I love what the Miami Dolphins are doing with Ricky Williams. It's not just the Wildcat formation that Williams thrives in, but his getting fewer touches than most No. 1 running backs really is something that seems to agree with him. His legs look fresh, and he has been plenty productive when defenses can't prepare for him properly. Williams entered Week 7 as a top-20 fantasy running back for season scoring … and will enter Week 8 in the top 10 (he racked up 27 fantasy points Sunday). So how come 24 other running backs were started ahead of Williams in ESPN leagues, even in a week with six byes and numerous top options playing golf?
C'mon Eric, he's a backup.
So what?! He's not a fantasy backup, and that's really a more important distinction. Fantasy owners get way too concerned about how many touches a player receives, and they tend to gloss over actual production. Sure, if Williams doesn't make a big play or two on the touches he does receive, he won't have a big fantasy day. But look at some of the players getting a whole lot of touches -- Larry Johnson is fourth in the NFL in rushes, for example -- and you can see touches don't always equal production. Plus, it's not like Williams is being ignored; he is No. 30 in the NFL in rushes, and he's averaging 5.7 yards per rush. I don't know why touches matter anyway, as long as the player is productive.
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Eric Karabell
