In a perfect world, every fantasy owner would know exactly who coaches are going to plug into starting roles with plenty of advance knowledge. Since my bank account currently shows me that this is far from a perfect world, there are still quite a number of starting positions up for grabs. There are plenty of gigs that more than likely won’t be filled until after your draft.
In an effort to potentially lessen the stress level of those with drafts coming up, below are the top four running back battles to be had heading into preseason along with predictions of who will land the job.
Daniel Thomas (906 total rushing yards last two seasons with four touchdowns) vs. Lamar Miller (Averaged 4.9 rushing yards per carry as a rookie. Rushed for 250 yards and one touchdown as a rookie.)
The Edge: Miller (pictured above)
As of right now, Lamar Miller holds the edge to be the Dolphins opening day starter at running back. Thomas, though he has shown more production, is more fumble prone and is clearly behind Miller heading into preseason. If confidence is any factor, expect Miller to have an outstanding season as his goal appears to be 1,500 yards.
“We have great offensive linemen, so hopefully we can get the job done,” Miller said on NFL Network. “I’m aiming for 1,500.”
David Wilson (Drafted first round in 2012. Rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns last season.) vs. Andre Brown (Rushed for 385 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games before a broken leg put him on the IR in late November.)
The Edge: Draw.
Heading into the 2013 season, Wilson will more than likely start over Brown but it is expected that both backs will see plenty of carries this season. According to an ESPN report, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin “will likely go with the hot hand and whomever he trusts in crunch time.” With that being the case, neither of these two backs are considered reliable heading into the 2013 season. There is still the chance one clearly outperforms the other in preseason but naming a clear-cut favorite isn’t likely to occur.
Daryl Richardson (Rushed for 475 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry) vs. Isaiah Pead (Rushed for 54 yards on 5.4 yards per carry last season)
The Edge: Richardson.
The Rams currently have Richardson listed as the starting running back but there is competition for that spot. Heading into the preseason, Isaiah Pead is Richardson’s stiffest competition but already has one black mark against him as he is suspended for the first game of the season. More than likely, the starting job is Richardson’s to lose, making him a low end number two starter in standard leagues.
Ahmad Bradshaw (Rushed for 1,015 yards and six TDs in 2012) vs. Vick Ballard (Rushed for 814 yards and two TDs in 2012)
The Edge: Bradshaw
If Bradshaw is healthy, expect him to be the Colts starter at running back. However, that seems to be a big “if” as the tailback was placed on the physically unable to perform list as he is recovering from a foot surgery he had in January. Until Bradshaw shows he is healthy, Ballard will be the primary ball carrier this preseason. The better fantasy bet this season out of the two is clearly Bradshaw if he can get on the field. Bradshaw has a proven track record and is another veteran presence for QB Andrew Luck to rely on.
James LeBeau is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Jlebeau76 or subscribe on Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
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