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Other Matt Waldman rankings (show / hide)
RB redraft rankings by Matt Waldman
submitted one day ago
| Rank | Player | Team | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Peterson | MIN | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: I was the lead skeptic of Fantasy Football's Santa Claus last year, but I've been saved by the Football Church of All Day. How can one doubt a running back who returns from a December 2011 ACL tear with a 2012 season of 2314 from scrimmage and 13 total scores? The guy is my fantasy football hero. If he's not your first pick in performance or PPR leagues then you must be one of those 'regression to the mean' guys and I can't help you there.
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| 2 | Doug Martin | TB | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: What I love about Martin in performance and PPR leagues is that he's deadly as a receiver. The Buccaneers offense has figured out ways to maximize Martin's gains after the catch. He had nearly 500 yards on 49 catches in 2012. Add Martin's rushing yards and 11 touchdowns to the mix and you have a feature back with a bright future. I wouldn't blame you if you take Martin as your No.2 RB in either PPR or performance leagues.
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| 3 | Arian Foster | HOU | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: I can already see Doug Martin threatening Foster's No.2 spot by my next update, but for now I'm sticking with Foster because I like the stability of the Texans offense just a little more. This is likely a too conservative assessment even for those with conservative viewpoints, but Foster is great in the red zone and I'm a little skeptical that we'll see Doug Martin have as many breakaway plays on receptions that helped him average nearly 10 yards per catch as a rookie. The fantasy points in PPR leagues between Martin and Foster were nearly equal so if Martin comes down to earth just a little bit, Foster is the better back in both settings. Ben Tate might stay healthy enough to cut into Foster's time, but I still think the Texans starter is in his prime and ready to roll for another strong year.
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| 4 | Ray Rice | BAL | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: You know I'm a Ray Rice guy, but he loses some of his luster now that Bernard Pierce has shown enough to cut into some of Rice's attempts. I wouldn't worry about Rice losing his job or the Ravens running game transforming into a committee, but it does keep the veteran away from my top three in either format. He's still an elite PPR option because the Ravens let Anquan Boldin walk and lack another big-play possession complement other than Dennis Pitta. This should mean Rice remains the PPR dump-off of choice in the passing game. Considering that Pierce's major weakness in the college game was pass protection, I'm skeptical we'll see enough improvement that Pierce earns more third-down looks than Rice.
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| 5 | LeSean McCoy | PHI | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: There is a likelihood that second-year wunderkind Bryce Brown will see a significant number of touches in this Chip Kelly run-oriented offense. No, Oregon is not a pass-heavy offense; it's a high-tempo offense with a lot of running and that's a big difference. Even McCoy has stated in spring practices that they are running a ton and it feels like a track meet out there. That's great for McCoy even if Brown hangs onto the football and gets into the act. More important is the addition of tackle Lane Johnson and return of former All-Pro Jason Peters. If these two players can shore up the leaky offensive line, the Eagles offense just might be as good in 2013 as their hype heading into 2013 and McCoy will lead the way.
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| 6 | Jamaal Charles | KC | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: I love Charles this year. I think my buddy Bloom's decision to trade for Charles in his dynasty leagues was perhaps a year too early. Of course, how do you criticize a fantasy owner for having a back with 1513 yards rushing in a putrid Chiefs offense the year after an ACL tear? Now that Andy Reid comes to Kansas City, I expect the Chiefs offense to use its RB-friendly screen and draw game. This is why they chose left tackle Eric Fisher over Luke Joeckel and added tight end Travis Kelce. Both players are excellent pass protectors but even better downfield blockers in open space, which sets up the screen game. Charles should have top-five production if he stays healthy and outside of this ACL tear, Charles has been a durable player.
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| 7 | Marshawn Lynch | SEA | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: I led the Lynch-Train last year and told you not to worry too much about the criminal charges late in the year. I had him ranked in this range then and nothing changes now. The addition of Christine Michael is a move for the future. The time is still now for Lynch and this excellent Seahawks line to shred the NFL. The nagging back problems were a concern, but not enough to derail Lynch from 16 starts, 1786 total yards and 12 total touchdowns. Although he is one of the better receiving backs in the league from a technique standpoint, Lynch doesn't see a ton of targets in this offense. If he earns another 15-20 receptions to his 2012 totals, he'd threaten Peterson and Foster as fantasy forces and it boosts his ranking in PPR leagues to a first-round pick. Either way, Lynch is an early-round pick and one of the safest in any format. If Percy Harvin stays healthy, expect Lynch to have some nice second halves as Seattle plays with a lead and runs the ball down defenses' throats. If Michael plays well enough to see time, the rookie and Robert Turbin could take some of the luster off Lynch's totals but not enough to keep him out of your top five in performance leagues.
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| 8 | C.J. Spiller | BUF | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Spiller was on fire last year once Fred Jackson got hurt. The Bills always had a nice screen game and Spiller's yards per catch average was a lot like Doug Martin's in 2012. We'll see how Doug Marrone's new offense will factor into Spiller's receptions, but I can't imagine the former offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints offense during the Reggie Bush era, placing a governor on Spiller's receiving production. If I didn't have more trust in Andy Reid and a veteran quarterback, Spiller might have been ranked up there with Jamaal Charles.
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| 9 | Maurice Jones-Drew | JAX | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Jones-Drew is a stud and probably a value this year if the Jaguars offensive line can stay healthy. Pound-for-pound he's one of he best backs in the league. Talent-wise, he's Ray Rice with more big-play ability.
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| 10 | Steven Jackson | ATL | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Since the Rams offense soured years ago, I've always regarded Jackson as a guy I'd settle for. Not this year. I can't imagine a veteran back who will be more excited to play football this year than Jackson in Atlanta. Michael Turner was a stud for a few years and I think at this point Jackson has enough left to do what Turner did for the Falcons prior to 2012. Jackson is also a much better receiver. While the Falcons might use Jacquizz Rodgers to spell Jackson, they'd be fools to use the third-year back to replace the veteran on passing downs outright. I doubt Atlanta is this foolish. Jackson could be a stud this year, but where I have him is a conservative projection.
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| 11 | Matt Forte | CHI | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Matt Forte is not considered a special talent by most fantasy owners, but I think he is. Marc Trestman's offense should help the passing game and if the team's draft picks at the line of scrimmage provide an immediate upgrade, Forte is a performance RB2 who could have an RB1 year. I think he's a borderline PPR RB1 right now.
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| 12 | Alfred Morris | WAS | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Morris and his 11 catches for 77 yards doesn't make him a flashy PPR option, but his 335 carries for 1606 yards rendered that worry moot for these formats. The seventh-ranked PPR option in 2012 enters 2013 as the main man in a run-centric offense that uses the pistol and spread read with Robert Griffin's talents to open wide holes for Morris. The second-year runner from Florida Atlantic is a downhill guy with great burst and a strong finish after contact. You could do worse with a top-10 pick if you ignore Morris and this Redskins offense while trying to look for that fantasy bull's eye.
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| 13 | Reggie Bush | DET | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: This could be a match made in heaven for the Lions and Reggie Bush. However, Heaven could have a cooler temperature in Detroit than most of the NFL with the Lake Effect and all. Still, Bush has a good chance to provide 600-800 yards both as a receiver and runner. He hasn't been the Gale Sayers incarnate that I thought when he left USC, but skill-wise he has looked better as a runner than his initial years at New Orleans. Mikel Leshoure has been what I would term a somewhat effective plodder. Look for Bush to have less production in Detroit than he did in Miami due to the potential time share, but I still think there's top-15 upside at a value if Leshoure falters. He's an underrated RB2 even with the team change.
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| 14 | Trent Richardson | CLE | |
| 15 | DeMarco Murray | DAL | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Murray is the classic case of a potential stud who is stuck behind a struggling line and seasons derailed by injury. His injury history has followed him from the college game to the NFL and this will cause a lot of owners to shy away from his talent this early. He's a boom-bust decision, but if you're risk-friendly then I think he's worth it here. I can't justify dropping him any further.
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| 16 | Darren McFadden | OAK | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: We learned without a shadow of a doubt that McFadden is best-suited to a gap scheme behind pulling lineman and a primary objective of where to run the football. Fortunately, the Raiders have opted to return to the gap scheme and this means McFadden has a better chance of attaining starter fantasy production. He'll have to stay healthy, which he hasn't been able to do enough to count on him. He's a high-risk RB2 with high-end RB1 reward. Get the TUMS ready.
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| 17 | Darren Sproles | NO | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Sproles is still a PPR option of high-end starter value and could rebound as a re-draft option in 2013. If he repeats last year's production, he's still a low-end RB2 in non-PPR formats.
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| 18 | Stevan Ridley | NE | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: I like Ridley, but I'mt not a fan of the Patriots running game from a fantasy football angle. Too many working parts between Ridley, Shane Vereen, and Brandon Bolden. You may also have to throw LeGarrette Blount into that mix. We shall see. Still, Ridley gets the first call and while he had enough good outings that he was a top-10 back in non-ppr leagues I'd rather have him drop to me than pick him commensurate to last year's value.
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| 19 | Frank Gore | SF | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: The only real threat to Frank Gore's playing time this year will be LaMichael James. The second-year Oregon runner is strong for his size and in my opinion a better option than Carolina rookie Kenjon Barner, who gets more credit for his pass receiving that he deserves. James will be a nice change-up for the offense as Kendall Hunter recovers from an Achilles' injury and rookie Marcus Lattimore rehabs his torn knee ligaments. It means Gore remains the go-to guy behind the best run blocking line in football. I worry he's too low on my list, but I think James is good enough complement the veteran and reduce the workload just enough to keep him a strong RB2 rather than a borderline RB1 in all formats.
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| 20 | Chris Johnson | TEN | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: The Titans upgraded its line in the draft and free agency, practically reshaping the entire unit. They also added Shonn Greene from the Jets. If we were talking about the Chris Johnson from three years ago, I'd say Greene is no threat to see significant carries. Now, I'm not so sure. Johnson was the No.12 PPR runner last year thanks to a strong six-week stretch at midseason. I'm unconvinced he's back to top-10 form even if the 4.5 ypc in 2012 is a nice indicator. The reshuffled offensive line is also another factor. The promise may be there, but it doesn't mean it will click out the gate.
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| 21 | David Wilson | NYG | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: All things being equal, I would have made David Wilson my top back in the 2013 NFL Draft if he waited a year to leave Virginia Tech. He's a fantastic talent and in hindsight I think this year as a kick return specialist and Tom Coughlin-benched RB was the best thing that could have happened for him. Wilson's ball security showed marked improvement at the end of last year and he's already displaying improved skill in pass protection this early in spring camp. Andre Brown is a good player, but David Wilson has top-12 ability among runners. In fact, he has top-5 ability. What he lacks is a great line. If you can get Wilson as your RB2, you're in good shape. He's another player I believe will rise up my board this summer if reports are as positive as I expect.
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| 22 | Lamar Miller | MIA | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Lamar Miller and David Wilson are different style of runners, but equally talented in my book. Miller is the better receiver and Wilson has better athleticism, but the difference is an exercise in hair-splitting. If Miller earns and maintains the starting gig in Miami, he'll move up my boards as an even strong RB2.
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| 23 | Ahmad Bradshaw | IND | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Bradshaw is a fine pass protector who limits quarterback hits and sacks. He only gave up 7 in over 500 attempts. He's also a creative runner who plays hurt. He's not a long-term option, which is why he didn't get signed during the early free agent period. However, for a playoff team seeking a one-year upgrade to Vick Ballard or at least quality depth of rotation, this signing makes sense. Low-end RB2 material for me with a little more PPR upside, but a lot more than that.
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| 24 | Rashard Mendenhall | ARI | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Mendenhall will have lots of competition for the chance at playing time behind a revamped Cardinals line. This includes Stanford rookie Stepfan Taylor and Clemson scat back Andre Ellington. Taylor will pose the most competition for Mendenhall and Ryan Williams. If Mendenhall plays to his capability he has RB1 talent behind a line capable of helping him achieve RB2 production.
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| 25 | Ronnie Hillman | DEN | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Adding Montee Ball is not an encouraging sign for Ronnie Hillman's prospects as a feature back. Of course the Giants once added Ron Dayne after drafting Tiki Barber and Barber became an excellent all-purpose fantasy player. It's ok to hold out hope, but in re-drafts Hillman is best projected as a promising fantasy backup in a crowded situation.
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| 26 | Zac Stacy | STL | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: If Stacy plays to his talent, he might be the the best situation to earn feature back carries outside of Le'Veon Bell.
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| 27 | Ryan Mathews | SD | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: He's a top-10 physical talent lacking the consistency to rely upon as anything more than flex-option until he figures it out. The fact that NFL.com is reporting a story that the new Chargers' brass asked Ladainian Tomlinson to come back and get 10-12 touches per game is an indication of the organization's lack of confidence in Mathews. It's a make-or-break year for Mathews with this new regime to earn a long-term starting role.
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| 28 | DeAngelo Williams | CAR | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Talent continuing to rot on the vine if you ask me. But with Jonathan Stewart with chronic foot and ankle issues and the Panthers veering away from the spread read option, Williams could see more opportunities in an offense that suits him best.
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| 29 | Mike Goodson | NYJ | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Goodson as RB1 talent, but has to stay healthy and disciplined. He and Chris Ivory could be a productive duo if this team rights the ship on and off the field. Don't count on it, but do count on some nice games from both RBs.
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| 30 | Fred Jackson | BUF | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Spiller should now be the lead back with Jackson the complement, but we know the veteran is good enough to be an RB1 if given the carries.
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| 31 | Chris Ivory | NYJ | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Ivory is an excellent talent as a runner. The receiving and pass protection component are a little more of a mystery. The worse case scenario is that he's an upgrade to Shonn Green's role and splits time with Mike Goodson and Bilal Powell. The best case is that he becomes the feature back. I think he's a better bet as a performance league option than a PPR guy at this early juncture of the preseason.
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| 32 | Montee Ball | DEN | show |
[Jun 13th] Matt Waldman says: Ball is a lot like Chester Taylor in the sense that he's good enough to start behind a strong line, which Denver has, but not a special runner to thrive long-term. If McGahee's talent ages fast, Ball could have the best rookie year of the 2013 class of backs because of his all-around game and Peyton Manning directing the show.
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| 33 | Mikel Leshoure | DET | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Leshoure has been a plodder with some power rather than the dynamic-looking prospect he appeared at Illinois. Reggie Bush should earn the lead back opportunities due to his experience, versatility, and big-play talent. The Lions still like Joique Bell, who also looked better than Leshoure much of the time.
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| 34 | Ryan Williams | ARI | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: If Williams returns to health, he has the talent to be the feature back. If Rashard Mendenhall plays to his ability then Williams and Mendenhall could split time. Bruce Arians - David Dodds' real football twin - also added two rookies to the stable. The biggest question has been the offensive line, but rookie Jonathan Cooper and Earl Watford have the talent to upgrade the running game and balance the passing game with the addition of Carson Palmer. Don't be surprised if we see a viable fantasy runner in Arizona this year.
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| 35 | Andre Brown | NYG | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: If David Wilson plays to his potential, Andre Brown will be an afterthought. If not, Brown is good enough to be a strong RB2 for as long as he can stay healthy.
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| 36 | Pierre Thomas | NO | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: The most unsung running back in the NFL has RB2 upside, but is a flex-play in this current scheme.
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| 37 | Danny Woodhead | SD | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: His PPR value is higher than his re-draft value, but I don't expect more than flex-production from him.
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| 38 | Mark Ingram | NO | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: I'm not enthused with Ingram's fit or his play in New Orleans. Neither should you at this point until he proves otherwise that he has more burst and lateral agility than he's shown. Also, there are too many backs in this backfield to see Ingram earning enough carries to get into a rhythm.
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| 39 | Jacquizz Rodgers | ATL | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: While the Falcons might use Jacquizz Rodgers to spell Jackson, they'd be fools to use the third-year back to replace the veteran on passing downs outright. I doubt Atlanta is this foolish. Jackson could be a stud this year.
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| 40 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis | CIN | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Giovani Bernard and Rex Burkhead have the talent to replace Green-Ellis sooner than later. Count on Bernard earning lead duties and Green-Ellis serving as the No.2.
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| 41 | Mike Tolbert | CAR | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Tolbert earned enough red zone looks to be a top-40 back. I don't see that changing this year, but do keep an eye on Mike Shula's changes. If Carolina reverts to a traditional ground game, monitor if Tolbert earns the goal line looks. If Jonathan Stewart fails to get healthy, Tolbert could be the best value of the Carolina runners.
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| 42 | Bryce Brown | PHI | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: A top of the line backup to LeSean McCoy capable of making this an Arian Foster-Ben Tate type of situation from a couple of years ago if Chip Kelly's offense calls for it.
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| 43 | Isaiah Pead | STL | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Can Pead beat Daryl Richardson and Zac Stacy? Yes. Well he? I think Stacy is the more polished player between the tackles, so I think not.
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| 44 | Shonn Greene | TEN | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Unless this remade Titans line is All-Pro quality, I don't expect Shonn Greene to be a significant factor.
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| 45 | Joique Bell | DET | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: I wouldn't presume Mikel LeShoure will be the second back in Detroit. Bell was the 23rd overall fantasy back with 52 receptions, which is even with Marcel Reece for fifth-most among RBs in 2012. Bell also had half of LeShoure's rushing yards on roughly a third of Leshoure's attempts.
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| 46 | Michael Bush | CHI | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: A quality backup capable of low-end RB1 production, but the Bears line and new offense keeps his ceiling at RB2 quality.
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| 47 | Shane Vereen | NE | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Vereen has promise as a good flex-play, but the backfield is so crowded in New England that it's hard to vouch for him other than potential.
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| 48 | Daryl Richardson | STL | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Richardson flashed skill as a rookie and earned time over fellow classmate Isaiah Pead. However, Pead has a little more upside. This really doesn't matter, because Zac Stacy might trump them both.
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| 49 | Jonathan Stewart | CAR | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: It saddens me that Stewart never got a chance to be a 300-carry back. He should be a top-15 RB. His ankle injury opens the door for Deangelo Williams to become a bigger factor this year. I also think Mike Shula's system will be more running back friendly. How much it translates to a Carolina runner earning fantasy starter production is another story. I feel better about taking Williams than I do Stewart this year.
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| 50 | Ben Tate | HOU | show |
[Jun 18th] Matt Waldman says: Tate is a top-tier backup capable of earning more committee yardage if the Texans allow him.
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