Faceoff - RB Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins

Posted 7/31, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Jeff Pasquino

Portis has been a Top 12 running back for four of his five career seasons, all of which came before last season. From 2002-2005, Portis had 53 touchdowns in 60 games and was a fantasy force. The problems he faced last year were the result of injuries to his hand and shoulder that opened the door for his talented understudy in Ladell Betts.

No conversation about Portis would be complete without talking about Betts, who put up outstanding numbers in the games that Portis missed last season. That's the second major issue with Portis -- will he lose touches to Betts even if he is healthy?

I point to several other teams in the league that had two solid backs last year that finished amongst the league leaders. Jacksonville had Fred Taylor (#18) and Maurice Jones Drew (#8). Deuce McAllister (#13) and Reggie Bush (#17) were also Top 20 backs for the Saints. So it is not impossible for both to excel in an offense as potent as the one led by Al Saunders.

Portis also benefits from a struggling Redskin passing game. QB Jason Campbell enters his first full season as a starter, so he will need a strong running game to rely on and take the pressure off of his development. Campbell also does not have too many stud receivers, as Santana Moss struggled last season and Brandon Lloyd was the worst starting WR in over forty years. The only successes came in the short passing game, which favors TE Chris Cooley and pass catching running backs, a description that fits Portis with his 158 career receptions.

The bottom line on Portis is that he will be picked in the second round of most fantasy drafts this year, but there are not many RBs selected that late with three Top 6 career fantasy performances. Portis' upside is very high and only Betts and injuries represent downside. If you can pick up both Portis and Betts as your RB2 duo, you should fare extremely well this year.

Downside - by Chris Smith

It's difficult for me to admit I am on the low side for Clinton Portis this season. I am a big Portis fan and believe he is one of the more exciting players to watch in the NFL when he is on his game. However I am avoiding ranking him high this season for a number of worrisome reasons.

Reasons for concern in 2007

1. Portis fighting tendonitis in knee and shoulder problems: The top reason to be worried about the number of touches that Portis will see this season is his current struggles with tendonitis and shoulder pain. As reporter by Footballguys back in May, he has been diagnosed with patella tendonitis in his knee and he'll need to strengthen his quadriceps and stretch his hamstring in order to contain the damage. Portis will only be 26-years old this season and he should be able to overcome this setback but it could certainly hinder his play and number of touches this season.
2. Ladell Betts becoming good 2nd option at RB: Betts was excellent last season, rushing for 1,154 yards on just 245 carries and providing a strong rushing attack in Portis' absence. With Portis' ongoing struggles with tendonitis it is likely that the club will give Betts a lot of work to keep Portis fresh during the year. Betts has proven to be a very reliable running back at this level and he'll get his share of touches in 2007.
3. Offense struggling to find identity: The club will use the inexperienced Jason Campbell at quarterback this season and under head coach Joe Gibbs, the Redskins have struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball. With a receiving core featuring WR Santana Moss, TE Chris Cooley and little else, defenses are likely to put eight defenders in the box, daring the Redskins to beat them down the field. Campbell played alright at times over the final seven games last year but he is inexperienced and the entire offense may struggle as a result.

Final Thoughts

I think Clinton Portis is one heck of a football player. He is explosive, has good vision and runs with conviction. However with the tendonitis in his knee, shoulder pain, a capable second option in Ladell Betts and an offense featuring an inexperienced quarterback Portis may find it difficult to put up good fantasy numbers this season. I wouldn't expect more than 270 carries and 1,100 rushing yards from Clinton Portis in 2007 and even that may be on the high side.