Tandem Backs Strategy

The Tandem Running Backs Strategy
By Hoai of RotoPicks.com

Note: This article was written in 2012 and at the end some examples are given that may make this article appear to be dated, but we archived it as a permanent piece in our strategy section because the first part of the article can be applied annually.

Fantasy HELL is owning a running back in a time share. Anyone who owned a Redskins, Packers, Patriots, or Panthers running back in 2011 will tell you. Too few touches, too much frustration. Two short touchdowns for Jonathan freaking Stewart when you started DeAngelo Williams in a game that may cost you a playoff spot, and you are cursing yourself for playing a running back who is part of a committee. It's understandable why no one wants to touch these situations.

Years of wasting draft picks and roster spots has programmed us to steer away from all split carry backfields. Work horse, good. Time share, bad. In past years, the practice of avoiding all time shares has been a sound one, but now the pendulum has swung so far to the other extreme that owners are drafting less talented second and third tier running backs to avoid time shares at all cost. This recent trend can actually provide value if exploited correctly.

So here I present what I am calling the "Tandem Backs Strategy." In this strategy, owners draft both sides of a time share as long as:

1. Both RB's in the tandem have a proven track record of success.

2. Both RB's in the tandem currently have a defined predictable role. For the tandem back strategy to work, owners must also eliminate the following: *Using 2012 as an example)

a. All the teams with first rounders. (Texans, Ravens, Eagles, Jaguars, and Titans)

b. Second tier work horses. (Seahawks, Cowboys, Rams, Falcons, 49ers, Chargers, and Broncos)

c. Unproven rookies or coaching situations. (Bucs and Browns)

c. And of course, eliminate teams with coaches that hate fantasy football. (Patriots, Panthers, Saints, Redskins and Packers)

By targeting the right situations, you pay draft day value for the defined role they are currently in today, and you get elite upside if the situation changes either through injury or demotion. This is different from a pure handcuff because both sides of a tandem are fantasy relevant which saves you from burning a roster spot.

Before I list the tandems I like, I want to set some guidelines for using this strategy successfully. First, don't reach for any of these guys. The main premise of this strategy is that these running backs are falling lower in drafts than their talent suggestion is because of their situations. Draft them in order of their talent but don't reach for them either. Second, make sure you have enough bench spots to execute this strategy. In leagues with short benches, make sure you have a roster spot for both sides of a tandem when you draft the first one. Lastly, don't take the second half of a tandem if a better player is out there. Sometimes you will miss out on the other side of a tandem but will have better overall roster regardless.

With that said, here are the Tandem Backs that you should consider targeting:

Team - Players (Average Draft Positions)

Chiefs - Jamaal Charles (24)/Peyton Hillis (87) Yes, they both have recent injury histories. But I will counter by saying that both looked completely healthy in the first preseason game. Yes, they will split carries, but they will also do it in a fashion that will be beneficial to both backs. Charles only needs the 15-18 touches he will receive every week to be the top 3 back most forecasters had him slotted to be last year. As for Hillis, he gets 15-20 touches a game and all the goal line carries. I believe both guys can be every week starters.

Bears - Matt Forte (15)/Michael Bush (92) This Bears tandem is in a similar situation as the Chiefs pair. Matt Forte simply has to be the player he was last year while Michael Bush provides a massive upgrade over Marion Barber III, who somehow fell into 6 TDs as the Bears' backup last year. Forte will be a must start every week, and at the very least, Bush is a flex play in good matchups.

Vikings - Adrian Peterson (20)/Toby Gerhart (107) AP's rehab from a complete knee blowout is a concern, but he has already been activated from the PUP list. Gerhart finished the 2011 season scoring 11, 13, 16, 17, 10 and 6 fantasy points in AP's absence. This is more of a true handcuff than a split carry, but getting potential No. 1 overall value in the mid-second round is very enticing.

Bills - Fred Jackson (35) /CJ Spiller (95) This is more of a belief in Chan Gailey's offensive creativity than tangible evidence. Jackson is a work horse from week 1, but Gailey will find Spiller enough touches to be more than a high upside flyer.

Giants - Ahmad Bradshaw (45) /David Wilson (111) This is cheating a little bit because I have no idea if Wilson can be a competent pro back. I just feel that the Giants always seem to have good fantasy RBs, and they invested a high pick on him. Bradshaw is the incumbent, but I can see Wilson being this year's DeMarco Murray.

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