Fantasy Football Info For Serious Players
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Statistics can help glean insight in more accurately predicting future player performance. True sharks know that identifying trends, analyzing situations, and being three steps ahead of the competition are what win titles. Avoiding players that are set up to be unproductive is just as important as drafting players that are productive. Allowing other owners to select players that seem destined for failure can strengthen your squad and dramatically improve your chances of winning. With so much emphasis on the RB position in fantasy football these days, I put on my Poindexter hat and pocket protector and went digging into the universe known as RB statistics again (at this point, I have a preferred parking spot). On many occasions, I yearned to have a single source to review and compare each team's RB productivity. In the past, someone might have mentioned that St. Louis had 380 TEAM rushing attempts last year. But on its own, what does that really mean and what does that tell us? In attempt to try to bring some meaning to isolated statistics, I assembled the past three seasons of team RB stats in the most common categories, ranking the results by category to give a true reflection as to where each team fell on the RB food chain. By grouping the past three seasons together, we can now see how teams' production, strategy, and tendencies have changed. I broke down the production data down all the way to each individual RB touch to show how efficient a team has been. That way, we could approximate what might happen if a team did elect to go overboard on RB utilization in the upcoming season. I also indicated how each team stacked up to the team leader in each category to give a better sense of how far a team was from getting to the top of that category. There will be many mysteries to ponder over embedded within the data contained here. Those that can decipher it better than others will be well on their way to winning their league title. Those that elect to ignore what the statistics are telling us-in some cases flashing in bright neon lights-will make poor decisions on draft day and will later shrug their shoulders and kick the dirt citing unexpected poor player performance as the reason their team struggled. I added some comments along the way to illustrate what I saw in reviewing the results. Certainly, others will see things that I did not, and others still will interpret data in a different if not completely opposite way. But at least there is a more consolidated way to access and analyze the data. And don't forget that major changes in coaching or on-field personnel could have impacted the prior results or may impact them this season. So bear all that in mind, and remember that I don't claim to have all the answers . . . Key / Explanation
League Wide Results
For those that get heavy into yearly projections, that's the baseline average for the entire NFL. With all the gaudy passing totals last year, the number of carries per team only dropped by two on the season. RB receptions have fallen by 12 per team in the past two seasons, which is a fair amount, especially with the perception that fantasy passing stats were up. Fantasy scoring has dropped a tad each season, but nothing to really write home about. Individual Teams
Yearly Scoring Rank: 22, 32, 18 The 4 TDs scored in 2003 is not a typo. The team did much better in 2004, but when 90-year-old Emmitt Smith is the one leading the charge, it's time to look elsewhere. Arrington will likely get the majority of the workload, and depending on how much improvement you envision Dennis Green can milk out of the offense will determine how well you think Arrington will do. Shipp is still around and 1) looked phenomenal in 2002 with a 4.4 ypc and 9 TD in limited use, 2) couldn't get in the end zone even once in 258 touches the following year with a 3.6 ypc, 3) and went on IR with a leg/ankle injury and never played a down in 2004. Hambrick is also still around, and there have been unconfirmed rumors and innuendo that he could potentially be utilized as a goal line back. I'd say that Shipp might have value as a third down back, but we really don't know yet who will be in on third downs and Arizona did not throw a lot to RBs. If they were smart, they might want to rethink that, as QB Kurt Warner would benefit by always having a safety valve rather than getting annihilated by blitzers all day long. As with most of the bottom feeder teams, relying on RB production for too long from their RBs likely will hurt your chances of fantasy success.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 15, 11, 10 One of only 6 teams with 15+ TD each season (KC, GB, Den, SD, and Sea). One of two teams (Sea) to rank higher overall than any individual season. Vick served as a third RB, but didn't squash the RB totals as much as some people have suggested. The interesting thing to observe will be how the running game would be impacted by the Falcons getting any semblance of a passing game, but that could take a while. As in all RBBC situations, one has to wonder how much one guy would be worth if his counterpart got hurt for an extended period. In 9 games without Duckett playing, Dunn has averaged 17.2 ppg. Duckett has averaged 11.5 PPG without Dunn in the lineup. Vick with either Dunn or Duckett out has averaged 7.5 PPG rushing (compared to 7.6 PPG rushing with both playing).
Yearly Scoring Rank: 26, 5, 22 As a team, had very few receiving yards (31st), which has been the knock on Jamal Lewis' value. 2003 season was 100+ fantasy points more than the other two, and the immediate question is why? Production per touch dropped a fair amount, and the team did have 491 touches, so it is not a workload issue. This year, the team actually has some WR options in Mason and Clayton. That could open the field up more and help the ground game in becoming more effective, but it also could take away carries at the same time. As far as Taylor as a backup, in the seven games in his career that he's had 10 or more carries, he's averaged 11.7 fantasy points per game.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 11, 23, 15 Carries and touches have gone up each season, and with a young QB taking over, that trend may continue. Receiving totals have taken a bath in recent seasons. Even with McGahee's great finish, the team totals were not dramatically different. Given his performance in 2002 and 2003, Henry's benching in favor of McGahee looked like a travesty but turned into a fantasy goldmine. Henry may not be around if he gets his way, so depth behind Willis could be an issue. One has to wonder how many carries the team will give McGahee given his recovery from his Orange Bowl injury. Those high on McGahee should be aware that the surge in the Bills defense and special teams last year coincided with McGahee taking over for Henry. Buffalo had 34 drives start in enemy territory in the 12 games that McGahee started (and another 22 outside of the Bills' 40 yard line). Factoring a decline in the Bills ability to produce turnovers, an inexperienced QB, and worse field position could mean the Bills might not score as many points this year.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 25, 12, 20 One of six teams with a different scoring leader each season (Min, NE, Was, Det, Dal). The odds are good that that trend will continue again this year. "Healthy" and "Carolina RB" have not appeared in the same sentence very often. When Nick Goings leads your playoff run, you know you've had a lot of injuries. A lot of touches overall but not very productive. I wouldn't want to pin my fantasy hopes for the season on any of these guys, as Foster has missed more games than he's played, Davis is still recovering from major surgery, and Shelton is a rookie. A healthy backfield will try to pound the ball again and a banged up one will have Jake Delhomme airing it out again. If you didn't spend early on running backs, this is what is left that might be a little more affordable.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 31, 30, 21 One of four teams to increase total TDs each season (KC, TB, and Hou). Things were headed in the right direction with Thomas Jones, but I guess they were not improving enough. Thomas Jones seemed to be able to move the ball and score when healthy (which we've learned over time is not all that often), but one would think that given the improvement in RB production they might have addressed other area with an early round draft pick. Given that the Bears offense in generally would not be labeled "robust," Benson and Jones sharing the workload probably won't equal great fantasy production, but if one or the other would to get banged up, that could be a different story. The way for RB to make it worthwhile in fantasy circles is to get a heavy workload, and that could happen with injuries (just ask Nick Goings).
Yearly Scoring Rank: 27, 17, 23 One of only two teams to produce a Top 10 fantasy back while ranking outside the Top 20 in team fantasy points scored by RB (Miami with Ricky Williams in 2003 was the other). Rudi Johnson had 362 carries and Williams had 383, so quantity outweighed quality in those instances. Johnson ranking in the Top 10 while the team's RB scoring dipped was a bit surprising. Even though Rudi Johnson had the toughest schedule for RB last year, he and the team will have to be more productive for him to climb in the year-end rankings. If Chris Perry gets even a small cut of the workload, Johnson won't be in the Top 10 again. With Johnson getting 92% of the carries last year, it's unlikely that he will improve on that percentage. For a team expected to pass a fair amount, RB receptions have dipped a fair amount.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 29, 27, 31 There are very few positives here. Only team Bottom 10 each season. Only team to fail to score 10 TD in any of the past three seasons. Priest Holmes has had years with more TDs in a single season than the Browns RBs have scored in 48 games. Only team not to have a year with 2,000 total yards. Had lowest ranking player (Jamel White - RB 45) to lead a team in fantasy scoring. Almost all categories trending in the wrong direction. However, a tandem of Suggs and Droughns offers some hope that the Browns might climb out of the fantasy cellar, as they have no place to go but up. It's been 16 seasons since the Browns produced a 1,000-yard rusher, and it could easily be 17 if things evolve into a RBBC this year. With massive changes to the Browns coaching staff and player pool, at this point projecting who will serve what role is no more than a crapshoot, but Cleveland will be hard pressed to do worse with their RB production.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 30, 13, 24 Even with Jones' late surge, the Cowboys totals as a whole dropped a fair amount last year. Part of Jones' monster finish could have been due to the lack of healthy RB options and uncertainty at the QB spot. Jones should do well, but don't expect 30+ carries too often and also don't expect the same rate of TD production. Receiving yards almost evaporated in 2005-that will almost certainly increase this year. Looking just at the RB production the past three years, you can almost have predicted the team's record in each season. With Parcells looking to run with the lead, all the Cowboys need to do is get the lead. Another interesting Parcells factoid: His teams have ranked in the top half of the league in passing attempts in 12 of his 17 seasons. A-Train and Barber are both more competent than any of the backs Dallas rostered last season, so there will not be the necessity to run Jones into the ground. Overall, though, Dallas is in a much better spot than they were last year.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 2, 4, 6 Had 2,000+ yards rushing in each season. No other team had 2000 yards in more than one of the past three seasons. One of two teams (KC) with 2,500 total yards each season. Whoever becomes "the guy" in Denver will put up stellar numbers. We already knew that. This just confirms it. If Tatum Bell stays as Denver's RB1, he will be severely undervalued heading into the season (current ADP of RB19). However, having Maurice Clarett, Mike Anderson, or Quentin Griffin tucked away on your roster might not be a bad investment. Someone from Denver always puts up monster numbers, and this year will be no different. In my opinion, it's worth the risk to land Bell, as the environment has been Top 3 in terms of total yardage, TD, and fantasy points.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 18, 29, 16 Total touches were very consistent-- lots of receptions, but limited carries. That might flip flop this year. Jones was a whirlwind in the latter stages of the season, exceeding 1,000 yards in total offense the last eight games of the season. Jones should be able to crack the Top 10 provided he can get into the end zone enough, which may or may not be difficult depending upon how the Lions' passing game takes off. It also remains to be seen if Jones can duplicate his production rate in 2005. Bryson didn't really shine in Detroit in 2003, save his one strong effort against KC (but anyone can run on the Chiefs). Take Jones, but likely ignore the rest unless there are a lot of teams or deep rosters.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 7, 1, 8 Although somewhat hard to believe, the Packers actually out produced the Chiefs in 2003. But don't expect that to happen again. Green Bay has done quite well utilizing their RB corps. Ranked in the Top 10 in every category. One of two teams (Pit) with 400+ carries in each season and the only team with 500+ touches in each season. Even so, their 2003 point total was 50% higher than the other two, and that may have been due to Brett Favre's broken thumb than a change in team philosophy. The Packers ranked 8th in scoring in 2004 and 7th in 2002. That might be a better representation of where they will stack up. OL losses could hinder rushing totals some this year. With Green's production taking a dip last year and the shear volume that the Packers have used their backs, taking Fisher or Davenport late would be recommended to add RB depth in later rounds. In eight games with 10+ carries, Davenport has averaged 10.6 fantasy PPG In four 10+ carry games, Fisher has averaged 11.2 PPG
Yearly Scoring Rank: 32, 25, 9 One of five teams to increase total fantasy points scored each season (Atl, Ten, Dal, and Chi). Doubled total points scored since inaugural season to rank 9th in scoring in 2004. Houston falls pretty low on the RB scoring scale, but they actually are a Petri dish of fantasy production. No one has done more with his opportunities than Domanick Davis, as he's averaged 109 total yards and 0.75 TD per game since coming into the league as a 4th round draft pick. There already has been talk of Morency eating away at some of Davis' workload, and Morency was one of the leading Deep Sleeper candidates discussed in a recent collaborative article. Given that Head Coach Dom Capers loves to run the ball, this situation should again prove to be fertile ground for RB production in 2005. One would think that with the talent of WR Andre Johnson available, the team would at least consider passing more frequently, but if they don't and the Texans running back numbers continue to improve, the Texans could become a force for RB production.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 28, 14, 13 Annual rankings have improved each season. Edge seems to have made a statistical recovery from his knee surgery even if he does not look as sharp on the field. Overall, the Colts rushing totals are lower than expected given the well-oiled machine they have on offense. Their passing game likely suppresses their rushing totals rather than enhancing them. Rhodes has already shown that he can step in and be productive and could be the #1 RB next season if James heads for the hills. Not much has changed in Indianapolis, so expect similar results.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 13, 9, 25 The only team with two Top 20 backs in the same season (in the past three years) with Taylor and Mack in 2002. One of seven teams to decrease TD total each season (Den, Min, Was, Oak, SF, Mia). The Jaguars claim to fame for 2005 is a conversion to a less conservative offensive scheme. It appears that Taylor already is having problems getting on the field, which probably won't help the declining fantasy numbers any. In two games with 10 or more carries, Toefield has averaged 13.9 fantasy points. Jones had one game last year in that category and scored 9 fantasy points. An injured Taylor + more passing = similar numbers (or worse) compared to 2004-and that produced a Bottom 10 season.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 1, 2, 1 The Rolls Royce of teams when it comes to fantasy running back production-and it's not even close. The Chiefs had 50% more TDs than the #2 team. That's not just setting the bar, that's taking the bar and bludgeoning the competition with it. With or without Priest in the lineup, the Chiefs ground assault did not miss a beat and put up as good or better numbers. The scoring difference between KC and GB (201 points over three years) was greater than the difference between the #6 team (Seattle) and the #28 team (Dallas). Given the team's pronounced scoring advantage, a case could be made that Larry Johnson as a backup would have more fantasy value than several full-time starting RBs. To put things into perspective, if the Chiefs split the workload and production exactly in half last year between two RBs, BOTH would have ranked in the Top 10.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 3, 24, 32 A year removed from having table scraps at RB, Miami suddenly could have a surplus of viable options. Brown was a Top 5 draft pick, Ricky has decided to "just say no," and Gordon comes back from a season-ending knee injury. Morris and Minor are not starting material, but as real life reserves and backups they aren't that bad. With that RB stable and Chambers, Boston, Booker, and McMichael as receiving threats, Miami could make the leap back to respectability with average production from the QB spot. Of course, for right now TO BE DETERMINED is the starting QB, and that makes it hard to read the tea leaves as to where this team is headed. We do know this; however, it would be impossible for the Dolphins to rank any lower than they did last year. They will have more carries this time around, how they are broken down is tough to say, but Brown should get the bulk of them unless Williams turns over a new leaf instead of rolling one or Gordon makes his presence felt
Yearly Scoring Rank: 8, 6, 14 One of three teams to increase receptions (Phi and Hou) each season. Receiving yards by RB may help Daunte Culpepper offset the loss of Randy Moss-a combined 1,081/4 certainly helped Culpepper's cause last season. Minnesota only had 6 rushing TD by RBs last year. That may be a sign that Culpepper could again be an option at the goal line (he's scored 10 TD rushing in a year before). If the Vikings could narrow the field down to just one primary back, he could be a monster. The question is . . . who? Bennett has proven durability is a major issue, Moe Williams seems best suited in spot duty, Onterrio Smith is suspended for the season, Mewelde Moore did well over a short period last year (179 total yards per game) but then evaporated, and Ciatrick Fason is an untested rookie. The Vikings have never had a RB with 300 carries in a season, and it's unlikely that they will have one again this year. A classic case of a big pie cut into too many smaller pieces.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 20, 21, 4 One of four teams to have total touches increase each season--and by a fair amount (Buf, StL, Det, and Hou). Dillon made a huge difference to the team and their RB numbers-carries up by 130 since 2002. Receiving numbers dipped each season and with the plethora of targets that Brady has, this trend could very well continue. Faulk has averaged 9.8 fantasy PPG in his 23 games with 10 or more carries, but there is no guarantee that he would get the majority of carries with Dillon out. Dillon still stands to benefit from a solid defense and a team usually playing with the lead. I am of the opinion that if something did knock Dillon out of the lineup, the Patriots might revert back to the dink and dunk passing attack they utilized in prior seasons to run some clock in lieu of trying to pound the ball. Cobbs is the wildcard here, and no one really knows what he would do if given a chance.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 21, 18, 30 This is what can happen when there is a team with marginal production numbers, but they all go to essentially one guy-McAllister had all but 1 of the Saints' TDs in 2002-2003. Injuries slowed Deuce last season, but he should be healthy again in 2005. Looking at just the team numbers, you would not think that they produced two Top 10 RB seasons. Stecker averaged 12.3 PPG in two starts while McAllister healed up some last year. Deuce had 889 yards of offense in the last 8 games of the year-and that includes a game with just seven carries. Overall, there is about as little chance of McAllister losing carries to another back than any RB situation in the league.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 6, 26, 5 If ever there was a poster boy for "Scoring TD can make or break your season," this is it. The Giants had two great seasons to sandwich a year with a TD scoring drought, much like the team they share their stadium with (NYJ). So the $64,000 question is which team will show up in 2005, Jekyll or Hyde? If the over/under on TD receptions by Giants WRs is two (as it was last year), I'll take the over. One would think that with a youthful QB that if the G-men get the lead they will play conservative and run the ball, but it's hard to envision the team matching last season's TD output-their WR should have more than two TD. I suspect that the RB corps will get an equal workload and a ton of total yardage, but not quite as many TD. Behind Barber, the Giants have only one back to ever have had 10 carries in a game before (Cloud) and he scored 4.7 fantasy points in that game. Giant fans best pray for Tiki's health.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 17, 22, 2 One of only two teams with 100+ receptions in each season (GB). The perfect illustration of how unpredictable TD scoring can be from year to year. Averaged 1 TD for every 42 touches-exceedingly poor for a team driven by the run-that rate was worse than Chicago's. People have been saying for years that Martin has no gas in the tank. Of course, one year they will be right. Given that Chad Pennington has never been a known for his good health and is coming off shoulder surgery, this might be a good year to scoop up Derrick Blaylock. After 3,300 carries (including 371 last year), how likely is it to expect Martin to get 300+ carries again? Blaylock is currently going as the #48 RB for those that are window-shopping.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 4, 16, 27 Ranked this high based primarily on a strong 2002 campaign. Had 160 fewer points in 2004 than 2002. One of three teams to have total touches fall each season (Phi and Mia). Last year's total of 302 rushes was by far the lowest for a Turner-coached team. Prior to coming to Oakland, the RBs on the teams he's coached averaged 426 carries per season. Similarly, his teams have posted a 55% passing TD/45% rushing TD ratio. In terms of play calling, prior to coming to Oakland, Turner ran 49% of the time. Last year, he ran only 36% of the time. The strength of the team might be Randy Moss and the passing game, but the Raiders could easily have 100 more rushes this year. Jordan averaged 10.1 PPG in 12 games with 10+ carries in his tenure with the Jets. The numbers and ranking as the #7 team and hard-to-predict nature of the 2005 squad make this one wrought with landmines for coming up with an accurate prediction.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 16, 3, 12 With a 28th ranking in carries and a 24th ranking in touches, it's a bit surprising to see the Eagles as the team that scored the 5th most fantasy points at RB. One of three teams to decrease touches each season (Oak and Mia), thus the great per touch efficiency numbers. One of two teams (KC) to have three Top 30 RB in the same season. The 30 TDs in 2003 look like an anomaly, especially with T.O. in the picture. It makes you wonder how many fantasy points Philadelphia RBs could get if the team opted to use them more. Factoring the injury factor to Westbrook and the fact that he's had only 45% of the RB carries the past two seasons, a healthy Correll Buckhalter seems quite attractive at his current ADP (RB #53, 143rd overall). In the 12 games he's had 10+ carries, he's averaged 13.1 fantasy PPG There were 5 RB in the NFL that had more carries last year than Westbrook has had in his 3-year career. Westbrook has been used more as a WR these days-maybe Philadelphia has big plans and aspirations for Ryan Moats...
Yearly Scoring Rank: 19, 28, 7 They clearly love to run, and they equally do not like to pass (especially to RBs). Radical difference from 2003 to 2004 most likely due to a much-improved defense. Last year's total of 533 carries was off the chart by comparison to other teams. The next highest total was 478 in any of the three seasons. For someone who was deemed well past his prime, Bettis has done phenomenally well the past three years, with last year being his highest scoring fantasy season since 1997. The Steelers WR corps will hope that 2005 looks closer to 2003 or else the WR will have some pretty diluted stats. Those expecting Staley to run 300 times will likely again be disappointed--he's had 200 carries only once in the past five seasons, and his single TD on the season left many disappointed. If you do draft a Steelers' RB, be prepared to have very few receptions. Staley and Bettis each had six catches last season. Look for the Steelers to continue to grind the ball if they get the lead (and likely even if they don't). You would think that with all that running that there would be a great fantasy RB to be had, but it doesn't look to have played out that way.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 5, 7, 3 About as consistent as you can get over the past three years. The irony is that the Chargers ranked only 17th in total carries, yet LT set the record for most carries by a RB over the first three seasons of his career. Just don't expect him to get 100 receptions again any time soon. Notice the complete lack of support he received in 2003 (the only other example of a team without two Top 100 RB was Deuce in New Orleans). Since it's been all Tomlinson, all the time, we really don't know if there is a good handcuff here or not. Jesse Chatman did OK last year and had one long TD run, but there really is not much to go on one way or the other. In three career games with 10+ carries, Chatman has averaged 9.9 fantasy PPG, and we have yet to see much of Turner.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 9, 10, 28 Well, we now know one thing. Bad things happen when a team loses former All-Pros at QB, WR, and RB and their #2 receiver. The 49ers were a mess on offense last year, and we'll see if 2004 was a mulligan or the start of a period of poor production. TDs decreased each season. Given the amount of Kool-Aid that was distributed last year over Kevan Barlow, we won't be peppering people to nab him this time around, especially with Gore potentially vulturing carries or perhaps in position to take over at some point as the starter. We heard back recently that some owners are still in Barlow therapy programs. Another example of the slim pickings to be had once the primary RBs are off the draft board.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 10, 8, 11 One of two teams (Atl) to rank higher overall than in any individual season. Carries increased each season, one of seven teams to do so (NYJ, NEP, Buf, Hou, Chi, Cle). Receiving yards declined each year, but with Koren Robinson out of the picture, Seattle may add some more routes to RB out of the backfield. Lots of TD but not so much in terms of receiving yards. One of only two teams (SD) to produce a Top 10 RB each season. Ranked Top 10 in the key production categories, not Top 10 in the peripheral categories. Consistent each season, always a plus. Given the loss of K-Rob, the team COULD rush more, and they've been very effective to this point with a moderate workload. No one really knows how Morris would do as a fill in (or even as a starter with all the trade rumors swirling with Alexander), as he's only had two games over his career with at least 10 carries and averaged 7.3 fantasy PPG in those games.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 23, 19, 26 Total carries have inched up each season while fantasy points scored have slipped each year. Judging from the past three seasons, the glory days of the Rams ground game has come and gone. Last three seasons: 836.2 fantasy points scored. In 1999-2001: 1355.4 points scored (down nearly 40%). Steven Jackson may have great long-term potential, but the Rams need to utilize their backs more for him to do gangbusters. The ranking in total touches (30th) and total yardage (28th) will need to change dramatically for Jackson's ranking to align with his talent level. Some will argue that Faulk's performance and health issues were the cause of the decline, but that one has sparked some heated debate. Unless things change in terms of total RB workload, Jackson splitting anything more than a few crumbs of the pie with Marshall Faulk will not yield a great fantasy season.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 27, 15, 19 One of nine teams to have the same RB lead the team in fantasy points each season, but that streak will most likely end barring injuries. Surprisingly had the most completions to RBs the past three years, improving team scoring by 10 spots in PPR leagues. With Williams, Pittman, Alstott, and Garner all hanging around, there's too much talent for someone to get a huge majority of looks. Could easily be a RBBC, which will cut into the value of all the RBs, especially considering that rushing yards in Tampa have been hard to come by in recent seasons. Scoring by RBs also an issue even though the number of TDs has been on the rise. It seems like there is a disconnect between the investment in Williams (Top 5 pick) with the talent level that was already on the team (Pittman, Garner, and Alstott have all been productive backs).
Yearly Scoring Rank: 12, 31, 17 With Eddie George accounting for two of the three seasons, it's no surprise that the Titans had a lot of rushes but not a lot of rushing yards. Brown was great when he was on the field last year (14.3 PPG), but there have been Travis Henry rumblings in Tennessee. As it stands now, it would be hard to suggest who Brown's handcuff would be (and how productive either). The other concern is how much the Titans will run given that they may very well be behind frequently and forced to put up points. Team RB touches decreased each season. The salary cap purging of numerous starters didn't help. If Brown can endure the rigors of a full season, he could be a Top 10 back and take over where George left off, although that might be expecting too much from Brown.
Yearly Scoring Rank: 14, 20, 29 One of only 3 teams to NOT score 10+ TDs in two seasons (TB and Cle)--and the only one that did it the past two years. Total points and efficiency have dropped the past two seasons, which could spell trouble for Clinton Portis. For Portis to climb back into the Top 5, the team will have to produce a lot more scores. The team had 50 more carries last year but scored 23 fewer fantasy points-and that's WITH Portis. The offense overall needs to improve dramatically for Portis to have totals similar to the ones posted in Denver. Portis averaged 13.5 PPG in Washington vs. 21.1 PPG his last year in Denver. In 10 career games with 10+ carries, Betts has averaged 9.6 PPG Interesting Tidbits
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