Moving Up the Depth Chart

The running back position remains to be the most important in Fantasy Football, even with the superlative seasons Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Derek Anderson are having. Here are two players who have been overlooked as solid starters for 2007. Make sure not to neglect them as you head into the playoffs.

POOR MAN'S WESTBROOK

The talented Mr. Kevin Jones is one of the most versatile athletes in the NFL. He is a proven runner and receiver out of the backfield. In both modes he is capable of breaking a big run and taking it to the house. Last season, Jones had over 1,200 all-purpose yards and 8-touchdowns in 12 games. A very Brian Westbrook like season. It could have been an even more successful year, if not for the foot injury he sustained late in the 2006 season.

This season Jones is reaching the end zone with just as much frequency. And if healthy, he has on pace to get more than 10-touchdowns, which is a great number for fantasy owners. Even when he isn’t getting big yardage, Jones has found a way to get a quick six by becoming a better short-yardage runner. Even though he is still feeling the effects of the liz franc injury, Jones is moving up on our depth chart as someone you start confidently every week, no matter the match-up. At this point, the only thing that can derail Jones and his overlooked season is another injury. He would be a great number two back on a championship worthy fantasy team.

SAFE TO RIDE THE DAYNE TRAIN

Ron Dayne was known early in his career as the "Thunder" portion of "Thunder and Lightning". After his brief stint with the New York Giants, he was labeled by some as a bust. Fast forward to today and Dayne is once again a legit fantasy factor for the second straight year. For 2006, Dayne ran for 612 yards and 5 touchdowns. This year he’s got 437 and 2, with 211 yards coming in the last two weeks. With quarterback Matt Schaub helping to give the Texans legitimacy in the passing attack, the running lanes should be more open for Dayne down the stretch.

He will never be a top ten fantasy back, but can be a very valuable flex piece on your team. In the fantasy playoff weeks (14, 15, 16) the Texans play Tampa Bay, Denver, and Indianapolis. It’s all about match-ups and all three teams can be run on.