Raiders starting RB- the decision should be easy

When an NFL featured running back role is up for grabs in August, fantasy owner’s always take notice. Monitoring the day to day progress of these battles is an important part of being a successful owner. Those who can keep up with these camp-battles and stay abreast of current information give themselves the edge in fantasy football drafts. This edge can lead to superior depth or increase the likelihood of owning the next breakout star.

In 2010, Oakland is providing just that opportunity. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are battling it out for the top runner spot for the Raiders. McFadden is being given every opportunity to live up to his 4^th overall billing. The problem is, the numbers indicate that this “battle” should be over before it even began.

Darren McFadden had the unfortunate timing of being the top running back available in the 2008 NFL draft…the season AFTER one Adrian Peterson came out of Oklahoma and dominated the league as a rookie runner. This probably caused the Raiders, and most fantasy owner to severely over draft McFadden. In 2 seasons, his speed has not translated to the NFL level. His career longest touchdown is only from 19 yards out. He also has had trouble breaking tackles and taking hits. At 6′ 2” 210, RUN DMC is built more like a  wide receiver.

Michael Bush is also listed at 6′ 2”. but is a much bigger and stronger  back at 243lbs. Bush also has surprising speed for a big back including touchdown runs from 23,32, and 67 yards out. He probably would have been drafted in the 1^st round of 2007 if he had not suffered a severe broken leg while still at Louisville. Though not thrown to as often as McFadden, Bush is a capable receiver. Amazingly, Bush was only given more than 12 carries twice in 2009…in these two games, he averaged 125 rushing yards.

Since both of these backs have 2 NFL seasons under their belts, and are battling for supremacy in the Oakland backfield, let’s take a look at their career numbers in important fantasy categories:

Rushing:

McFadden- attempts- 217 yards- 856 average- 3.9 touchdowns- 5

Bush- attempts- 218 yards- 1010 average- 4.6 touchdowns- 6

ADVANTAGE: BUSH

Receiving:

McFadden- receptions- 50 yards 520 touchdowns- 0

Bush- receptions- 36 yards 267 touchdowns- 0

ADVANTAGE: McFadden

Fumbles:

McFadden: 8

Bush: 3

ADVANTAGE: Bush

Durability:

McFadden 25 of 32 possible games

Bush 31 of 32 possible games

ADVANTAGE: Bush

The Verdict: If Tom Cable really wants to go to more of a feature back, the numbers clearly indicate that Micheal Bush should be that guy. He’s bigger, more durable, and has been spectacular when given the chance. Darren McFadden seems better off being played as a third down back, coming out of the backfield catching passes and trying to get mismatches in the slot against linebackers.