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Value: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT

I know Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for six games. Look past it, especially in Dynasty/Keeper leagues. Mendenhall is going to get a ton of carries. Mewelde Moore, Jonathan Dwyer, and Stefan Logan are the only significant running backs on the Steelers. None of those guys will put a dent into Mendenhall’s production. Last season Mendenhall had 242 rushing attempts in 15 games. That number should easily get over 300 in 2010. He’s a bruising back who’ll be in at the goal line, so he should have no problem increasing on his 8 total TD performance from 2009. If you’re a nerd for playbooks, you’ll enjoy this Yahoo article featuring the Steelers’ bunch formation.

Mendenhall is the 12^th ranked RB according to nine Dynasty sources, and the 8^th ranked RB according to nine Re-Draft sources. He’s the perfect player that can “fall” to you and become your RB#1.

That’s gold Jerry! Gold!!!

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Reach: Justin Forsett, RB, SEA

Last year I highlighted Forsett as a value pick. If you happen to click the link, please ignore my thoughts on Ray Rice. Well what’s changed over the past year? If you don’t dig deep, you’d consider the 24-year old Forsett as a worthy fantasy back. Julius Jones is still soft; the Seahawks added behemoth left tackle Russell Okung; Leon Washington’s status is questionable coming off a severe leg injury; LenDale White was cut. Geez, I’m almost convincing myself to grab this guy in every Dynasty/Keeper league. I’m a Seahawks fan (living in Jersey – yes, it’s odd), so I follow the team closely. It is my belief that Forsett is nothing more than a third down back. Sure, he could give you a few decent fantasy weeks during the season… but he is miles from being as good as Darren Sproles. Forsett reminds me of ex-Seahawk Maurice Morris during the days when Shaun Alexander was dominating fantasy football. That beefy 4.3 rushing average is typical of a third down back, so don’t get fooled. Morris was a quality back coming off the Seahawks bench, and that’s the role Forsett will eventually play. Smart fantasy owners should look past Forsett’s decent rookie averages.

Referring back to Washington and my Jersey roots, before the leg injury he was absolutely capable of being an every down back. Don’t worry about his size; he makes defenders miss regardless of down and distance. Washington will eventually become the primary ball carrier, so be patient.

Forsett is the 37^th ranked RB according to nine Dynasty sources, and the 35^th ranked RB according to nine Re-Draft sources. That might seem like a steal if you are of the opinion that he’s a starting RB in week one. However, if you look at the Rankings Matrix, you’d be passing on some decent talent, especially for sources that have him ranked in the 20’s.

Jackie Chiles’ opinion

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