My Rashard Mendenhall Blog

I always find it helpful to break down specific positions into tiers. As always, the RB pool has some pretty distinct tiers. If you get any of these guys in the Top Tier, you've got a solid anchor to your squad.

Top Tier:
Chris Johnson $$72

Adrian Peterson $69

Maurice Jones-Drew $68

Ray Rice $66

Michael Turner $58

Frank Gore $55

Of course for every tier you can argue if certain players should be included or not and there is a pretty big swing in auction value from CJ to Gore ($17), but I believe these are all top tier talent.

Breakout candidate: Ray Rice

He had a great year last year, is very young and looks to be getting even better. Baltimore loves to run and Rice is a great receiving back as well. I don't think he's come anyway near his ceiling yet.

Safest Play: Maurice Jones-Drew

CJ and AP are also very safe, but you're going to have to pay for them. It feels like last year could be CJ's ceiling, well, you would think. AP looks steady to, but the fumbles are somewhat concerning if he keeps slipping up. Jones-Drew is the every down back who gets goal line work and 3rd down receptions. The Jags aren't a great team, but he is their best asset and they have to feed him.

Bust Potential: Chris Johnson*

It's tough to pinpoint a bust in the top tier this year. I love Chris Johnson, but so many things went right last year, it's just difficult to imagine he pulls it off again. Let me be clear, I don't think Chris Johnson is necessarily a bust (hence the asterisk), he's an awesome player and will have a great year. I just think that you might not get as much value out of him given his price tag this year, which could make him a bust relative to the % of your auction dollars you need to allocate to him to retain his services.

Best Value: Michael Turner

Last year he was a #2 overall guy going for the mid $60 range. He was having a very solid year and then got hurt. He came back very late a couple times but was never really ready nor was he effective. He's had time to heal now and get into better shape. Remember last year he had put on "muscle" coming into a camp. That is a code word for someone who got fat in the off-season. I can't ever think of a time when someone in a skill position puts on a bunch of weight, or "bulked up" as they sell it and it end up being a good thing. Turner will be back, slimmer and ready to return to form from his breakout campaign. His value has been knocked way down because of last year and I'm buying him if his price stays reasonable, like it looks on the board.

2nd Tier:

Steven Jackson $44

DeAngelo Williams $42

Rashard Mendenhall $41

Cedric Benson $40

Ryan Grant $35

Jamaal Charles $35

Ryan Matthews $35

Pierre Thomas $34

Shonn Greene $33

Beanie Wells $32

I almost cut off the tier after Grant, but opted to include the next 5 RB's after that as well. There is definitely a difference; I just don't think it's that huge.

Breakout Candidate: Shonn Greene

I think we were more timid about anointing this guy as the next RB god originally. Sure it was tough not to be high on him after his playoff performance, but once the Jets brought in LT, (even if you think he is done) it was a little worrisome. Given all that I am starting to think this guy could be a monster despite any value LT might shift away from him. The Jets run the ball so much and this guy looks like he can handle the load. It's tough to imagine LT getting any better than he was last year and if Greene is dominating, it's not going to take the Jets long to figure out that superior talent wins out and will get the bulk of the carries and goalline work. Look for Greene to move up our board on the next update.

Safest Play: Ryan Grant

He is the ultimate not-sexy running back. That's good though, because the tempting RB's are usually the ones that burn you. His offense is loaded, moves the ball and scores points. Nobody cuts into Grants workload and he's been producing at a solid level for a good stretch now.

Bust Potential: Rashard Mendenhall

I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I watched this guy play last year I was never overly impressed. I just think he's going way to high right now in drafts and auctions. The Steelers offense is in complete disarray with Big Ben out 6 weeks (maybe 4), Holmes gone and Hines Ward is supposed to be getting old for the tenth consecutive year.

Best Value: Ryan Matthews

I know, I know, how can a rookie have the best value when he's completely unproven. Based on Norv's statement of how much he wants to use this guy, I'm slightly bullish on him. Vincent Jackson might be holding out for a while after his suspension, which hurts the passing attack slightly. LT was such a disaster last year they had to get away from running it. I look for them to bring a more balanced attack again and Matthews will be the top dog in an offense that produces year in year out.

3rd Tier:

Moreno $26

Addai $24

Brown $23

McCoy $17

Stewart $17

Forte $14

Best $14

Tate $13

Jacobs $12

The third tier is the place where a person who did the opposite and went after WR's and QB's first lives. Sure you might get lucky on a couple of these guys if you get a few, but if one, or God forbid, two of them are your starters, I hope you got a really stacked WR corp and/or a premium QB.

Breakout Candidate: Everyone not named Joseph Addai

Seriously, you could make an argument for everyone on the list other than Addai that says each guy could have a breakout first season or rebound season. I just don't see a lot of upside with Addai.

Safest play: Joseph Addai

Huh? No, I'm not really a big fan of Addai, but the guy has produced at a moderate level the past few seasons, including 13 TD's last year. The Colts offense is always steady. The only concern is Donald Brown taking the job from him. Addai is not as old (27) as he feels like. When you're looking at the 3rd tier, it's tough to find safety, but Addai is the closest thing to it.

Bust Potential: Jahvid Best

How many rookie RB's from the Lions are you going to talk yourself into before you just give up and realize that anyone that is on the Lions is probably doomed for failure. Kevin Jones was the last one for me....never again. Let me summon my inner-Pitino...."Barry Sanders is not walking through that door!"

Best Value: Jonathon Stewart

Carolina is so run heavy, even the #2 guy (or depending how you view it, 1A guy) Jonathon Stewart is a beast. He posted starter-like numbers last year despite not being "the guy". He's a great value because if anything happens to DeAngelo, Stewart is probably a top 5 back, providing he doesn't get injured himself.

It's almost time for Fantasy Football season! Let the second guessing and over analysis begin!

The Pittsbugh Steelers were at the top of the world after a big Super Bowl win this year last minute. As a favorite to exit out of the AFC once more, in spite of the reappearance of the Patriots), the Steelers were sitting in good position before the start of the season.

The offense in Pittsburgh seems as good as ever. Backing up Willie Parker are two strong running backs Mewelde Moore and player sophomore Rashard Mendenhall, and Ben Roethlisberger came another successful season as the team field marshal.Of course, then was defense team la.El iron curtain, dangerous and more efficient defensive unit in the NFL.

The Steelers expects strong during the opening of the season, with a solid victory over the Tennessee Titans. Both defensive units highlighted during this game, but Pittsburgh was only slightly more strong, winning the game by a few points and start its season on a high note.

During this game, veteran and supporter of Pro Bowl Troy Polamalu went down with an injury to him sidelined will leave an estimated 3-6 weeks.This is a blow to the Steelers and perhaps over a blow that anticipate anyone.

Unfortunately, the Steelers were discussed some adversity during this juego.Troy Polamalu, one of the strongest team supporters (and one of the best defenders in the League) was wounded during the game, and is expected to lose several weeks (many as six) with this injury.The Steelers will definitely feel your loss and have already felt it.

A disappointing week two losses bears Chicago, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed the weaker than waiting in years. no forced fumbles, sacks or integers, the team was stepped on by Bears.

They can the Steelers bounce this loss? week 3 is expected.

Is this one of the best rookie classes of all time? I can't say for sure, but I know this class of rookies definitely has the most Fantasy Football value that I can remember in a long time. We have a QB who is playing like a seasoned veteran, a running back who is #1 runner right now for fantasy, and a receiver who is 7th in the league in receptions. I will list some of the impact rookies and their fantasy value. The overall draft choice will be in parentheses.

QUATERTBACK:

Matt Ryan (3)- He has to be the leading candidate for R.O.Y. Atlanta drafted him with the third overall pick and he has been better than advertised. The best part is that because of him, no one thinks about Mike Vick anymore. After week 10, he is the eleventh overall QB for standard fantasy scoring. He would make a GREAT backup and I would not be hesitant to make him my starter, if needed. He has some very nice weapons with Turner and Roddy White and I look for him to continue to progress all season. Ryan is going to be a future stud.

Joe Flacco (18)- What a pleasant surprise he has been for Baltimore. A lot or Ravens players wanted Troy Smith to be the starter on opening day, but Baltimore went with the rookie. The Ravens actually traded up on draft day to take Flacco with the 18th overall pick, out of Delaware. They obviously saw something that they liked. And they have to be happy with the results so far. With Flacco at QB, Baltimore actually has a vertical passing game which they haven't had in years. (ever?) He is making nice decisions and is doing more than just managing the game. Derrick Mason is clearly benefiting from this and so with M. Clayton. Flacco is currently the 15th overall QB and is available on most waiver wires right now. Pick him for depth.

RUNNING BACK:

Matt Forte (44)- Forte is the # 1 running back in standard PPR scoring. The Bears got themselves a keeper in Forte. He was most likely drafted in the 6th round or later in fantasy football leagues. So, anyone who is lucky enough to own him got an absolute steal. He also has a great strength of schedule the rest of the way. So continue to start him in confidence. The Bears will continue to get him the rock. I would list him as a close 2nd to Ryan for R.O.Y.

Chris Johnson (24)- He and LenDale White have been a dynamic duo for Tennessee. Johnson is so explosive and can take it to the house at any time. Even though he is in a time share, Johnson is still the 7th overall running back for fantasy. It does seem like he can be a future superstar. The only question mark with him is if he can hold up being an every down back. That remains to be seen. But he will remain very solid for the remainder of this season based on the combination that Tennessee loves to run the ball and the high upside that he brings every week.

Steve Slayton (89)- Slayton was drafted with the 89th overall pick out of West Virginia. In most fantasy leagues, he was either undrafted or went very, very late. Both the Texans and whoever drafted him for fantasy, got great value. He was more than likely drafted as your 4th or 5th running back, so you should have great depth. Hopefully you traded one of your higher, underperforming running backs to upgrade at another position. He is worthy of starting as a RB2 or a great flex option. Slayton will continue to be productive in this potent Texans offense. He is the 14th overall back in PPR leagues. The only question mark with Slayton is if he will be able to hold up for an entire season. He is on the small side. We will see.

Tim Hightower (149)- Anyone who ended up drafting Edgerin James hopefully was smart enough to handcuff him with Hightower. The Cardinals have decided to roll with Hightower now and put Edge on the bench. They won't look back. Hightower has much more burst than Edge and that is what this potent offense needed in a running back. He also runs very hard, which is the reason Arizona decided to make him their goal-line back. Feel free to start him with confidence for the rest of the season. He makes a decent RB2 or a great flex player for most. He is the running back of the future for the Cardinals.

Felix Jones (22)- Dallas went after Jones in the draft and it looks like a wise move. Marion Barber has been the workhorse for the Cowboys, but Jones is a great change of pace back. He also has been very valuable to their return game. Jones looks to be returning from his injury soon, possibly even this week. Dallas could really use his speed. Jones is a must-handcuff if you own Barber and has some nice keeper value also. It looks like he will be a solid back down the road.

Jonathan Stewart (13)- He is another back that is in a serious time-share with Deangelo Williams. He does look to have a nice future though in the NFL. He has some nice speed and looks to be a complete back. Right now, the Panthers seem to be favoring the physical running of Williams more though. Stewart still has nice value though for fantasy. He is more of a fill-in/flex play right now, but that could change quickly if Williams were to stumble or get injured.

Darren McFadden (4), Rashard Mendenhall (23), Ryan Torain (139)- These three backs all have been plagued by injuries. McFadden had 1 good game all season (against the Chiefs) and Torain only played one half of a game all season. Torain did look rather good in that half and looked to be the back of choice for the Broncos. Overall the jury is still out on all 3 of them. I must say that McFadden has looked like somewhat of a bust. He doesn't have much speed and doesn't really look special, like a top 5 pick should. I would rather have most of the backs listed above over McFadden. I was very high on Torain and so were the Denver Broncos. They said that he could have won the starting job in the preseason before he got injured. Then when he comes back, he blew out his knee in the first game. Mendenhall looked good before his season ending surgery, minus his small case of the fumbles.

WIDE RECEIVER:

Eddie Royal (42)- Royal is the 10th overall wide receiver in PPR leagues. He has been clearly benefiting from all of the attention that Brandon Marshall demands, and he has been flourishing. Royal flashes a great combination of speed and good hands. He looks like he has what it takes to be a #1 receiver down the road. Royal went undrafted in a lot of fantasy leagues, or very late. He deserves to be starting for you now. He is a very solid #3 receiver, with the possibility of even more in PPR leagues.

DeSean Jackson (49)- Jackson has blazing speed and playmaking ability that the Eagles were lacking at wide receiver. He was great for them early in the season while the Eagles were minus their 2 top receivers. He continues to be a nice play as McNabb likes to spread the ball around. They also get him involved in reverses and punt returns. Jackson will remain to be a decent # 3 receiver or very good depth.

Donnie Avery (33)- Avery has been a very nice surprise for the Rams. He also is benefiting from the attention that Holt was demanding. It seems that he snuck up on some teams, but they are aware now. Avery has a very nice future in the NFL. He has great speed and is another playmaker. He is a nice fill-in or matchup player for your fantasy team. He can also fill in at the flex position.

If I had a vote for Rookie of the Year; this is how I would rank the top 5 as of right now:
1) Matt Ryan
2) Matt Forte
3) Chris Johnson
4) Joe Flacco
5) Eddie Royal

Honorable Mention: Slayton, Hightower, F. Jones

5. Continuous improvement by Dennis Dixon
Dixon made his second in the NFL against Atlanta startup and his inexperience showed. He threw an interception and almost threw a couple of others. Fortunately, the defence of Falcon couldn't do works. Dixon was too their good times. He released a perfect pass Mike Wallace to a conclusion long, not an easy since Wallace can exceed more shots. Dixon was known as a PIN required at University and hit 18 of 26 passes on this game. Should continue to improve with additional time with the first team offense allowing you more in sync with their receivers.Locate the Titans stack line until DD demonstrates that he can defeat them with his fallecimiento.Él must play better in this game against the Titans in their home.

4. More consistent game from Rashard Mendenhall
Because the Falcons does not believe that Dennis Dixon could beat them with his arm, stacked line and challenged to do so.Due to this Mendenhall was approached several veces.Tal time losses this season will be Mendenhall becomes the runner who thought he would be when is you drafted, but he must avoid all these works of yardage negativo.Si had the winning game against Atlanta, most would probably considered that an average by below-average performance for him to. Mendenhall needs to activate some of these negative yardage in profits for the Steelers to be on the winning end of game side.

3 Backup will have to intensify
Max Starks left the Atlanta game with what thought most was a sprained ankle. This is a lesion that most players and fans have come to realize account can cost the player several games trying to heal. Casey Hampton also left the game with a hamstring injury. If not given adequate time to heal hamstring injury again in the season. Behind these two players on the depth chart are Chris Hoke for Hampton and Jonathan Scott for Stark. These two have to step up and provide quality for the Steelers game win.Hoke must connect the hole and maintain defense yards rushing to abandon great works by Chris Johnson.Scott must maintain defense Titans attacking Dixon, something did well against the Falcons.Si he is not able to do what you need there may be some important displacement sucediendo.Sin offensive line however, prognosis is good for Stark. It can be returned for the next game. Hampton will be a week to another. Backups, in general, needed step up for the Steelers to continue winning.

2. Keep Vince Young in the Pocket
Vince Young is not the most accurate pin in the League. His feet and his running back are their weapons.The Steelers should keep it in your pocket and prevent him from improvising to win this game.The more it produces better chances you have of the Steelers.More gets pocket and used his feet less have the opportunity to the Steelers game.

1 Hold less than 100 yards Chris Johnson
It is no secret in the NFL that Chris Johnson is probably running back Elite League.If you have any questions just remember 2,000 yards club.He is one of the few members of this club.Por therefore also it is no secret to opponents of Titans what their game plan is, run, run, the Steelers ejecutar.Si can stop Chris Johnson their chances of winning this game are very good buenas.La news is that this force Steelers.Busque Johnson to be around 75 yards by the end of the game.

The first Steelers preseason game against the Eagles was on August 8, 2008 at Heinz Field. I have been waiting patiently for this game for what I could see that our rookie draft picks in action. It was satisfied with the Steelers draft, but I now see Mendenhall and Sweed Dixon in action. 1St series for our offense and defense would be good test because the Eagles are good on both sides of the ball.

Big Ben came out and had executed a drive 80 yards of pleasant appearance that ended with a 19-yard td pass to Santonio Holmes. That the first drive had me on the edge of my seat and felt was a regular game! It was great to sell Willie Parker to run the ball again.No I was delighted with defence, allowing the unit McNabb 70 yards for a field goal and later 65 yards for a td.Quiero see our defence shutdown computers, so our game execution can take over games.

I know it is only the first pre-season game but man I'm jacked up on Rashard Mendenhall. To 5 ' 11 224 pounds, is to help soften defenses mack truck. The Steelers could be dangerous with Parker and Mendenall Duo. Limes Sweed also played well and impressed me with its 1st shots by half. With good hands and 6 ' 5, Sweed should be a great impact on the offensive player.With the injury of unfortunte Charlie Batch, the drafting of Dixon in even more importante.Dixon has a good arm and it can run.Like that the Steelers designing some offensive plays where Dixon comes as QB and maybe even wr!

The Steelers won the game and I was generally pleased with our first batch pretemporada.perder game hurts because he is a strong # 2 qb and now we have to bring another veteran QB.