Good matchups for Tomlinson, LJ
I'm still not sure what to think about LaDainian Tomlinson this season. On one hand, he's resourceful. He's turned 3.4 yards-per-carry into a top-three fantasy scorer through the passing game (throwing and receiving), and the lack of quality competition at running back this year.
Another part of me wonders why Tomlinson couldn't crack 70 yards on 21 carries against one of the worst rush defenses in the league last week. We can talk about defenses loading up to stop LT2, but something isn't right when he's only cracked one run over 11 yards all season.
Tomlinson gets another chance to make his rushing numbers look healthy this week against Oakland. They have the 26th-ranked rushing defense and he has a great history against them. If Tomlinson remains stymied on the ground, I'd grow a little concerned.
Larry Johnson owners are also hoping for a rebound this week. A matchup at home against the Bengals is a welcome reprieve from a brutal schedule to this point. LJ has been called out nationally and locally this week. ESPN basically said he lied down on some runs against Jacksonville.
LJ should be properly motivated to run angry and put up some big numbers. If not, all those owners who bought low have to wonder if Johnson will stay low.
Update: I just watched the KC tape from this week, and will add some thoughts in Goal Line Stand. But here's a fine article on the topic from the Chiefs website.
Comments
I just traded for LJ (gave up Favre). My reasoning behind it was that LJ will improve due to better matchups and hopefully better QB skills from Croyle.
At the same time, Favre has been incredible but he cant continue to throw it all day, especially in the winter months. So I expect his numbers to go down significantly.
Thus I am happy with my trade, oh did I mention Brady is on my team :) That was another reason to unleash the Bretster
Posted by: Robert | October 10, 2007 04:13 PM
In my 10 team league we had an automated draft. I was relieved when I got Brady, LT, and Andre Johnson as more core players. Five days before the season another team dropped Romo. I picked up Romo and traded Brady and C. Benson for LJ and Boldin. Well, needless to say I haven't been happy with LJ's output and Boldin has been hurt. With Romo's sucess I don't think I lost anything and picked up the no. 2 rated back on yahoo and a top 10 receiver. Do you think this was a good move? LJ is one of my favorite players so I don't want to trade him. Not that I can change it, but I guess to let me rest easier to know what the future should hold for my team. A frustrated owner dropped Rudi Johnson so I picked him up. Will he bounce back or I'm a wasting my time with him? In a competative custom league this team seems like a powerhouse but i'm only 3-2 while the team I traded Brady to is 5-0. This is my starting lineup now: Romo, Boldin, A. Johnson, LT, LJ, Barber, H. Miller, with reserves: Warner, L. Washington, R. Johnson (just picked up on waivers), O. Daniels, M. Turner, Berrian. Thanks!!
Posted by: shawn armstrong | October 11, 2007 08:40 AM
Um, Shawn? People are dropping Romo and Rudi Johnson in your custom competitive league?? Where can I sign up???
Posted by: Miley Cyrus | October 11, 2007 02:55 PM
Chris Cooley and Tony Gonzalez were dropped in my league (and I of course picked them up 3 weeks ago).
Posted by: Jeff MacMillan | October 11, 2007 02:59 PM