Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Three is usually a pretty good number. Not bad in the deli line. Not too shabby in a marathon. But when it comes to being a running back in the NFL, it can be a bummer.  The good news is that being third on the depth chart can quickly become two. And thanks to the brutal style of play of the NFL, a RB1 back can become a RB1 in the snap of a…well you get the point.

Here are three running backs that I believe will be the RB3 on their NFL teams come the start of the season, but have the ability to make a bigger fantasy football impact as the season goes on. Keep your eye on them in 2009.

Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders:  Last season, Bush finally recovered from the leg injury that kept him from being a potential 1st round pick in the 2007 draft. Stuck behind Justin Fargas and the explosive rookie Darren McFadden, he was used very sparingly and mostly as a fullback. It was only when the Raider’s backfield got injured did he get to truly showcase his skills. And showcase he did with 177 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oakland has claimed it will make better use of its running game in 2009 and Bush looks to be a big part of that, especially after the Raider’s did not trade him in the off season despite rumors around the league. He’s a big bruiser type of back and will most likely get handed the ball in goal line situations, making him a great value pick. And if one of the other two backs get injured which is not out of the question, he could explode into a legitimate fantasy football force.

Tashard Choice, RB: Dallas Cowboys: It’s another tale of a talented back stuck behind two other talented backs on a high- powered offense. But the tale never gets old for savvy fantasy football owners who enjoy late value picks. Choice took over last season when Marion Barber and Felix Jones were injured and flourished with 325 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns and 17 receptions for 163 yards. Despite the fact that he will again be listed 3rd behind Barber and Jones, it’s no secret that both backs have injury concerns and he could see a lot more time on the field in 2009. Choice not only is a must handcuff for owners of Barber and Jones but has the talent and potential, to contribute now. If something does happen to sideline the other two backs, he becomes immensely valuable. A great stash with big upside later in the season.

James Davis, RB, Cleveland Browns:  In three years at Clemson, Davis rushed for over 3,000 yards and 36 scores. Despite being projected as a potential first round draft pick in 2008, he decided to return to school for one more year. The decision proved to be very costly. Davis only rushed for 751 yards and 11 touchdowns on a very disappointing Clemson team. Many blame his fall in production to a bad QB and poor offensive line but the damage was done causing him to slip into the 6th round to the Cleveland Browns. Now he waits for his chance behind the aging Jamal Lewis and second stringer Jerome Harrison. If the right situation presents itself, there is no reason Davis can’t succeed in the Browns offense. It’s quite possible he will vault Harris for the number 2 spot sooner than expected. And because Lewis is not what he used to be, it’s conceivable that Davis could eventually replace Lewis as the team’s starter.