Running backs dominate round one in FanEx draft

Posted By Ben Standig, August 22, 2009
Related Categories: Expert Draft, Fantasy Football

This month I had the honor of representing FFToolbox in the long running FanEx Expert League. It took approximately two weeks to complete, but as far as I know, all made it through the trek with nary a scratch (though I felt like punching someone when LeSean McCoy was snatched one pick before I was set to bring him into the fold as Brian Westbrook's backup). The other sites participating included The Huddle, USA Today, Sports Grumblings, Fox Sports, Fanball, Fantasy Sharks, RotoExperts and Youth Fantasy Football.

For now I have the first five rounds laid out below, along with my entire roster, but you can click here to see the entire draft. The season will play out for those that want to follow along.

League: 12 teams, Points per Reception (PPR)
Rounds: 20
Lineup: QB – 1, RB -2, WR – 3, TE -1, K -1, Def – 1, Flex -1 (RB/WR/TE)

ROUND 1

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Maurice Jones-Drew
3. Matt Forte
4. Michael Turner
5. USA Today - Chris Johnson
6. Larry Fitzgerald
7. Steve Slaton - FFToolbox
8. LaDainian Tomlinson
9. DeAngelo Williams
10. Steven Jackson
11. Randy Moss
12. Frank Gore

FFT: It was between Slaton and SJax and in the end I sided with the player in the much better offense. I have seen Slaton picked anywhere from top-5 to early second, but in a PPR format, I think he is worth the "risk" this early. Call me optimistic, but I think the Texans offense should be one of the best this year, meaning Slaton will have plenty of scoring opportunities.

Others: Many say do not take Adrian Peterson #1 in PPR leagues, but I think Turner at four is more of a reach in this format. I like Jackson better than Williams, but LT2 is gaining momentum as we get closer to opening day. Two receivers going in the first round is becoming the norm and possibly the low end of normal based on other drafts I've seen.

ROUND 2

1. (13) Andre Johnson
2. (14) Greg Jennings
3. (15) Clinton Portis
4. (16) Brandon Jacobs
5. (17) Calvin Johnson
6. (18) Brian Westbrook - FFToolbox
7. (19) Steve Smith
8. (20) Reggie Wayne
9. (21) Marion Barber
10. (22) Roddy White
11. (23) Anquan Boldin
12. (24) Dwayne Bowe

FFT: The initial plan was to take a receiver from the group of Jennings, Wayne and Smith, but I also did not think Westbrook would still be on the board. At the time of the pick, Westbrook had yet to return to practice so it was a risk, but now that he is back, this could be the pick that puts me over the top when it is all said and done. Now hoping one of the top-10 receivers is still available in the third.

Others: It pains me to say it as a Redskins fan, but there were other players available that I liked more than Portis, who is playing behind a beat up offensive line. In general, I like the order of the receivers, though despite love for Jennings this year, it would be hard to pass on Johnson. All of the pass catchers are looking like big time players this year.