No, I don't expect Betts to have much fantasy value even if he signs with Sean Payton and Co. to essentially replace what Mike Bell did for this team -- or if another bruising north-south runner of his ilk does, like a Justin Fargas -- but I do think the Saints want someone to join forces with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, and that would surely affect Thomas' value.
For all the ability Thomas brings, it might surprise you to know he still hasn't rushed for as much as 800 yards in a season. Yes, his yards per touch are impressive, but are there enough touches to make him a safe top 20 running back on draft day? Thomas finished 19th in standard running back scoring a year ago, and there's nothing wrong with that, but part of me wonders if that's the best fantasy owners will see. Thomas will be more of a third running back. It's much the same way I view Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson; the ability is there, but we really depend on the touchdowns.
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Eric Karabell | email
ESPN.com Senior Writer- ESPN contributor on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, Magazine
- Charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame
- Author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments"
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Eric Karabell
Eric Karabell is an ESPN.com senior writer. He has worked at ESPN since 1997 and covered fantasy sports for ESPN since 2001, specializing in baseball and football. Eric appears several times per week on SportsCenter, NFL Live and other ESPN shows, contributes to ESPN Radio and ESPN The Magazine and is the host of the Baseball Today Podcast. He has been honored twice as fantasy sports writer of the year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, his blog was named best fantasy baseball series for 2007 and he was inducted into the inaugural FSWA Hall of Fame class in 2010.
Eric grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, and accordingly, favors Philly teams first, his fantasy teams second. He previously served as ESPN.com's lead NBA editor, and is a former Washington Post and Philadelphia Inquirer sports writer. Eric is also the author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments," published by Source Books and available in bookstores and online.
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