Fantasy Football: Frank Gore Potential
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by JasonComack
Fantasies are awesome, aren't they? I mean real life is kinda boring. Every morning I wake up and teach the youth of America; which isn't a bad shtick but I'd much rather be running an NFL Team.
That's why I love Fantasy Football and Frank Gore!
Last year, Gore went late in leagues, he was viewed as an RB3. Now he's a top 5 pick in most leagues.
Was his break out year totally unpredictable? Not really. There were a lot of signs pointing to a Gore breakout last year. He was young talented back who had just become a feature back. He was going into an offensive system (Norv Turner's) that always produces stud running backs. Lastly he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and had over 600 yards the year before.
So who this year is going to emerge out of nowhere to becoming an elite fantasy running back?
Here's my top 5 break-out-backs.
1-Brandon Jacobs
Jacobs is a mammoth of a man. He's young and this year becoming a feature back. Last season he had 423 yards at 4.4 a clip, while scoring 9 TD's. The offense around him should be better because as Tony likes to remind me everyday, before Amani Toomer got hurt Eli Manning was putting up good numbers. I like Jacobs alot this year, even if he falters as a runner theres no way anyone else on this team is going to steal goal line carries. What are they going to do put Mathias Kiwanuka as their goal line back? (And Jacobs still might be bigger than him!!)
FGP (that's Frank Gore Potential for those of you who are uneducated) : 80%
2- Jerious Norwood
Does anyone really think Warrick Dunn is going to do anything this year? Yes, he was named the starter but I'd take that with a grain of salt. We know one thing Bobby Petrino does like to do is run and with The Joey Harrington Experience at the wheel it won't discourage him from sticking to his bread and butter. Norwood rushed for 633 yards last year at a ridiculous 6.3 a pop. Every time he ran, it look like he was shot out of a cannon. I see a lot of similarities between Gore and Norwood. The only thing holding him back is the Dunn factor.
FGP: 70%
3- Marshawn Lynch
Yea more likely he'll be this years Joseph Addai, but Marshawn is walking into a great situation. Buffalo beefed up their offensive line this off-season. Also Lee Evans and J.P have another year under their belt. A-Pete might be the more talented RB in the long run but Lynch is bound to get more touches this year.
FGP 45%
4- Brandon Jackson
Who you ask? Well, a couple weeks ago Brandon Jackson might have been going in the 10th round of your draft, now he's probably going in the top 50. Amazing how a sleeper might have become over-valued. Jackson takes over for Ahman Green, Green Bay (I'd like to solve the puzzle!!) Jackson a late 2nd round pick perfectly fits Green Bays, run friendly, zone blocking scheme. He doesn't seem to face much competition for carries (Noah Herron, Vernand Morency...please) and surely the coaching staff has a lot of faith in him. His early season injury might be worrisome.
FGP: 35%
5- D'Angelo Williams
Eh...I find myself hot and cold on Williams. He was a dominant runner in college. He's on a good offense with a run friendly scheme yet at times he looks like he's running in quicksand. DeShaun Foster should get hurt, because thats what DeShaun Foster does. So D'Will we get his shot. Let's see if he can capitalize. Till then color me skeptical.
FGP: 25%
Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, Cadillac Williams, Cedric Benson, Julius Jones
Peterson is going to be a stud for a long time but Chester Taylor hasn't done anything to deserve being shut out in that offense. Williams is unique because his rookie season was monstrous yet he ended up being a colossal bust last year. The offense in Tampa can't be any worse than it was last year, he intrigues me. Benson does nothing for me. He fits the bill though. Elite college back thrust into a feature role on a good team. What I'm not sold on is his ability to carry a full work load and in general the Bears offensive ability to move the ball. I think he's a giant bust this year. JJ is much like my ex-girlfriend, a giant cock tease. Every year someone plunks a high pick on him and every year he disappointed. However I've read the new coaching staff really likes him. Mind you the guy still rushed for a 1,000 yards last year. You can't expect Marion Barber to put up 16 TD's again.
Now, JJ don't make me regret this ringing endorsement.
