1. Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions
Best becomes an instant fantasy sleeper and will receive 15+ carries per game from the get go due to an injury to starter RB Kevin Smith. When the Lions grabbed him in the 1st round of the 2010 NFL Draft, head coach Jim Schwartz, the former DC of the Titans, said Best’s speed reminded him of RB Chris Johnson. They can only hope so.
In 2010, he’ll be playing in what will be an improved Detroit offense. The passing game should (QB Matt Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Tony Scheffler) be able to take pressure off the running game and Best, finding less men in the box, will break a few longs ones throughout the course of the season.
Expect him to be a factor on both the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.
2. Ben Tate – Houston Texans
Just when it appeared that the Texans had finally found itself a starting RB, Steve Slaton regressed badly in year two and was relegated to a 3rd down specialist by season’s end. He developed a fumbling problem which incensed HC Gary Kubiak to the point where the organization went out and selected Tate with the 58th pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
But Tate fits the ideal back the Texans have wanted for years: big (5’11″ 220lbs), strong and fast. He was clocked at 4.43 in the 40.
With QB Matt Schaub, TE Owen Daniels and WR Andre Johnson a threat to light up secondaries, expect Tate to find a lot of room to run in year one.
Aside from the goal line, he’ll begin by sharing the carries with Slaton, but look for him to assert himself as the starter after Week 4.
3. RB Michael Bush – Oakland Raiders
Bush was a fantasy football sleeper entering the 2009 campaign but was hampered by a horrific JaMarcus Russell’ led offense which brought everyone’s numbers down. That problem is now gone. Russell has been cut and Jason Campbell, who was acquired from the Redskins, will provide more stability to an offense which was derailed by numerous turnovers a year ago.
Bush is a very big man with both the speed and moves to be an every down back.
RB Darren McFadden’s been given the nod to this point due to his lofty draft status in 2008, but that novelty has just about worn off.
Expect Michael Bush to split carries in the beginning but takeover as the No. 1 RB by Week 6 of the season.
» Football Futures Betting: An Early Look at the 2010 AFC South
July 26th, 2010 at 13:03
Return to top
[...] of them, it’s the defense that keeps them from seriously competing for a division crown. The Texans drafted RB Ben Tate in the 2nd round to provide a ground threat to go with the passing game. Defensively, the team will [...]