In the months leading up to your fantasy football drafts, clarity and conviction are of the utmost importance! Of course, there is no better way to hone your opinions than to argue with someone until you’re blue in the face! In this inaugural edition of Fantasy Football Feud, writers Eric Wolf and Heath Washburn go head-to-head on whether or not Jamaal Charles is worthy of a top 3 pick. Pick a side and let us know who you agree with by liking or retweeting the “winner”!
First, the opening argument from Heath…
If you’re drafting Jamaal Charles with a top 3 pick, hoping he’ll recapture that 2013 magic, prepare to be disappointed! I will admit, Charles is a safe pick. He’s one of the few offensive weapons the Chiefs actually have, so they MUST use him. If he stays on the field he’s a lock for 250 points in PPR. But, for the following reasons, I’ll wait until later in the first round to take him. As I said from the top, 2013 was an aberration. Most importantly for PPR leagues, Charles will never repeat that type of receiving production. Even in a season when the Chiefs were auditioning mannequins to lineup as receivers (zero TD catches!), Charles still couldn’t sniff his 2013 numbers. Going forward, the Chiefs will rely on more 2 TE passing sets, realizing what they’ve got with Fasano and Kelce, and maybe they’ll find a WR who can catch a touchdown or two.
Also working against Charles is the emergence of Knile Davis. In only his second year, Davis almost doubled his total yards and his TDs (317/4 in 2013, 610/7 in 2014). Those numbers won’t double again, but he will continue to be a big thorn in the side of Charles owners. Not to mention, sometimes the Chiefs offense will simply get stuck in neutral, as in 2014 when Charles had 5 games with single-digit points (matchup killers). When 2015 is in the books, Charles will finish with yardage similar to 2014, but with a couple fewer TDs.
You might say, “Fine Heath, then who belongs ahead of Charles?” I’m glad you asked! I prefer four other RBs and maybe a WR or two. After a fantastic season, I think the progression of Bell’s young career speaks for itself and he’s a consensus top pick. Next, I’ve got Forte. He has great PPR stats year after year without relying on frequent visits to TD land, or a consistent presence at quarterback. Also, in three years, he’s had only 3 games with less than 8 points (Charles has had 8 such games in that same span). Now, with Eddie Lacy, you don’t think of him as a receiving threat, but he’s quietly averaged almost 40 catches/season in his first two years. That, combined with his prominent role in a high-powered offense and his goal line presence, and I’ll take him over Jamaal Charles, PPR or standard scoring. Finally, while DeMarco Murray does carry a greater injury risk, I still prefer him over Charles for similar reasons as I’ve already mentioned; a potent offense (assuming he stays in Dallas), no “dud” games, and goal line carries. Sorry Jamaal, but I want more out of a top 3 pick.
If you agree with me LIKE this article. If you disagree, check out the counter-argument from staff writer Eric Wolf and LIKE his article.
– Heath Washburn
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