Ian Allan answers your fantasy football questions. In this edition. Identifying the best backup running backs. Omarion Hampton vs. Kenneth Walker. Can Isiah Pacheco bounce back? And more.
Question 1
Hello, just curious who are the 10 best handcuffs from last year? Looking at all metrics.
Jim Venettis (Farmington, MI)
With backup running backs, there are two variables. How likely is that player to start some games? And what’s he going to do when he’s in there? We’re looking for guys with the potential to go into some weeks looking like they might put up top-10 numbers.
My list of A-listers would include all four teams in the NFC West: Isaac Guerendo, Zach Charbonnet, Trey Benson, Blake Corum. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all start multiple games, and there might not be any dropoff when they’re in there.
Jordan Mason, Ray Davis, Tyjae Spears and Tyler Allgeier would be the other four I’d put in the top tier of backups – guys who are definitely an injury away from being something. Davis had that big game against the Jets last year; he’s got more tackle-breaking ability than James Cook.
A notch down, I’d be looking at Jaylen Wright, Braelon Allen, Emanuel Wilson, Dameon Pierce, Khalil Herbert and Cam Skattebo. These guys should be above-average backups, but some double-checking will be needed in August – making sure they would be moving into starter-type roles, and perhaps discounting some for limitations.
I didn’t list Will Shipley; I think he’ll be the backup in Philadelphia, but with zero potential of carrying at the goal line. Devin Neal (Saints) and Sean Tucker (Bucs) won’t be rostered in most leagues, but let’s keep an eye on those guys.
Question 2
Thanks for the Help. I won the Super Bowl with the help from your weekly projections. Now the bad news, I pick 12th in every round. I need your help. We can only keep 1 at each position. This is our 38th year coming up for our Family Favoritism League. We can keep up to 4 players. If you keep 2 you have a 1st & 2nd round pick. If you keep 3 you lose your 3rd round pick, keep 4 and you don't have a 4th round pick. I'm thinking about keeping 4 believing I couldn't make better picks late in each round. Basic scoring , QB TD's 6 points, QB - B. Mayfield & A. Richardson, RB's - J. Taylor, D. Achane, & B. Allen. WR's - P. Nacua, C. Sutton, X. Worthy, & Q. Johnston. TE's M. Andrews & C. Otton. Do you recommend I keep 4 if so who?
Manuel Madrid (San Tan Valley, AZ)
You have a pair of players -- Nacua, Achane -- who look at lot better in a PPR format. That's not the case, however. So I think I would be keeping just two. I'd keep Jonathan Taylor, and I'd keep Nacua. I suppose your other options to potentially keep would be Andrews and Mayfield, but I would rather have first- and second-round picks rather than locking in on those guys. It's a league giving 6 points for TD passes. That may cause you to want to play it safe by locking in on Mayfield with that 24th overall pick (keeping 3 rather than 2). But I would be inclined to leave open the possibility of selecting my quarterback at 60 or 72. (If you wait, then you'd be selecting a couple in the teens, I think.)
Question 3
Dynasty league TD dependent league Running back question Who would you keep between Kenneth Walker or Omarion Hampton? Both will be in RB committees with run first offenses
Howie Fishman (Venice, FL)
I will not be drafting Walker. I understand that he’s in a contract year, perhaps running with an extra chip on his shoulder – hoping to break the bank next spring. But he can’t stay healthy. He’s had multiple injuries every year. And I don’t think he quite fits what they’re trying to do.
The Seahawks are bringing in Klint Kubiak to run their offense. They’re going to be using a fullback, running a bunch, and I think they’re looking for downhill-type runners who’ll decisively “hit it up in there”, as they say. Seattle ran the ball more effectively last year when Zach Charbonnet was filling in. Kenny McIntosh was effective in the final month of the season and they drafted Damien Martinez (another Charbonnet-type banger) in the seventh round. I would guess the Seahawks might quietly explore whether a team might give them a pick for Walker before his contract expires.
So I would select Hampton and hope it doesn’t take him too long to move into more of a featured role. Najee Harris is more experienced, but Hampton is a lot more athletic. (He’s also 2 years younger, making the decision a lot easier in a dynasty format.)
Question 4
Do you think Pacheco will start and have a good year? I stashed Brooks at end of year, will he be any good or a lost cause? I have Bateman and Shaheed(n.o.). Will they have good years again or should I bale on them? Thank you
Ron Patterman (Verona, WI)
I sure hope so. He’s still on his rookie contract, so he hasn’t been able to get beyond making modest money yet – he was a seventh-round draft pick coming out of Rutgers, recall. This is a big year for him.
Pacheco played well two years ago, particularly down the stretch. He averaged 79 rushing and 18 receiving yard in his final eight games that year, with 8 TDs. But last year he broke his leg and didn’t look the same after missing two months. Kareem Hunt outplayed him late in the season and in the playoffs.
Maybe an offseason is all Pacheco needs to get back to where he was, but he’s not an instinctive or natural runner – he doesn’t have good vision or elusiveness. I don’t think Kansas City will ever be signing him to a big contract. But they haven’t brought in anybody notable, so I’m thinking their expecting him to be their No. 1 guy. I guess that makes him about the 20th back on the board.