FANTASY FOOTBALL: Running backs in short supply, thanks to dreaded backfield committees

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Where’d all running backs go?

Many fantasy football players are still puzzling over why their running backs didn’t do much running on opening day.

Only five went for 100 yards, and you could argue that three shouldn’t count because they were against the Lions, Chiefs and Rams. You could even make the case that Adrian Peterson’s day shouldn’t count because he’s not limited by normal human abilities. Peterson, Thomas Jones and Julius Jones were the only backs to hit the sacred fantasy double of 100 yards and a score.

Of course, the dreaded backfield committee is to blame. Looking around the league, only about a dozen teams have a true featured back. Subtract the backs featured by teams that have trouble running and you’re down to eight or so go-to guys.

There is hope, though, for these heavily populated backfields. Remember, they’re so crowded partly because running backs get hurt or get benched. Late last year, guys like Sammy Morris, DeShaun Wynn and Maurice Morris were turning in 100-yard games. So be patient and hang on to your Tashard Choice-types, and don’t be shy about chasing Mike Bell, Correll Buckhalter and Willis McGahee as free agency begins.

As you calculate the odds of both Jones brothers both going over 100 again this week, here are some players to start and some to avoid in Week 2: