In nature, relationships and snack foods, two is usually better than one. Not so with fantasy football.
Two players sharing time as the lead guy usually is a headache for owners. We call them “committees,” only because stronger language is not suitable in polite company.
And its seems to have gotten worse this season. But it doesn’t have to cost you. Here’s how I would settle things between several of the NFL’s two-headed monsters.
Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell, RB, Broncos
This is a very deep and personal trauma for me. I repeatedly have been victimized by the mad machinations of Mike Shanahan, who will let one of the tandem drive the Broncos down the field only to insert the other to reap the reward.
If Shanahan had a pattern–say, Anderson as the red-zone back and Bell between the 20s–then owners could deal. But that would be too much like right.
The only solution is to play them both. They’re both very capable of gaining 100 yards and a score even with split carries.
If you don’t have them both, trade for the other or ship your back to the other owner–let it be his or her headache.
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
Among headaches, this is one of the better ones to have. Both “go-to” receivers have been splitting the scores, yardage and limelight without a fuss. Now Boldin is injured for a short time at least, so problem solved right? Well, don’t count out Bryant Johnson, the Cardinals’ 2003 first-round pick who will replace Boldin. I suspect Johnson will be a popular waiver pick this week.
Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants
What is it with Giants coaches and Barber that they don’t trust him inside the 5-yard line? No matter. Jacobs may steal some goal-line touchdowns, but Barber is still viable as a No. 1 back in your lineup.
Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, RB, Bears
Hey Cedric, weren’t you supposed to be the starter by Week 2? Jones quickly knocked the wind out of that competition.
The Bears have backed off working Benson into the starting job. Jones keeps getting nicked up, so keep C.B. on your roster.
Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis, RB, Steelers
Treat Fast Willie and Old Man Bettis the same way you would Anderson and Bell. Play ’em if you got ’em. Surprisingly, both have shown more speed (Bettis) and power (Parker) than anyone expected, but Bettis still gets the nod in goal-line sets.
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Edited by the sports staff of RedEye
Week 9 picks
LIKE
– Tiki Barber, RB, Giants at 49ers–206 yards and a TD vs. Washington, and S.F. is tied for 2nd most rushing TDs allowed.
– LaMont Jordan, RB, Raiders at Chiefs
– Kevin Jones, RB, Lions at Vikings
– Jimmy Smith, WR, Jaguars vs. Texans
– Matt Stover, K, Ravens vs. Bengals
DISLIKE
– Carnell Williams, RB, Bucs vs. Panthers–Cats have shut down Bucs in the past. Chris Simms doesn’t help.
– Mewelde Moore, RB, Vikings vs. Lions
– Aaron Brooks, QB, Saints vs. Bears
– Donald Driver, WR, Packers vs. Steelers
IFFY
– Brad Johnson, QB, Vikings–The last time he took over the Vikings (for Warren Moon) he became a stud.
– Tom Brady, QB, Patriots vs. Colts
– Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons at Dolphins
– Trent Dilfer, QB, Browns vs. Titans
