Sunday’s Cowboys-Colts game brought back sweet memories. (Cue the dreamy music.) As Tashard Choice sweated for 100 yards, it reminded me of 2008 when my fantasy playoff hopes were bleak. With very little value on the wire, I claimed Choice, rolling the dice on the Cowboys third-string back. In five weeks, he mustered 552 combined rushing and receiving yards, propelling my little hopeful squad to a Super Bowl berth.
Who is this year’s miracle back? Is Choice the chosen one? Or is it James Starks? What about Anthony Dixon?
Anthony Dixon – While desperate fantasy gamers claimed Brian Westbrook, others overlooked the obvious oldie and claimed the younger, stronger back who now appears to be the lead guy in San Francisco. The Seattle D-line has struggled with injuries lately, so the matchup will be prime for the rookie running back. Down the road, he faces San Diego and St. Louis. Available in 86 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Tashard Choice – As mentioned above, vintage Choice is back. The Philly matchup makes me a little nervous, but you’re not planning to be eliminated this week. Are you? Think Super Bowl, my friend. Dallas faces Washington, then Arizona (giggle). Available in 71 percent of Yahoo leagues.
James Starks – In week 13, Green Bay still didn’t have a solid starter at running back. Enter James Starks, who has a chance to maintain the lead role, despite Coach Mike McCarthy's insistence that they’re all equal. Right. Brandon Jackson had four carries last week. With 73 yards on 20 carries, I not only recommend him, but I claimed him myself. Faces a weak Detroit defense this week. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Chris Ivory – Two touchdowns and 117 yards lands Ivory on this list. The fantasy community has been hesitant to claim him, unsure of Pierre Thomas' return and Reggie Bush’s take-aways. Sean Payton says he doesn’t plan to minimize Ivory's carries, even if Thomas is healthy Sunday. Available in 44 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Random Redskins running backs – Keep your eye on them, and pick carefully. Although the lead back changes week to week, if you pick right, it'll pay. Remember Quinton Ganther last year?
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning 9:00-10 a.m., or during the Texans pre-game show every week. This week is a special Monday Night Football edition. Tune in at 4:30 p.m.
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Amazingly, I have all those RBs on my various teams, all via waiver wire pickups. I, too, have a soft spot for Tashard dating back to 2008, where his late season heroics helped me to a fantasy title (with a big assist from Matt Forte). Great analysis, Erin.
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