Ask the Experts

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question being posted Thursday morning. How the guest experts responded when we asked them:

After a slew of running back injuries last week, which backup are you most interested in the rest of the way?

BRYCE McRAE

Well, Ricky Williams was technically the No. 2 for the Miami Dolphins, so he'd be the top of my list. He's going to be owned in almost all leagues, though. Justin Forsett, of the Seattle Seahawks, would be the back I'm targeting. Julius Jones (lung) could return in Week 12, but Seattle had already been increasing Forsett's workload. He is a solid pass catcher, and the Seahawks have said they're not going to stick with the run if it isn't working. Forsett had a huge game last week, averaging 7.2 yards per carry (17 carries, 123 yards) and catching five passes for 26 yards. After Forsett, the Atlanta Falcons' Jason Snelling is a decent option, but I'd prefer Forsett's long-term opportunity, especially in point-per-reception leagues.

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RICK HAWES

The most obvious choice is Ricky Williams, who is a No.2 fantasy running back in all scoring formats based on his 753 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns through nine games. I also like LeSean McCoy and expect him to be the starter for the remainder of the season after Brian Westbrook suffered his second concussion in 21 days during the Week 10 game at San Diego. I realize the Eagles rank 29th in the NFL with only 204 rushing attempts, but McCoy replaces Westbrook, who has been a pretty damn good fantasy player over the years, especially in PPR formats. If we are talking about a back that might be on the waiver wire, then I would turn to Jason Snelling, as I think Michael Turner is going to miss between 2-to-4 weeks with his high-ankle sprain. And he’s better suited than Jerious Norwood to handle the between-the-tackles work and goal line touches.

Hawes is the Managing Editor of NFL content at Fanball.com. Fanball.com and OwnersEdge.com offer league management software, daily play fantasy games, Live Advice, up-to-date news, free and premium content, player rankings, custom projections and cheat sheets, in-depth IDP analysis, Fantasy Buffet Radio Show, NFL Draft Kit, Fanball Blog Network, daily newsletter, a vast array of fantasy football tools, including Draft Analyzer software and five magazines featuring the Pro Football Draft Preview, as well as four Fantasy Football publications. For more information send e-mail to rhawes@fanball.com.

SCOTT ENDSLEY

If Cedric Benson were to miss extended time we'd like to see what Larry Johnson can still get done behind a very good offensive line.

Endsley is co-owner and a senior fantasy football consultant for FantasyDraftEdge.com offering customizable fantasy football cheat sheets and professional VIP advice all season long. For more info, go to www.fantasydraftedge.com.

JEFFREY KAMYS

No question McCoy in Philly looks like a guy worth grabbing if you can still get him. He has already shown a great ability to catch the ball which is huge in the Philly offense and has been productive on the ground when given chances. When a player like Westbrook gets two concussions in a short span, the team will be extremely cautious with him and it could very well end his career.

Kamys is president of Dr. Stats Fantasy Sports. His company, via the web, offers player news, injury reports, cheat sheets, projections, weekly matchups, statistics, and a customized team tracker. Dr. Stats Fantasy Sports also e-mails preseason newsletters and reports throughout the season. For more info visit www.docstats.com or send email to webmaster@docstats.com.

PRETZEL MAY

Without question Ricky Williams is the guy to grab. Williams has looked quicker and shiftier this year that he ever has and has been producing effectively week in and week out even with Ronnie Brown in the line up. With Brown out, Ricky should should start putting up numbers reminiscent of the early 2000s.

The May brothers have more than 16 years of combined fantasy football experience and are the co-founders of FantasyDraftMaster.com. The cornerstone of FDM is the UberRank which is a revolutionary approach to the traditional fantasy football cheat sheet. FantasyDraftMaster.com also offers insightful and humorous commentary on football happenings as well as recommendations on waiver wire pickups, line up submissions and weekly pick em' pools. For more info, visit www.fantasydraftmaster.com or email us at info@fantasydraftmaster.com.

LOUIS TRANQUILLI

Assuming LeSean McCoy is not available, I'm all over Justin Forsett of the Seahawks. They welcomed back Sean Locklear to play left tackle this past weekend in Arizona and you saw the results. Locklear is a good tackle, which makes him a huge upgrade over Damian McIntosh at that spot. Forsett should get at least one start and pending the outcome of tests on Julius Jones broken rib and the resulting blood in his lung; Forsett could have HUGE value the rest of the way. The Seahawks schedule is very favorable.

Tranquilli is the founder and the primary "brains" (if you stretch it) of BFDFANTASYfootball.com. BFD is about delivering the information players want, not fluff, just opinions that matter to fantasy football players. Lou has worked with NFL players and gives a unique perspective because of it. We'll be giving MORE teams away in 2009 to BFD subscribers!

ANDY RICHARDSON

Ricky Williams is the best choice, but he's really been more of a 1A than a 2 anyway. So I'll go with Justin Forsett, who ran well against Arizona last week, and has the ability to be nice starter for Seattle over the next few weeks. Seattle won't rush Julius Jones back; why would they? Forsett could be especially nice as a pass catcher this week against the Vikings.

Richardson has been a columnist and contributor to the Fantasy Football Index magazine and web site for the past eight years. His responsibilities include team defense and IDP projections, as well as various site features. He has run the magazine's annual draft and auction leagues since their inception. His A DAY OF FOOTBALL wrap-up column appears Mondays during the NFL season.

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