Every year there are players ranked lower than they should for some reason or another. Whether it is new players on their team at their position that could steal points, injury concerns or off-the-field issues, there are always players you can take in the later rounds.
So who are the runningbacks that are worth a look in the later rounds for the 2012 Fantasy Football season? Let’s take a look.
5. Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions (Yahoo Rank – 84)
Best was dominating in terms of fantasy production before an injury cut his season short. He’s been riddled by injuries so far in the NFL, and even came into the league with that as a red flag. But if you’re willing to take a chance on him, he could put up some serious numbers in 2012. He had 677 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in six games in 2011. One snag that could hold Best back is Mikel LeShoure, who was going to back up Best before an injury cut his rookie season short before it started.
4. Donald Brown – Indianapolis Colts (Yahoo Rank – 95)
The Colts’ runningback situation is up in the air, but I have to believe Donald Brown has the inside track now that Joseph Addai is out the door. Brown averaged 4.8 yards per carry, mostly as a backup for the Colts last season. The Colts are rebuilding, but could try to get the running game going to help rookie QB Andrew Luck.
3. Ben Tate – Houston Texans (Yahoo Rank – 108)
You still have to deal with the fact that Ben Tate is a backup and will be limited in that regard, but given Arian Foster‘s injury concerns, Tate is a nice guy to have on your roster. Even as a backup, Tate had 942 and four touchdowns yards in 2011. I wouldn’t rely on him as a starter unless Foster gets hurt, but he could get you some points in bye weeks.
2. James Starks – Green Bay Packers (Yahoo Rank – 110)
The Packers have yet to bring Ryan Grant back, so James Starks should be a hot commodity in the later rounds. There isn’t much competition for the starting runningback spot, and Starks’ performance in the 2010 playoffs gives a glimpse at his potential. Take a chance on him late and you could be rewarded.
1. Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers (Yahoo Rank – 57)
I’m not sure what Yahoo! Sports is thinking, but they have Frank Gore ranked as the 57th fantasy player in their overall rankings. In doing multiple mock drafts, I’ve found you can get Gore as late as the 7th round, depending on the quality of the players in your draft. Gore had 1,211 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011, and the offense is geared to run the ball a ton. The addition of Brandon Jacobs does take his value down a little, but I might consider reaching for him in round four or five in 10-team leagues.
Jeff is an NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. He contributes mainly to the New York Giants and NFL Rumors pages. He also will occasionally touch on the NBA and humorous videos involving all sports.
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