Another excellent debate. My preference in this particular debate is Marion Barber. When deciding between running backs that are close, I usually look to three factors: the quality of the overall team, the short yardage carries and upside. Barber wins the first two by a landslide and thus wins the battle. I do think Grant has a lot of potential and he can be a homerun hitter at times. But he's been bad at short yardage and the Packers aren't likely to have a strong season, even in that division. Meanwhile Dallas should be contenders again and Barber will likely get nearly every short yardage carry on a playoff team. Grant certainly does have more upside. If he can take 3/4 of the Packers carries and manage to stay in on short yardage, he'll likely outproduce Marion. But those are big IFs in my opinion.

It has to be Barber.

No player in football -- fantasy or otherwise -- has a more misunderstood role than Barber. Often, I see publications or websites that would suggest Barber was the short yardage back and Jones did the work in between the 20s.

But if you actually watched the Cowboys, you know that isn't true.

Rather, Jones played 2 of every three series. Barber played every third series and occasionally spelled Jones at the goal line (but only occasionally). The only exception was that in the last 5-10 minutes, Barber got most of the playing time rather than just every third series.

Part of the reason people misunderstood the split is because Barber was so much more productive, both in the red zone and otherwise. So not only did he take better advantage of his opportunities, but the Cowboys gave him more chances when he was on the field compared to what the gave Julius when he was playing.

I suspect that now the ratio reverses and Barber gets several more carries a game, making him even more valuable than the last two years.

The flip side is that Grant is unproven. I could be wrong, but it seems like when guys come out of nowhere to post a great second half, that they are often unable to sustain it whether because of injury or just poor play.

I'm not concerned about Rodgers taking over -- I think the offense will run just fine -- but I'd like to see one more productive full season from Grant before I take him over a terrific running back like Marion Barber.

Sorry for the late reaction, but Matt I know a stiff arm doesn't equal a face mask penalty, but the NFL has said that an offensive running back putting his hand into the face of a defender will be treated as a face mask. Watch a tape of barber sometime, he does it on practically every play. maybe he can learn to stiff arm in the chest but I doubt it will be near as effective.

Marion Barber. Dallas would be foolish to give Felix Jones much time or opportunity. Barber proved himself over and over again, game in and game out.

I would take the Barberian, although Grant showed good explosiveness and great strength. The change of arm strength at the quarterback position for the Packers should see Grant facing more defense fronts focusing on him. Something Barber will be less reluctant to see due the success of his offense. In fantasy you win by drafting players who are guarantied point getters in the first couple of rounds. Only then should you draft a player who has the "potential" to outscore your early picks. This argument should be about Grant and Graham (from the Bucs). Barber on fantasy draft day blows Grant away.

I would take the Barberian, although Grant showed good explosiveness and great strength. The change of arm strength at the quarterback position for the Packers should see Grant facing more defense fronts focusing on him. Something Barber will be less reluctant to see due the success of his offense. In fantasy you win by drafting players who are guarantied point getters in the first couple of rounds. Only then should you draft a player who has the "potential" to outscore your early picks. This argument should be about Grant and Graham (from the Bucs). Barber on fantasy draft day blows Grant away.

Barber3 is an amazing back, but...so is Grant. This is a tough one. Both are power backs with the speed of Barry Sanders and the moves of Brian Westbrook. When it comes down this close talent-wise, age is the decider...but...it seems these two are both youngbloods. Barber being the older at 4 years pro to Grant's 1 year. Stalemate. After talent and age are at a deadheat, it only makes sense to go to stats. Marion Barber had a season for the books, proving to be the next Emmitt, the next Barry, etc if you catch my drift. Grant had that status in the last half of the season. Thank the football god that three starters either sucked or got hurt. Circumstance brought him up, but he proved to be one of the biggest sleepers. His stats were low, but his averages were off the hook. Stats are even (looking at averages to be fair). This is just craziness. Any normal person would say they're even. Not me. I say after all three of them are tied, it goes to the offense they're in. Green Bay just lost a great QB. They have rookie potential and a former backup who can manage to throw the ball. This plus great WRs means it's not great for Grant, but they know how amazing he is. Barber on the other hand, has a QB (that I hate) that can throw the ball sufficiently to a triplet of Owens, Crayton, or Witten. Both teams have an O-line that would sweep a game of red rover. Honestly...it comes down to your preference of team when it's this close. Myself? I'm an Eagles man. Therefore:

Grant wins.