Sneaky Pickups

A couple weeks back, I wrote in this space that you'd be better of handcuffing your stud RBs than taking chances on some flier running backs.  Well, Frank Gore owners may have done that, and they are still upset with me today.  Why?  It's Brian Westbrook that everyone wants, not Anthony Dixon, on the heels of Westbrook's breakout performance Monday night in Arizona.

Is Westbrook really the guy you want in the San Francisco backfield?

Maybe not.  First, Anthony Dixon did score as well in the game, and he's got the build to be used at the goal line, making it likely he'll fill that role.  On top of that, the 49ers have come out and said (and it makes sense) that they cannot expect Westbrook to handle a 23 carry workload every week.  Now, the news today is that Westy missed practice with an ankle injury.

So, what to make of all of this?

I think Westbrook will go Sunday, but he is unlikely to hold up to a large workload, being that it's something he couldn't do in his younger days in Philly.  I'd expect a 60/40 breakdown in carries with Westbrook/Dixon, with Westbrook handling third down and Dixon getting the stripe.  Basically, that means they each have roughly the same value, which is going to be about half of the value that Gore had in this offense as Frank was used in all the aforementioned roles.  Still, with a home game against Seattle coming up in what could be a pivotal Week 14 game for your squad, these guys do have value.

Outside of the Bay Area, there are other guys to look at as well.

I mentioned Kerry Collins last week and still think he's a good add in two QB leagues.

Obviously I think Danario Alexander should be owned.  Ben Obamanu too.

James Davis is worth a flier if you have the roster space.  Who knows what will transpire in Washington, but we've seen randon Shanahan guys tilt the balance in playoff matchups before.

Finally, Mike Hart appears to be on his way back in Indy, and I could see him being the most valuable back for that team the rest of the way.  The time to add him is upon us.

Cheers,
TFAM