Joseph Addai didn’t start for the Indianapolis Colts last year, but this upcoming season will be a top three fantasy running back. While splitting the backfield with Dominic Rhodes last season, Addai amassed 1081 rushing yards and 325 receiving yards, along with eight touchdowns in a par-time role.
There’s no question that Addai was impressive whenever Tony Dungy called on him last season. He compiled 4.8 yards per carry last season, which was good for sixth among players that carried the ball at least 200 times. Addai fits perfectly in the Indianapolis offense, helping fill the vacancy created by Edgerrin James’ departure to the Arizona Cardinals. Addai is an agile runner with great vision, who is also a strong blocker and good receiver out of the backfield, both very important in an offense run by Peyton Manning.
Addai will only improve this year, and there is no telling what kind of numbers he will put up if he gets 400 touches. With Rhodes out of the picture, there is no other option at running back that Tony Dungy can rely on.
LaDainian Tomlinson and Steven Jackson should be the top two running backs chosen in fantasy drafts, and many experts consider Larry Johnson as a top three running back, but Addai is in a much better situation than Johnson is. Addai is surrounded by some of the best talent in the NFL: Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne.
Johnson and the Chiefs lose quarterback Trent Green, who will most likely be replaced by Broadie Croyle, the second-year signal caller who threw only seven passes last season. Without having the threat of a strong passing attack, defenses will focus on stopping Johnson. He will see eight defenders in the box until Croyle can learn the ropes and force defenses to take him seriously.
On top of Kansas City’s poor passing attack, Johnson will have to overcome the beating he took in 2006, after carrying the ball 416 times. Herm Edwards vows to give his star running back less work this season, but it will still be hard for Johnson to avoid injury after having that kind of mileage on his legs.
When you consider the fact that Johnson has not yet reported to training camp and plans to continue to hold out, Addai is the safer choice. Johnson will be forced to carry his team this year, and Addai will not have to deal with that pressure while being in a situation where he can thrive. It’s hard to pass up on a running back that had over 2000 total yards last season with 19 touchdowns, but with Rhodes out of the picture, Addai will put up big numbers. Expect Addai to solidify his place as a top three running back, while Johnson’s value takes a hit this season.
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