When it comes to making plays in open space, few running backs are as talented or explosive as LaMichael James and Reggie Bush. Entering 2013, both backs are in similar situations and poised for a big year. But which will end up on top? Lets take a closer look and find out.
Reggie Bush - Running Back, Detroit Lions
Since being the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, Bush was chronically misused and forced to play a role that he wasn’t really suited for with the New Orleans Saints. After five years if mediocrity and disappointment, Bush signed with the Miami Dolphins and really turned things around; mostly because they realized he needed to bounce to the outside to make a difference and could be a valuable weapon in the passing game.
In his two years with the Dolphins, Bush rushed for a combined 2,072 yards on 443 carries (4.7 YPC) and 12 rushing touchdowns to go along with 78 receptions for 588 yards (7.6 yards per catch) and three receiving touchdowns.
Last season Bush totaled 174 fantasy points (10.9 PPG) in standard leagues and 209 points (13.1 PPG) in PPR leagues, both good for 14th best among running backs. Headed into 2013 with the Detroit Lions, Bush will be used primarily as a change-of-pace back behind Mikel Leshoure and will have a significant role in the passing game. Look for him to bring a new dimension and some much-needed potency to the Lions’ offence this season.
2013 Stat Projections: 180 carries, 846 yards, 60 receptions, 500 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns.
LaMichael James - Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
Being a big Oregon Ducks fan, I was really looking forward to what James would bring to the 49ers last season. Unfortunately, James was inactive through the first 13 weeks of the season and didn’t really make much of an impact throughout the end of the regular season and the postseason; save for one, huge touchdown run in the NFC Conference Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons.
2013 looks to be James’ breakout year. With Colin Kaepernick helping to make the offense much more dynamic, James will also benefit from the best offensive line in the NFL and some of the best run-blocking receivers in Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, Vernon Davis and rookie tight end Vance McDonald. Between the read option and passing game, James will have a much bigger role in 2013.
The only downside here, is the amount of talent on the 49ers’ offense. Besides the players listed above, you can’t forget about their No. 1 running back Frank Gore. With so many impact players on one offense, it will be hard for Kaepernick and company to spread the ball around enough to satisfy all fantasy owners. The person most likely to see the least touches among this group, outside of Manningham, is likely going to be James; while he will definitely be active in all of the games this year, his fantasy points per game will very likely end up being under 10.
2013 Stat Projections: 80 carries, 400 rushing yards, 40 receptions, 320 receiving yards and five total touchdowns.
In Comparison
Despite having worse blockers and less talent around him, Bush will obviously be the better choice for your fantasy roster in 2013. The 49ers simply have too many weapons and the Lions don’t have enough. If you’re looking to the future in dynasty leagues though, James is the definite winner here: His role will increase each season with the 49ers and he’s much younger than Bush. Grab James in the late rounds of your start-up draft, and stash him away for future success.