just 198 pounds, had a monster day on Sunday. Johnson posted a gaudy 284 yards from scrimmage against Houston, and crossed the stripe three times on plays of 57, 69, and 91 yards. That will rack up the fantasy points in a major way.
Big play ability and long TD’s are precisely why the smaller backs are getting more love of late.
Darren Sproles’ fantasy owners know this (that 81-yard catch was beautiful, wasn’t it?), but so does the front office of the Chargers. The fact that SD made Sproles, who stands 5′-6″ and weighs in at just 185 pounds, their franchise player is all you need to know.
DeAngelo Williams proved last year that despite a size defeciency, these explosive players can excel when used in the correct scheme. Williams himself has gotten off to a decent start despite Carolina’s 0-2 record, but rest assured, his best games are yet to come. The same should be said about Steve Slaton of the Texans, although I’ve been thinking for a while that his numbers would decrease in ‘09.
Other small guys that should have some monster games this season are: Leon Washington, Ray Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw, Tashard Choice and LeSean McCoy.
Players like these are so enticing because they offer a special hope: the big play. One long TD can swing the momentum towards a team (real NFL, or fantasy) tremendously. So, until defenses figure out a way to limit the big plays, watch for more gaudy numbers from the small guys while the large guys continue to look slow and tired.
Small ball has arrived gentlemen, so plan accordingly.
