I know you have seen MTV’s “Pimp my ride”. Well, I’m here to “Pimp yo fantasy football team” by saying that “Run-DMC” will be the catalyst for many fantasy championships in 2009. McFadden struggled in 2008 due to a turf toe injury, but from all accounts, is completely healed coming into 2009. McFadden has ideal size and above average quicks, and he can catch as well as handle the rock between the tackles. In short, I fully expect McFadden to have a breakout season in 2009, even if he shares a few carries. The question is not IF you’ll get value for him, but HOW MUCH value will you get for him (simply put, how late can you get him without letting him slip away)?
(’09 Proj: 1500 combined yds, 12 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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Didn’t make the splash most expected but don’t worry, this guy is a thoroughbred! His touches will increase and he will eclipse 1,000 total yards this season. He only had one game last year with more than 14 carries. That happened to be 21 att. for 164 yards and a touchdown. Loads of potential here and a must have dynasty keeper!
('09 Proj: 1,000 total yards, 6 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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He didn’t come close to living up to the hype last season but in his defense the Raiders are an idiot organization. DMac only got double digit carries in five games all season and just happened to score all four of his touchdowns in those games. It’s hard to predict how the Raiders will use him this season but I still like the guy as more than just the second coming of Reggie Bush.
('09 Proj: 200 carries, 920 yds, 7 touchdowns, 42 rec, 421 yds, 2 TD’s) ~Robb Perkins
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Though he struggled mightily with a turf toe injury all year long, McFadden tantalized fantasy owners enough that he’ll be a high pick this year. He has the talent and, if he can stay healthy, he could explode. His success will be muted if Justin Fargas sticks around the whole year, but, let’s face it, the Raiders didn’t draft DMC to be a “committee” running back.
('09 Proj: 200 carries, 950 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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Received the brunt of the Adrian Peterson overflow hype and was often drafted whole rounds ahead of backs such as Michael Turner, Thomas Jones, and fellow rookies Matt Forte and Chris Johnson. McFadden has as much physical talent as any player in the NFL, but his rookie season showed that speed and size will never be enough on their own. After suffering through a number of minor ailments in 2008, McFadden will be healthy for 2009 and will be an excellent sleeper pick as other owners overcompensate for last year.
(’09 Proj: 250 carries, 1,400 total yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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D-Mac comes back strong next year. The toe won't be an issue and quarterback JaMarcus Russell got better as the season wore on. Me likey.
(09' Proj: 1,300 total yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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All of the above is precisely why you won't be getting the insane value of McFadden you "think" you'll be able to get him for. Anybody dreaming of being able to go RB/WR/WR and grabbing McFadden when he falls to you in the fourth of a 12-Team redraft is doing exactly that...dreaming. And he might not even be there in the third, depending on where you pick. As the popularity of fantasy sports continues to skyrocket, a strange phenomenon is unfolding. Every year, there's a handful of players that, common sense would tell you they're a "sleeper". But throughout the offseason, various sites like us pimp them so hard that by the time you draft - they're not value at all. I see DMac being one such commodity this year. The above does NOT mean you shouldn't draft him! I just have a hunch that by the time you draft, if you want McFadden as your #2 RB - you'll be needing to draft him as such.
('09 Proj: 240 carries, 1,400 total yds, 9 touchdowns rushing, 2 receiving) ~Rick Perkins