“Slot RBs” Are Becoming All The Rage

It started a couple years ago when the New Orleans Saints had versatile running back Reggie Bush “fall” to them at number two overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. The trend I’m referring to of course is running backs that play wide receiver more than they do halfback - aka “slot RBs.” Our sources around the NFL have confirmed that more and more teams will start using their back-up RBs as slot receivers, in an effort to add more explosive elements to throw off opposing defenses. Read more

Barber & Jones To Line-Up Together?

Rotoworld is reporting that Cowboys RBs Marion Barber and Felix Jones will line up together in some of OC Jason Garrett’s offensive packages this season. Barber is a legit RB1 in all formats, while Jones has minimal seasonal value. Still, Dallas’ offense is definitely explosive enough for both of them to produce - especially in PPR formats, so keep an eye on Jones.

Bears Rookie Matt Forte In The Driver’s Seat…

As quickly as Cedric Benson’s future has come crumbling down, Bears rookie RB Matt Forte has been anointed a superstar featured NFL back by Bears coaches. We love the rookie second rounder out of Tulane, and have been high on him far before Benson’s off-the-field issues have come to light.

Rotoworld reports that Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner has made the following comments to media about Forte - “he will definitely be an every-down back. I love Matt Forte. He’s got the size, he’s got the hands. He’s smooth as an athlete, very smooth. How many touches do I see him getting? A lot.”

Dynasty owners should be all over this kid.

To see where Forte ranks in our Top 700 overall seasonal and dynasty fantasy football rankings for the 2008 season, you’ll need to sign up for our premium Ultimate Strategist Package package. We post our official 2008 Dynasty Rankings, Seasonal Rankings and Keeper Rankings on the Ultimate Strategist Package forum, and we encourage you to click here and sign up. Note: if you’re not registered for the No-Offseason.com forums yet, do so first, then click on the link above.

Subscribers get the following for only $9.99 a year:

- Updated printable draft kit rankings leading up to your fantasy drafts this summer.
- Rankings include multiple scoring systems for Seasonal, Keeper and Dynasty formats.
- Rankings also include both IDPs and team defenses.
- Updated printable weekly cheat sheets during the 2008 NFL Season.
- Unlimited year-round personalized line-up advice and team management advice from No-Offseason.com staff members.
- “Sunday Brunch” - including last minute inactives and game-day updates every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Exclusive information, including bonus “Our Sources Tell Us” blurbs and more.

Sign Up For The Ultimate Subscriber Package NOW! The step-by-step process is provided here.

Mike Hart Running His Mouth Again…

According to CNNSI.com, former U-M running back Mike Hart, who is well known in the Midwest for running his mouth, has made recent comments about how easy the NFL is for him, telling the media - “the only surprise is it’s not as tough as I thought it was going to be, as far as practice and those type of things,” he said. “It’s more laid back.” Hart was a sixth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts this past April, and made a reputation out of bashing rival Michigan State after several close games with the Spartans over his four year career.

Let’s see how “easy” things are for Hart once training camp begins. With the signing of Dominic Rhodes this off-season, Hart isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot.

2008 Dynasty Rookie Rankings - Overall

Read more

Darren McFadden Smart To Sign Early

The Raiders inked fourth overall pick Darren McFadden to a six-year, $60 million contract late Thursday night, with more than $20 million of it guaranteed. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but this move bodes well for his fantasy potential in 2008. We can’t physically look inside the minds of players to tell just how focused they are, but we can analyze their actions and the actions of those around them. The fact that McFadden didn’t beat around the bush and kick and scream like last year’s first rounder JaMarcus Russell, tells us his head is in the right place. Read more

More Positive Reports On Kevin Smith…

In our continued effort to help you prepare for which fantasy rookies will have the biggest impact in 2008, MLive.com is reporting that Lions rookie Kevin Smith will get the bulk of the rushing load in 2008.

We’ve reported this already, but it’s nice to see it confirmed several times, of course.

If the Lions go after Travis Henry, Smith’s 2008  value could dip a tiny bit, but ultimately, he’s the guy to own in Detroit, and he’s looking like a top four pick in dynasty rookie only drafts.

More On Jonathan Stewart…

If you’ve followed our content closely this off-season, you know that we’re not really that high on Panthers rookie RB Jonathan Stewart in terms of him making a real fantasy impact - due to the presence of DeAngelo Williams.

However, Rotoworld reports that one of the Panthers beat writers is saying that Stewart will handle the bulk of the rushing load this year for Carolina. We still find this very hard to believe, and we like rookie backs like Darren McFadden, Rashard Mendenhall, Kevin Smith, Matt Forte and Chris Johnson much better than Stewart.

Keep in mind, just a few weeks ago, Stewart was pegged as Carolina’s primary kick returner - not the job of a featured RB.

Jonathan Stewart Injury Update…

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is no longer in his walking boot, and is expected to be fully healthy by July training camp.

The bad news is that he’ll miss all of June practices due to classes still being in session at Oregon. It’s admirable that he isn’t leaving school, but his absence will definitely affect the impact he’ll be able to make right away. We believe Stewart will have a learning curve at the pro level.

Chris vs. Chris: Johnson vs. Henry…

Titans RBs Chris Johnson and Chris Henry are both playing extremely well in practice. Johnson is apparently even speedier than advertised, as Titans teammates have been extremely impressed with his explosiveness. The rookie has lined up at tailback and wide receiver, and it’s apparent that Jeff Fisher and Mike Heimerdinger want his hands on the rock at least 15 times a game in 2008. Johnson is a solid seasonal sleeper and a phenomenal dynasty asset in PPR leagues.

Henry, on the other hand, will likely only be a factor on special teams until he can learn to pass protect better. He has little to no fantasy value right now.

Chris Johnson Lining Up At WR…

Titans first round pick Chris Johnson has reportedly been lining up at multiple positions, including wide receiver, during the team’s OTAs. Johnson is a playmaker, flat out, and in PPR leagues, we absolutley love him as a solid RB3 or flex option in 2008. In dynasty leagues, this kid is a future star, worthy of a top seven pick in rookie drafts.

Ray Rice To Be Baltimore’s Mojo?

We’re hearing that the Baltimore Ravens plan to use second round pick Ray Rice like the Jaguars have used Maurice Jones-Drew over the past two years. Expect Rice to not only return kick-offs, but to get eight to 12 carries a game, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Rice is apparently picking up Cam Cameron’s offense very quickly. Willis McGahee’s fantasy value shouldn’t be negatively affected by this, as he’s still expected to get 20 or more carries in every game. If anything, the change of pace that Rice will provide should help McGahee.