I've got four of Gregg's Top 21 backs....

Hi Greg (with one "g"),

I think the best philosophy for winning championships is gambling on the best talent in the best case scenario. That's why I would move Steven Jackson up. He's simply a better bet to have a dominant 2nd half based on his talent & skill level. I agree that the Rams have been dreadful (downright embarrassing really), but a healthy S-Jax, Bulger, Bruce & Bennett should help turn the offense around somewhat in the 2nd half -- starting this week against Cleveland. I think Jackson is in for a very nice 2nd half of the season.

Barber is rated low because he's too hit-or-miss in production. He does put up points, but I've never been a big believer in relying on guys who HAVE to get into the end zone to help you win your match-up. If he keeps scoring consistently from week-to-week, he'll move up.

I'm with Chris on Barber for the most part. One reason I've started to move him up in the rankings lately is that at least he's splitting touches now. He's not getting far less - like last year. In this watered down year, 15 touches from him is worth a RB2 slot on a lot of teams.

Gregg and Chris (and others)...

I'm still mourning the loss of Ronnie Brown and feel like I need to upgrade my RB corps (Gore, J. Lewis, A. Green, Bennett) to have a chance at turning my 2-5 record around.

In a PPR, would you trade Gore and Jason Witten for Willie Parker, Cedric Benson, and Ben Watson...?

Gregg, I'm assuming that by keeping Benson on your fringe, you think he'll keep his job the rest of the year? I'm a little apprehensive to "buy" with the OTHER Adrian Peterson in the rearview mirror, but like Benson as a buy-low throw-in with upside.

I would really appreciate hearing all of your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

--Daniel

Daniel,
I would not do that deal. With Alex Smith (gulp) returning & Vernon Davis healthy, I think the 49ers could pick up a little bit of steam in the 2nd half. In PPR, I still like Gore at least as much as Parker.

You don't know what's going to happen with Ben Watson's high ankle sprain, so I'd stay with the bird in the hand you have in Witten...especially in PPR where Witten has twice as many receptions as Watson.

Cedric Benson? Stinks. Seriously, he's rotten. He runs at age 24 like Shaun Alexander runs at age 30. Personally, I'd stay far away from Cedric Benson in all leagues.

Sorry, Daniel. I accidentally posted that one under "anonymous."

Just so you know this is Chris and not Gregg. Gregg may have a different opinion on this one.

Chris...

Thanks for your input; I really value it. Personally, I was having a really tough time deciding whether I wanted to give up a TE producing WR1 numbers, and you've helped me back off the ledge, at least momentarily.

Do you really think the trio of Lewis-Green-Bennett will produce a serviceable RB2 and occasional flex play for the rest of the season, though...?

I'm pretty loaded at WR (Fitzgerald, Coles, Marshall, L. Evans, S. Moss, C. Henry)...do you think I should try swinging one of these guys for another RB? Who kind of names could I target for Marshall?

Thanks again!

--Daniel