Utility/Backup Runningbacks Are Gaining Fantasy Value

We have been witnessing some big changes in football that have directly effected fantasy football. In the case of utility runningbacks we are seeing it big time. A utility runningback is a player that is listed as runningback, plays on special teams, and comes in to rest the starter, replace injured starters, or in as a 3rd down back. Over the past several weeks we've seen utility and backup runningbacks getting big points. Even the Wildcat formation has been a big factor in giving guys like Ricky Williams some big points. As in every year, injured starters give these guys extended playing time, making them a must to be on your roster and to start even if they are not the starting runningback because of the points they can score with limited touches. Here is a list of utility players with solid fantasy stats:

1. Leon Washington (NYJ) - 240 rushing yards, 226 receiving yards, 4 TDs. 1009 return yards, 1 TD. Add in a 2-pt conversion. He is in our mind the top utility runningback in fantasy football. Every game he can score three different ways, run, pass, and return. Overall, 5 Tds this season. Get him on your roster if you need a RB. He's owned in 35% of leagues.
2. J.J. Arrington (ARI) - 123 rushing yards, 121 receiving yards, 2 TDs. 268 return yards, 1 TD. Since the demise of Edgerrin James, Arrington has gotten allot more playing time. Get him on your roster. Owned in 4% of leagues.
3. Felix Jones (DAL) - 266 rushing yards, 10 receiving yards, 4 TDs. 434 return yards, 1 TD. He has been hurt the last 4 games, but is expected back in week 12. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Owned in 56% of leagues
4. Mewedle Moore (PIT) - 376 rushing yards, 204receiving yards, 6 TD. 152 return yards. He filled in well for Willie Parker, but now that Parker is back his touches will go down. However, he will still get plenty of touches and worth a roster spot. Owned in 69% of league.
5. Derrick Ward (NYG) - 531 rushing yards, 266 receiving yards, 1 TD. 21 return yards. Doesn't return much anymore and doesn't score allot, but he plays a ton. He spells Jacobs regularly and has over 500 rushing yards. Owned in 36% of league.
6. Dominick Rhodes ( IND) - 338 rushing yards, 171 receiving yards, 4 TDs. He filled in for Addai and did awesome. He is still getting plenty of playing time and is still scoring even with Addai in there. The Colts are not happy with their running game and will play Rhodes who kick started it and play him often. Owned in 35% of league.
7. Darren Sproles (SD) - 161 rushing yards, 221 receiving yards, 1 TD. 977 return yards, 1 TD. He's been hurt this season and most of his damage was early in the season. Still, with LT playing hurt he will spell him and could come in at any moment if LT gets hurt. He is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Owned in 27% of league.
8. Joshua Cribbs (CLE) - 72 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards, 2 TDs. 816 return yards, 1 TD. This guy is a monster. He scores from every way possible. He is fast, deadly at the point of attack and comes in as the 3rd down back for Cleveland and returns kickoffs and punts. Outstanding player. The key to Cribbs is if Cleveland falls behind, more Cribbs less Lewis. He was hurt earlier in the year, so his numbers could be much better. Owned in 6% of league.
9. Kevin Faulk (NE) - 319 rushing yards, 263 receiving yards, 3 TDs. 117 return yards. He is the ultimate backup runningback. He nearly starts and averages about 14 touches per game (receptions included). He should start nearly every week, even with Sammy Morris. Owned in 40% of league.
10. Jerious Norwood (ATL) - 383 rushing yards, 248 receiving yards, 3 TDs. 740 return yards. This guy has come up big, but its inconsistent. He plays behind Michael Turner, but gets the goal line carries. He returns as well and has tremendous speed. Owned in 43% of league.

Others worth consideration; Ahmad Bradshaw, Warrick Dunn, T.J. Duckett, Michael Bush, Correll Buckhalter, Chester Taylor.

At this point in the season, runningbacks are playing hurt or getting injured. If you have roster spots, you should carry a couple of these guys on your roster, especially to backup your runningbacks. They carry allot of value for your team and are really worth starting if you are in need of a runningback. They won't have the HUGE game very often, but they will give you points and keep your matchups close allowing your other players to win the matchups for you.

Todd "The True Guru" Farino