Training Camp Battles - Running Backs

Training Camp Battles - Running Backs

It is important to follow certain battles very closely. While the winner of each battle is not likely to be your RB1, these winners can be valuable spot starters and injury replacements. You can find my analysis of the key running back camp battles below:

1. Mark Ingram vs Pierre Thomas, New Orleans New Orleans figures to be an offensive juggernaut once again. The winner of this battle will get consistent carries and will also be a good bet for 3-5 receptions per week. Expect every week RB2 production with RB1 potential should one of the two go down with injury. Ingram is capable of getting the tough yards that Thomas cannot. I expect him to win this battle. PROJECTED WINNER: Mark Ingram

2. Reggie Bush vs Daniel Thomas, Miami Injuries have hampered Reggie Bush's career thus far, but when healthy he's capable of putting up every week RB1/2 fantasy points. The Dolphins spent an early pick on Thomas and will utilize him in some capacity which will limit Bush's production somewhat if he wins the job. Bush would make for a solid RB2 in PPR leagues and a high upside RB3 in standard leagues. If Thomas wins the job, which I doubt due to his quiet camp, he is a RB2 in all formats. PROJECTED WINNER: Reggie Bush

3. Tim Hightower vs Ryan Torain and Roy Helu, Washington Tim Hightower is capable of being a rare 3-down back. Torain has been injured all camp and looks relegated to back-up duty. Helu is the dark horse in this battle. The rookie has all the tools to be a great back. I believe all 3 RBs will play some capacity thus lowering the ceiling on the starter. Whoever wins this job is more than likely nothing more than an RB3. PROJECTED WINNER: Tim Hightower

4. Fred Jackson vs C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Jackson has always had the talent to be a 3-down RB, but has never been given the chance. With a strong preseason, he has the opportunity to capture a lion's share of the carries. Spiller at best, looks to play the role Darren Sproles had in SD. I expect Jackson to win this battle handedly and be a weak RB2 player. Spiller is only an RB3 in PPR leagues, otherwise he's an RB4. PROJECTED WINNER: Fred Jackson

5. Ryan Mathews vs Mike Tolbert, San Diego This is easily the toughest of the RB battles to call at this point. Mathews has the skills to be a star in this league, but injuries and poor vision have held him back thus far. Tolbert is a bruiser out of the backfield. He's not the dynamic runner that Mathews is, but provides solid pass protection, pass catching and tough running. This should be a timeshare all year long. I expect Tolbert to be the more consistent producer, but Mathews should start and lead this backfield in fantasy points. PROJECTED WINNER: Ryan Mathews

By Nick Domanico
Fantasy Football expert & Co-Founder of fantasy football website, www.fsfans.com.