This is a great time of the year for fantasy football players.  They debate on who should go where, why the other person is wrong, and whose team name is the coolest.  This year there is a very debatable subject: Where would you draft LaDainian Tomlinson after he struggled last year?

Its a hot topic on the Forum. Register and Discuss.

If you have seen my fantasy rankings, you already know that I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t keep it up. Everyone keeps jumping off this ship because of Tomlinson struggling last year, but few forget that he was a top 10 running back last year.

Don’t get me wrong; I realize all the things that go against Tomlinson, I just don’t agree with them.  First off, Shawne Merriman got hurt and the Chargers weren’t the same at all last year. They were forced to pass more than ever and this led to quarterback Philip Rivers having a career year.

Next, Tomlinson was coming off a serious knee injury and battled another toe injury during the season. We all know that anybody would struggle if he weren’t at 100% with those kinds of injuries.  And if last year were considered a “down year” for Tomlinson, I certainly would take 1500 total yards and 12 touchdowns.

People also believe that since he is hitting the 30-year old wall that running back have. But I see a different trend on running backs. If you look back on history most running backs have their decline after their best season, LT didn’t have that happen.  People also don’t realize that LT had the fewest touches of his career since he has become a top-10 running back.  The return of Darren Sproles only helps my argument. Trying to carry the load in the NFL today is almost too demanding for anyone. The addition of Darren Sproles gives LT a break and allows Sproles to get the “grinder” yards.   Tomlinson isn’t the “bruising back” that Sproles and the other guys like Shaun Alexander, Jamal Anderson, and Jerome Bettis that couldn’t make it to 30; he won’t take a physical toll like those guys do.

If Tomlinson wants to continue his career and he has stated that he wants to break the rushing record, then he will have to perform. He needs to continue to be the Chargers offense when they need him.  The Chargers have enough weapons on offense to keep him fresh unlike the other top running backs, and I believe that works in his favor.  Plus the fact that he gets to play in the AFC West is all the more reason to draft him high; playing the Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders 2 times a year each is always good for opposing running backs.

With all of the question marks at the running back position, I believe its critical that you get good value in the first round of the most important position in fantasy football.  So if you are stuck in the middle of round 1 debating of your fantasy draft, go with Tomlinson, you won’t be disappointed.

Have a problem with this? Voice your opinion on the forum or e-mail Ryan.

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