Comments on: Brian Westbrook A Must-Have In 2009?

By: ThomasMagnumPI

ThomasMagnumPI — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:38:32 +0000

One thing that I have neglected to mention, once again, but bears repeating is the importance of one’s scoring system on deciding what draft strategy to pursue. In this particular situation, however, it might not make as much difference because Westy’s value is much higher in PPR formats, as are the WRs that a manager could be taking in lieu of a RB in rounds 1 and 2. I’m hesitant to call this aspect a wash but I haven’t the time to discuss further. I’ll follow up with a post on this a bit later.

By: Smitty

Smitty — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:11:41 +0000

All good comments. Of course there are other strategies one can use, like the stockpiling of Wells, Moreno and McCoy types, all while you spend your early round picks on WRs and a QB… I’m not arguing that is a good plan of attack and you will find that I’ve written about that strategy on the Site this off-season. I still believe in the Westy/McCoy plan of attack, though. I think Westy when starting will be top 5, whereas the platoon of rookies and Rice types won’t produce top 5 numbers… so there are advantages of having that Westbrook type production no matter how short lived it is. My guess is he misses a handful of games, but Westy is going to play like a top 5-10RB for more than half a season IMO. That makes this Westy/McCoy strategy worth looking at IMO.

By: ThomasMagnumPI

ThomasMagnumPI — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:58:11 +0000

I agree with your analysis of the situation in Philly but I disagree with the conclusion that the optimal solution for capitalizing on Westy’s seemingly guaranteed demise is to draft and handcuff him with McCoy. In my opinion, it would be better to draft the top WR (or two) that would be likely available (hopefully Fitz or A. Johnson–heck Moss or Cal. Johnson for that matter) and then load up on RBs in the middle round. I know that it is a ‘risky’ strategy but then again, what strategy does not have some inherent risk?

Take McCoy in the 7th, or whatever is necessary given his ADP, grab some other young RB talents such as Moreno, Wells, Felix Jones in the mid rounds with him and plan on them being your boom picks rather than making due with the crapshoot that comes with the 10th-30th ranked WRs.

Alternatively, grab guys like D. Ward, K. Smith, M. Lynch and P. Thomas in the 3rd and 4th and you’re not giving up too much in the way of points.

As a closing note, one thing that I think is often overlooked with drafting an injury prone RB and handcuffing him is that having your stud get injured in a game (as is often the case with injuries) can oftentimes cost you that week’s game because of the loss of production. The handcuff is not subbed in to take up the lost production unless he happens to also be in your starting lineup and will therefore not do you any good until the following week. If you have more strength at the other positions (WR in the above example) and have middling RBs starting (such as K. Smith or D. Ward) with handcuffs behind them (such as McCoy) you should have a more consistent team with boom potential if the handcuff comes in to perform like a stud when you put him in the starting lineup following the stud’s injury.

Just some food for thought.

By: Daily Haze: Remember Facebook and Twitter? | The Hazean

Daily Haze: Remember Facebook and Twitter? | The Hazean — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:39 +0000

[...] Grabbing Brian Westbrook at the end of the first or early second could be a great value pick this season, but make sure to get LeSean McCoy too. [Fantasy Football Xtreme] [...]

By: Smitty

Smitty — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:43:50 +0000

I can’t be certain that Philly won’t use a RBBC approach if let’s say McCoy starts out the season and Westbrook can’t play Weeks 1-4… that could make it messy, but honestly I think Westy has earned that starting gig and the Eagles aren’t going to allow him to lose his job due to injury. He has been far too productive for far too long to just lose his gig. Sharing carries is fine to an extent, and I don’t think the Eagles will ever split it down the middle and make things impossible for fantasy owners — Westy will get his when on the field, and as I state in the article, he usually doesn’t come in and out of games to the point where you waste a start on him when he is banged up.

Again, owning just Westy isn’t going to help you win your league in 2009. Owning both is a different story. That’s the point of the article above, not just Westy.

Keep it coming. Good comments, questions and even good counters. No one can say for certain what is going to happen.

By: Bubba

Bubba — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:08:34 +0000

I’m leary, Smitty. I own Westy in one league and I’m afraid to keep him. Could Philly’s rb crew end up like Baltimore’s lasty year? Not scoring many ff points.

By: Smitty

Smitty — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:11:31 +0000

All great comments so far. His lack of 300 carry seasons might just give him 10-12 games of domination. I’m expecting the lack of carries will help him stay dominate, even though the age will force him to sit (but it won’t be due to lack of talent). That’s why McCoy is such a must, though, as I’m expecting at least 4 missed games.

By: Tophington

Tophington — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:20:16 +0000

We Just had a Draft for a brand new 10 team dynasty league everybody has atleast 5 years expirience in $$ leuages. I got Westy with the 3rd pick of the 3rd round, but didnt get Mccoy in the rookie draft which was before our reg draft. I thought there was no way to pass up Westrbrook that late and hopefully I can work out a trade for Mcoy.MJD is my #1 back

By: chuckeycharles

chuckeycharles — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:29:25 +0000

Nice job Smitty. Unfortunately, for me, Westbrook will likely be kept in both of my 10 team leagues.

If Westy’s ADP is 2.1 or higher, it is a guarantee that one guy who owns him will give up his 2.10 to keep Westbrook. Fortunately that guy doesn’t know of this website, so I will try to grab McCoy late and hope that Westy misses some games early in the year

By: ndamoney

ndamoney — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:32:14 +0000

I agree with your analysis and conclusions. Many articles have been written about backs going over 370 carries in a season is the sign of their doom. To me it’s the total touches in a carrier not in one year. People are spelling the end of Turner after last years totals. Because he wasn’t a starter he is practically brand new. I think Westy will be healthier than he was last year. For both Turner and Westy you should be able to get at a lower spot than their real value.