Looking for the 2009 version of Lance Moore instead? Head over here.Michael Turner was relegated to mop-up and proverbial "change of pace" duties in San Diego. This past offseason, he was free to sign elsewhere, and the Atlanta Falcons swooped in like any good falcon would. Only Turner wasn't prey, he was a beneficiary. He turned out to be a steal, and he'll be taken towards the top of the first round next season in fantasy drafts.
Like any good dynasty league player would do, we need to start examining who could experience this sort of leap in fantasy football before next season. It's much better to be proactive than reactive, so here are some running back candidates who have a shot at gaining the job on their own team or in a new destination.
Leader in the Clubhouse
Derrick Ward, Giants -- He'll be a free agent when the Giants' season ends, so he's the most obvious choice here for the headline. The Giants likely don't want him gone, but they have to keep Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw can handle the RB2 duties for them. There will be a team out there so desperate for a featured back that they'll break the bank for Ward -- Seahawks? Broncos? -- and the Giants can't justify a huge cap hit.
Ward is a stud, racking up over 1,000 yards in a backup role, averaging 5.6 yards a carry along the way. The only two question marks would be: 1) How does he survive behind a line that's not as stellar as the Giants? and 2) How much longer can he hold up, considering that he's gonna be 29 when the season kicks off and running backs traditionally start to slow down in their early 30s?
Still, I'd give him a long, hard look in deep keeper leagues. I'm not too scared about the age for the near future because he hasn't amassed a huge amount of tread on his tires just yet. He's certainly atop my list as the "Michael Turner of 2009."
A Close Second
Fred Jackson, Bills -- He's a free agent, but exclusive to the Bills. It's hard to say what direction Buffalo will take in the offseason, but they definitely need to do something different. If they let him walk -- which you know he wants to, because he's not starting over Marshawn Lynch -- he's right with Ward. He went out with a bang in Week 17, and actually had three straight solid fantasy weeks. That's pretty impressive on a bad team.
Need a Break
Michael Bush, Raiders -- Unfortunately, he's likely to remain a Raider next season, and he's likely to be buried behind Darren McFadden. Crazier things have happened, for sure, but our best realistic hope at this point is for him to reprise a "Derrick Ward of 2009" role, and the Raiders aren't good enough for two 1,000-yard rushers. If, for some godforsaken reason, the Raiders let him go become a featured back somewhere else, jump on him. He's a stud in the making.
Leon Washingon, Jets -- He only averaged 5.9 yards a carry. This just feels like a Tiki Barber type situation where the higher-ups don't believe he's big enough to carry the load on his own, yet he just keeps making plays until they finally give in. He's not going anywhere, and he still has Thomas Jones in front of him. Still, there is a new coaching staff on the way and Jones isn't getting any younger.
Jerious Norwood, Falcons -- Like Leon, he just seems like he's getting wasted -- only he's behind Turner, who definitely isn't going anywhere. You'd be hoping for an injury to Turner or an ill-advised trade by Atlanta here.
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs -- Larry Johnson says he wants out of Kansas City. There are likely too many complications with the salary cap for this to happen, but anything's possible. Charles has shown a few flashes of his ability, so hopefully he gets a shot sooner rather than later for the Chiefs.
Desperation Heave
Laurence Maroney, Patriots -- He has so much talent that we can't forget about him altogether. It just seems like Bill Belichick is content to let him rot in half the games he plays, meanwhile, he can't stay healthy anyway. What a shame.
