Deuce McAllister Rising, Pierre Thomas Falling…

September 29, 2008 at 11:36 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Technically, this could fall under our We Were Right About, We Were Wrong About column, but we’ll hold the bragging for now, and just focus on the fact that there has been a change of the guard in New Orleans at the running back position, yet again.

Rising - Deuce McAllister, Saints RB - We knew the 29 year old would get an opportunity at some point this season, and it definitely sneaked up on fantasy owners in Week 4. After seeing only two carries for 10 yards all season after recovering from two reconstructive knee surgeries this off-season, Duece got the rock 21 times and rushed for 73 yards and a TD in Week 4, adding a reception for 10 yards. McAllister has a horrible match-up in Week 5 against the Vikings, then plays the Raiders and Panthers - each of whom have very tough run defenses as well. However, he should continue to play a large role in the Saints’ offense moving forward and has stolen the goal line duties away from Pierre Thomas.

Falling - Pierre Thomas, Saints RB - As intriguing as the second year man from Illinois was two weeks ago, he’s basically off the fantasy radar now. Unless McAllister suffers a set-back, don’t expect Thomas to do much from a fantasy perspective. In fact the only time you’ll see him on the field in Week 5 will likely be on special teams. Check out our Ultimate Strategist Package to find out whether we think you should drop him or keep him.

Impact on Reggie Bush - McAllister’s return definitely has an impact on Reggie Bush. Bush had his lowest fantasy output of the season in Week 4, only getting 10 rushing attempts. However, the low output was more so because of his five receptions for only eight yards. Expect Bush to be a huge part of the game plan in Week 5, as the Saints will need to feed him the rock as a pass catcher often in order to move the ball against the Vikings solid run defense. In other words, Bush’s stock isn’t falling due to McAllister’s return - at least not in PPR leagues.