Your top 5 TD thieves in a RBBC offense?

Question

We're looking for a TD thief who can approach Jerome Bettis' nearly 1 TD-in-every-10 carries ratio in 2005 (Bettis finished with 9 TDs on 110 attempts with 368 yards).

Answer 1

I don't know that anyone will approach Bettis's 2005 season - he had a very reserved role, but here are a few guys who will steal TD's or get the carries on the goalline.

Chester Taylor - He was good for 7 TD's last year, and I think you have to pick him up if you get ADP for his injury risks. The problem is he goes early, but I would expect him to again post 7-8 TD's, but less yardage than last year, even with a reserved role. The Vikings have too good of a running game and too poor of a passing game to not utilize both backs.

Buckhalter/Tony Hunt - The Eagles made it clear time and time again that they want a bruiser for those short first down gains. Why they do is beyond me - Westbrook is better than advertised at short yardage situations (much like Tiki Barber was). Last year Buckhalter had 4 TD's in 62 attempts. Hunt had 1 TD in 10. With Booker coming in, one of these two will be the odd man out. Buckhalter is a better back as a starter, but my assumption is that Hunt will get the nod as he is less injury prone and younger. Plus Booker makes a nice "Westbrook clone," so I'd wager he would start in an injury situation. Either way, one of these two will steal 6 TD's or so on the season, especially if Westbrook is out.

Brandon Jacobs - Like I said yesterday, he'll be the starter, and get his share of carries. So maybe the "theif" label won't be appropriate. However, he also will share time with the crowded backfield, so his yardage number should go down, but he should also get the bulk of the goalline carries. Droughns got them last year, and he produced 6TD's in 85 attempts. Jacobs should put up 1000 yards and over 10 TD's this year, even if the other backs split time with him (think Marion Barber).

Jesse Chatman (Jets) - He was good enough as a starter for the Dolphins when needed, and Jones struggled towards the end zone last year. He may see more goalline carries, but Jones should get the bulk of the TD's still.

Sammy Morris - You can't trust Pat's backs and TE's as their role changes from game to game. Morris was emerging as a legit RB prior to his injury. Belickick likes him as a goalline back, but him and Maroney will frustrate owners with random role reversals from week to week.

Answer 2

1. Rashard Mendenhall

2. Maurice Jones-Drew (Fred Taylor still technically #1 RB)

3. T.J. Duckett

4. Pittman or Torain in Denver

5. Kevin Faulk or Sammy Morris in NE

Answer 3

Tony Gonzalez!