Mike Bell may not have the name recognition of a LaDainian Tomlinson or Thomas Jones, but he does share something in common with both of those running backs this morning.
The Saints failed to match the Eagles’ offer to the restricted free agent by the deadline yesterday, so Bell will join the Eagles’ backfield today. In doing so, he — like Tomlinson and Jones — will substantially affect the fantasy value of a young, up-and-coming running back.
LeSean McCoy, like fellow young runner Jamaal Charles and Shonn Greene, will take a fantasy hit with Bell in the fold. Not that Bell is a dominating, carry-the-load type of running back. He certainly has had his share of ups and down during the course of his career.
But Bell is good at one thing, and that is power running. Which means he will get a few shots at the goal line. And that could mean less touchdowns for McCoy in the short term.
Coincidentally, Bell also is good at getting injured. It comes with the territory when you are a power running back.
Injuries, however, are hard to predict in the NFL so fantasy owners should take Bell’s presence into account when determining McCoy’s fantasy value later this summer.
Here are today’s great reads:
- The NFL passed new playoff overtime rules yesterday, so what does this mean for you? For or against the change? The good thing here is that these new rules are less complicated than the new health care reform. [Shutdown Corner]
- Speaking of Tomlinson, Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan said the plan is to try to give LT 15 carries a game next season. So where in the world does this plan leave Shonn Greene? In the dust, if it comes to fruition. And you can forget about Leon Washington’s fantasy value for the time being. [ProFootballTalk]
- Five NFL quarterback combos who are candidates to become the next Peyton Manning & Tom Brady rivalry. No Drew Brees? Perhaps a Brees & Matt Ryan grass roots campaign is in order! [The Big Lead]
- Fantasy owners always are in search of the next big thing in the game. Scouting and selecting a great sleeper is the holy grail of fantasy drafts. Miles Austin was a gigantic catch in 2009 fantasy drafts and five of his cohorts at wide receiver all could become this summer’s top sleeper. [Hatty Waiver Wire Guru]
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